What is this medication for?
Phentermine belongs to the class of medications called anorexiants (appetite suppressants). It is used in addition to continued dietary
treatment in the medical management of obesity for people who have not
responded to an appropriate weight-reducing diet alone. This medication
should only be used for a few weeks at a time, and always in combination with
diet and exercise. It is thought to work by reducing the appetite of the person
taking the medication, and may also have other actions on the brain and body.
Phentermine is only recommended for people with an initial
body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m² or 27 kg/m² with risk factors such as
diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
BMI is calculated with consideration to weight and height.
Ask your health professional about your BMI.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Adipex-P® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended daily adult dose of phentermine is one
capsule (15 mg or 30 mg or 37.5 mg) taken before breakfast or 1 to 2
hours after breakfast. Some people may take one-half of the tablet (18.75 mg )
once or twice daily.
To avoid insomnia, take this medication at least 10 to 14
hours before going to bed for the night. Do not take this medication for longer
than three weeks unless directed by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of
the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Phentermine should
not be taken by anyone who:
- has advanced arteriosclerosis
- is subject to agitated states
- is allergic to sympathomimetic amines (e.g., amphetamines, methylphenidate)
or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a history of drug abuse
- has glaucoma
- has moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
- is taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine), or has taken
them within the past 14 days
- has an overactive thyroid
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