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Side Effects of This Medicine
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medicati
on.
Side effects may include:
- Changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or elation, headache, high blood pressure, hives, i
mpotence, inability to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, overstimulation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal problems, throbbing heartbeat, tremors, unpleasant taste
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Before Using This Medicine
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to phentermine hydrochloride or other drugs that stimulate the nervous system, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor
is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Do not take this drug if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the e
ye condition known as glaucoma, or high blood pressure. Also avoid this drug if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs such as Nardil
and Parnate, within the last 14 days.
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Drug Interactions
Remember that this drug should never be combined with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine (Pondimin); very dangerous side effects could result. This drug may also react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcohol
ic beverages while you are taking it.
It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining this drug with the following:
- Drugs that boost serotonin levels,
such as the antidepressants Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
- Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
- Diabetes medications such as insulin and
Micronase
- High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin)
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Why is this drug prescribed?
Adipex-P, an appetite suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. The drug is for u
se only by excessively overweight individuals who have a condition--such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol--that could lead to serious medical problems.
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Special warnings about this medication
Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine does not cause unwanted effects.
If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have tak
en it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose. Instead, check with your doctor.
Do not take an appetite suppressant with or less than 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibito
r. If you do, you may very suddenly develop extremely high blood pressure.
Taking a Adipex may cause a positive result in urine screening tests for amphetamines.
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Overdosage
Abdominal or stomach cramps; coma; confusion; convulsions (seizures); diarrhea (severe); dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; fast breathing; feeling of panic; fever; hallucinations (seei
ng, hearing or feeling things that are not there); high or low blood pressure; hostility with urge to attack; irregular heartbeat; nausea or vomiting (severe); overactive reflexes; restlessness;
trembling or shaking; tiredness, weakness, and mental depression following effects of excitement
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