Adipex is the most popular form of brand name Phentermine prescribed today. Adipex is an appetite suppressant that is commonly used in conjunction with diet and exercise to reduce weight.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Each tablet of Adipex contains 37.5 milligrams of
phentermine. Each blue and white, oblong scored tablet is embossed with
“Adipex-P” on the front and “9”-“9” on the back.
HOW DOES Adipex WORK?
Drugs of this class are thought to suppress appetite via a central
mechanism (appetite centers in the brain) although this has mechanism has not
been clearly proven.
HOW TO TAKE Adipex:
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach; one hour before
breakfast each morning. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid
taking a dose late in the day. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take
it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination with other appetite
suppressant medicine is generally not recommended.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS Adipex?
Adipex is an effective form of therapy for the obese patient
that needs to lose weight to decrease diseases associated with significant obesity.
The magnitude of the weight loss will depend on the degree of caloric restriction
and the use of a graded exercise program.
HOW LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE Adipex?
Adipex is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing
weight and then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own. Your
body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of Adipex after a
few weeks of treatment, which is when you should be well on your way to a new
lifestyle and ready to stop Adipex.
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For
maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.
SORTING THROUGH GENERIC VS. BRAND NAME DRUGS:
When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it gives the
drug two names. The first, its generic name represents the chemical structure
or chemical form of the drug. The generic name of a drug never changes. In this
case the generic name of these drugs we are discussing below is PHENTERMINE.
The second name given to a drug is its brand name. This is the name given to the
medicine by the pharmaceutical company and has nothing to do with its chemical
form. The brand names of the drugs we are discussing are Adipex and
IONAMIN. They are both fairly similar in that they are composed of PHENTERMINE,
and subsequently given different names by the companies that manufacturer them.
No other pharmaceutical company can ever use the brand name of the drug at any
time.
PHENTERMINE HYDROCHLORIDE (GENERIC NAME) -
Adipex AND IONAMIN (BRAND NAMES):
PHENTERMINE, the generic name for Adipex and IONAMIN
comes in immediate release or time-release formulas. Immediate release pills enter
your blood stream as soon as you take them, and time-release capsules release
their medication into your body over an extended period of time, generally 8 or
12 hours. As you can see, there are many popular brand names of PHENTERMINE.
Nonetheless, all of the above named compounds are considered clinically equivalent
in producing weight loss.
IONAMIN
IONAMIN is PHENTERMINE set in resin. The resin
allows the compound to be released slowly into the blood stream. Some patients
prefer it because they believe it to be associated with fewer side effects, others
do not. It is the only PHENTERMINE resin on the market. It comes in 30
mg and 15 mg capsules. The 15 mg capsule is gray and yellow, the 30 mg capsule
is all yellow. Each capsule is labeled "IONAMIN".
Adipex VS. XENICAL:
PHENTERMINE is an appetite suppressant. XENICAL
inhibits fat absorption into the body. So both may be used in conjunction with
each other for those who are seriously obese.
BE SURE TO TELL US ON YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE
IF:
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have an over-active thyroid.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have Diabetes Mellitus.
- You have emotional problems.
- You are pregnant.
- You are currently breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, (prescription
and nonprescription) especially if you take high blood pressure medicine or MAO
inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or any
other weight loss medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter
cough and cold medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS:
MILD:
Blurred vision, dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, stomach
upset or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the
medication. Other adverse events include central nervous system effects, gastrointestinal
disturbances, and changes in libido. If these effects persist or become bothersome,
you may have to discontinue use. Exercise caution when prescribing anti-obesity
drugs for patients with hypertension. If this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded,
avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Alcohol can increase
unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit its use.
MODERATE:
Chest pain, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, breathing difficulties
or swelling while taking this medication.
SEVERE:
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and cardiac valvular disease
have been reported in patients receiving a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine
(phen-fen) or dexfenfluramine. The possibility of an association between PPH and
the use of
Adipex alone cannot be ruled out.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Adipex is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis,
cardiovascular disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.
