Adipex

Brand Names: Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Obenix, Obephen, Oby-Cap, Oby-Trim, Panshape M, Phentercot, Phentride, Pro-Fast HS, Pro-Fast SA, Pro-Fast SR, Teramine, Zantryl

Adipex is an appetite suppressant which is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. The drug is for use only by excessively overweight individuals ( BMI > 27 or 30 depending on other health issues) who have a condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, that could lead to serious medical problems.

While diet pills would appear to be the "magic bullet" to a leaner, healthier body, they need to be used in conjunction with a healthier eating / exercise plan if you plan to keep the lost weight from returning after you stop taking the diet pills. If bad eating and exercise habits are not changed while using Adipex, or any other diet pill, the weight lost while using the diet pill will most likely be regained once you stop taking Adipex.

How do I use Adipex?

Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid taking a dose late in the day. Be sure to take this medicine as prescribed and do not take it more often or longer than directed. It is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks. Combining Adipex with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended and could cause serious side effects.

Who should NOT take Adipex?

Do not take Adipex if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the eye condition known as glaucoma, or high blood pressure.

Also avoid this drug if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate, within the last 14 days.

What are the side effects of Adipex?

The most common Adipex side effects include but are not limited to:


Cardiovascular Side Effects:
Irregular, rapid beating or pulsation of the heart; elevation of blood pressure, chest pain.

Cardiopulmonary Side Effects:
Shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and ankles.

Central Nervous System Side Effects:
Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, inability to sleep, an exaggerated feeling of physical and mental well being, especially when not justified by external reality; anxiety, depression, or unease; tremor, headache; rarely psychotic episodes at recommended doses.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects:
Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste in mouth, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Allergic Side Effects:
Difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Endocrine Side Effects:
Impotence, changes in sex drive.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Adipex Dangers

Adipex may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities. Therefore, you should be extremely careful if you have to drive a car or operate machinery.

You can become psychologically dependent on this drug. Consult your doctor if you rely on this drug to maintain a state of well-being.

If you stop taking Adipex suddenly after you have taken high doses for a long time, you may find you are extremely fatigued or depressed, or that you have trouble sleeping.

If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant it can cause severe skin disorders, a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes.

Even if your blood pressure is only mildly high, be careful taking Apidex.

Adipex Drug Interactions

Doses of drugs used to lower blood sugar may need to be adjusted. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Taking Adipex with certain antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) can increase chances of an emergency condition called "serotonin syndrome". For more information on drug interactions with phentermine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.