Weight Loss Drugs Prescription and OTC »
Taking a weight loss drug may not result in weight loss by itself. But using diet pills can help an overweight person stay on a diet because nearly all of these medications work on suppressing appetite. "Feeling full" is believed to be related to a number of biochemical processes in the body. Signals to indicate fullness come from fat cells and the gastrointestinal tract; these converge with signals in the central nervous system. Appetite suppressants target a couple of key neurotransmitters in this process: serotonin and norepinephrine. Increased levels of serotonin result in a feeling of fullness. Increasing norepinephrine levels stimulate the central nervous system, decreasing appetite. Only one drug among the weight loss medications works in a different way. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) works in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption of about a third of ingested fat.
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Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Adipex-P (phentermine) is a drug that suppresses appetite. A generic version is available. Adipex-P is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity. Side effects of Adipex-P include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, an unpleasant taste, hives, impotence, palpitations, high blood pressure, and palpitations. Hyperactivity, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and dizziness may also occur. Adipex-P has been associated with pulmonary hypertension and defects in heart valves. Long-term use of Adipex-P may cause physical and psychological dependence. A withdrawal reaction consisting of excessive drowsiness, fatigue, tremors and depression may occur after prolonged use.
The recommended dose of Adipex-P is 30 mg once daily. Combining Adipex-P with tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may result in high blood pressure and other serious reactions. Use of Adipex-P during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is not known whether Adipex-P is excreted in human breast milk.
Our Adipex-P Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
ADIPEX-P® (phentermine hydrochloride) is indicated as a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia).
Below is a chart of Body Mass Index (BMI) based on various heights and weights.
BMI is calculated by taking the patient's weight, in kilograms (kg), ...
Read the complete drug monograph for Adipex-P »
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
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.
Stop using phentermine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Read the complete patient information for Adipex-P »
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
It is not known how this medication helps people to lose weight. It may work by decreasing your appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by your body, or...
Read the complete consumer information for Adipex-P »
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Adipex-P sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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