The struggle to lose weight is difficult for many people, and there are hundreds of drugs and diets on the market promising to help people lose extra pounds. Adipex-P is the brand name of a diet pill that is designed to help some people lose weight, explains Drugs.com. Adipex-P has several side effects and precautions that you should fully understand before taking your first dose.
Significance
Adipex, or Adipex-P, is the brand name for the drug Phentermine hydrocholoride that is manufactured by Gate Pharmaceuticals, a division of Teva Biologics. Teva Biologics explains that Adipex-P is used as part of a treatment for obesity and only prescribed as part of a short-term therapy plan. Physicians prescribe Adipex-P along with exercise, low-calorie diet, behavioral therapy and other medications to help jump-start a weight-loss program.
Identification
Adipex-P is prescribed as a capsule or tablet. The capsules have one white end with black stripes and one opaque aqua blue end with the wording "ADIPEX-P". The pill is available in bottles of 100. The tablets are oblong and white with aqua blue speckles, with "ADIPEX-P" debossed on the side. The tablets are available in bottles of 30.
Function
Teva Biologics states that Adipex dosage is based on a person's weight and body mass index. Adipex-P works on the central nervous system to dull or eliminates the appetite. This can cause weight loss and help control the desire to overeat.
Benefits
The biggest benefit to taking Adipex-P is the impact on weight loss. According to Teva Biologics, the average weight loss is around a pound a week, but this varies by person. Adipex-P also can increase your energy when taken correctly, which can prompt you to exercise more and thus help establish a long-term weight-loss program.
Side Effects
According to the Phentermine website, some of the most common side effects include headache, euphoria, increased blood pressure, extremity swelling, dizziness, diarrhea and hyperactivity. To curb side effects, the lowest recommended dosage is suggested to start. Dosages then can be gradually increased until your body gets used to the drug. Adipex-P is considered a controlled substance and an overdose can lead to troubling and life-threatening issues such as breathing trouble, deadly arrhythmia and hypotension.
Warnings
While the drug can be successful in helping many overweight people lose weight, it can be dangerous. The Mayo Clinic states that Adipex-P might affect your blood sugar levels, so check them often. In some cases, the drug can affect your heart negatively and cause valvular heart disease and primary pulmonary hypertension. The pill also might be addictive. You might crave the drug and need more of it to get its full effect. There can be serious withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue use, such as depression, weakness and trembling. Ask your doctor if Adipex-P is safe for you to take and do not take more than the recommended dosage.
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