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Adipex Weight Loss Drug

Apr 26, 2011 | By Karla Casco

Adipex-P, or phentermine, is an anorexiant used for a short period of time for weight loss. Patients must also follow a restricted diet and a healthy eating plan to increase chances of weight loss. Phentermine decreases the appetite by stimulating the hypothalamus gland in the brain. The medication is available with a prescription only, and a physician can determine if its use is appropriate.

Proper Use and Dose

Adipex-P is used in patients who are obese and have a BMI of at least 30. Overweight patients who have a BMI of 27 or greater and who have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may also use the drug. It may be given in the morning as a single dose or three times a day 30 minutes before meals. According to PubMed Health, individuals usually take the medication for three to six weeks. Adipex-P may be taken for a longer period of time if a physician determines it is safe to do so.

Abuse Potential

Adipex-P is classified as a C-IV drug, which indicates it has a low potential for abuse. The patient should be counseled to take the medication as directed and not to take any more than the dose prescribed. Patients who are abusers of substances such as cocaine, phencyclidine and methamphetamine should not use Adipex-P, states "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach."

Side Effects

The medication may cause restlessness and hyperactivity, dizziness, tremors, insomnia and headache, Drugs.com states. Sexual dysfunction, such as increased or decreased sex drive and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, may also occur with the use of Adipex-P. Gastrointestinal side effects seen with the drug include dry mouth, abnormal taste in the mouth, stomach pain, indigestion and diarrhea or constipation. If side effects become severe or worsen over time, the patient should inform a physician right away.

Hypertension

Adipex-P may increase the blood pressure and must be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is contraindicated in patients who have severe hypertension. Medications in the class of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, may lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure that requires hospitalization. These medications include selegiline, rasagiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid and hydralazine, among others. If a patient is on an MAO inhibitor, she should stop the medication and wait 14 days before starting Adipex-P.

Contraindications

Adipex-P is not indicated for patients less than 16 years old due to insufficient clinical studies in this group. This medication is also contraindicated in patients who have glaucoma because it may worsen the condition. The "Drug Information Handbook" explains that individuals who have advanced arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and heart disease should avoid the use of Adipex-P. Patients should always inform the physician of any diseases they have to avoid dangerous effects.

References

Article reviewed by M.J. Ingram Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011

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