Drug Information on Weight Loss
July 18, 2008
How should this medicine be used?
Phentermine comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It usually is taken as a single daily dose in the morning or three times a day 30 minutes before meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take phentermine exactly as directed.
Most people take the drug for 3-6 weeks; the length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication. Phentermine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.
To prevent side effects, phentermine should be taken with meals. If you are taking an extended-release (long-acting) product, do not chew or crush the tablet. There are some tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.
Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
Obesity often requires long-term treatment to promote and sustain weight loss. As in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, use of prescription drugs may be appropriate for some people. While most side effects of prescription weight loss drugs are mild, serious complications have been reported (see below.)
Keep in mind that these drugs are not a cure-all for obesity. The use of weight loss drugs should be combined with physical activity and improved diet to lose and maintain weight successfully over the long term.
How should you take Topamax?
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid breaking the tablets; the medication has a bitter taste.
Topamax capsules may be swallowed whole, or the capsule may be opened and its contents sprinkled on a teaspoonful of soft food. To open the capsule, hold it so you can read the word “top” and carefully twist off the clear portion of the capsule. The drug and food mixture should be swallowed whole and not chewed. Do not store the mixture for future use.
Phendimetrazine is an anorectic drug in a similar class as amphetamines (speed). It stimulates the central nervous system, causing rapid heartbeat and an increase in blood pressure. This drug should only be taken for a short time by those who are extremely obese, and only under strict supervision of your doctor.
This drug is widely available over the internet, but I would strongly caution anyone taking it without a doctor’s recommendation. The long and short-term side effects can be extremely damaging. The risk factors must be carefully weighed before this drug is prescribed.
Side Effects
Cardiovascular: Palpitation (a strong heartbeat that you can feel), tachycardia (very rapid heartbeat), elevation of blood pressure.
Central Nervous System: overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia (sleeplessness), tremor (shaking), headache, psychotic state, agitation (excessive restlessness), flushing, sweating, blurring of vision.
Celexa and Weight Gain
Weight gain appears to be a frequent side effect of Celexa, occurring in more than 1 percent of patients. This eMedTV Web page discusses Celexa and weight gain in more detail and provides some suggestions for helping with weight gain.
Celexa Sexual Side Effects
Common Celexa sexual side effects may include impotence, priapism, or decreased libido. This eMedTV resource describes these potential sexual side effects in more detail and discusses what your doctor may recommend if these problems arise.
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