What is the most important information I should know about phentermine?
Do not use phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine U [ardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcyp ·omine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenf1uramine (Phen Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare ·fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any ,1ther diet medications without your medical providers advice.
Phentermine may impair your thinking or reactions time. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Do not drink while taking phentermine, drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects.
Phentermine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share phentermine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Do not stop using phentermine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using phentermine.
You should not take phentermine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
• coronary atery disease (hardening of the arteries);
• heart disease;
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma;
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; or
• if you are allergic to other diet pills, amphetamines, stimulants, or cold medications.
To make sure you can safely take phentermine, tell your medical provider of all your health conditions.
Do not take phenteramine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the possible side effects of phentermine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• chest pain, feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling in your ankles or feet;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• confusion or iITitability, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• feelings of extreme happiness or sadness; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, C:lurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
• feeling restless or hyperactive;
• headache, dizziness, tremors;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• diarrhea or constipation, upset stomach; or
• increased or decreased interest in sex, impotence.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect phentermine?
Tell your Medical provider about all other medicines you use, especially:
• blood pressure medications;
• insulin or oral diabetes medication; or
• an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), lluoxctine (Prozac, Sarafcm, Symbyax), paroxetine (Paxil). sertraline (Zoloft), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with phentermine. Tell your medical provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your provider.