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Side Effects
Appetite suppressants may cause some serious side effects, including heart and lung problems. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine may do as well as the risks of taking it.
<
br> Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with y
our doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Chest pain; decreased ability to exercise ; fainting; swelling of feet or lower legs; trouble in breathing
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Before Using This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XIf a pregnant woman takes this medicine in high doses or more often than the doctor has directed, it may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. Also, medicines similar to Phentermin
can cause birth defects in the newborn baby if a pregnant woman takes them in high doses. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
- Breast-feeding¡XDiethylpropion and benzphetamine pass into breast milk. It is not known if other Phentermine pass into breast milk. However, use of Phentermine during breast-feeding is not r
commended, because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Phentermine is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. It works by decreasing your appetite.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doc
tor or pharmacist for more information.
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Significant Interactions:
Other medicines¡XAlthough certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your do
or may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking appetite suppressants, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking a
ny of the following:
- Amantadine (e.g., Symmetrel) or
- Amphetamines or
- Caffeine (e.g., NoDoz) or
- Chlophedianol (e.g., Ulone) or
- Cocaine or
- Medicine for ast
hma or other breathing problems or
- Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) or
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Phentermine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry f
or more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of developing dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus in
fections.
This medicine may cause some people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you rea
ct to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
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How should you take this medication?
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 prescr
iption 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.
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