Brand Names: Adipex-P, Ionamin, Obenix, Oby-Cap, Teramine, Zantryl

Generic Name: phentermine (Pronunciation: FEN ter meen)

• What is phentermine (Ionamin)?
• What are the possible side effects of phentermine?
• What is the most important information I should know about phentermine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phentermine?
• How should I take phentermine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking phentermine?
• What other drugs will affect phentermine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is phentermine (Ionamin)?

Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system.

Phentermine is used togther with diet and exercise to treat obesity (overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Phentermine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Adipex 37.5 mg

oblong, blue/white specks, imprinted with ADIPEX-P, 99

Adipex-P 37.5 mg-TEV

blue/white, imprinted with ADIPEX-P 37.5

Ionamin 15 mg

gray/yellow, imprinted with IONAMIN, 15

Phentermine 15 mg-EON

gray/yellow, imprinted with E882

Phentermine 30 mg-EON

blue/clear, imprinted with E 5000

Phentermine 37.5 mg-PUR

oblong, white, imprinted with P 316

Phentermine 37.5 mg-QUA

elliptical, white/blue specks, imprinted with A 159

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.

Stop using phentermine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, feeling like you might pass out;
• unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling restless or confused; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling nervous or anxious;
• headache, dizziness, tremors;
• trouble sleeping (insomnia);
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about phentermine?

Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice.

Phentermine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of phentermine.

Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

You may have withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and extreme tiredness, when you stop using phentermine after a long period of use. Do not stop using phentermine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.