Ionamin belongs to a class of weight loss drugs called anoretics, or anorexigenics. Ionamin, which contains the active ingredient phentermine, is generally prescribed as a short-term solution to help obese patients lose weight. The diet drug should be taken in conjunction with following a low-calorie diet and regular exercise plan, not relied on as an independent solution to weight loss.
Dosage
Ionamin is generally available as tablets or extended-release capsules. Some forms of this diet drug may contain 15 mg of phentermine, whereas others contain 30 mg. Your doctor will determine the dosage that is right for you. Ionamin may be taken once per day in the morning or three times during the course of the day before meals. Treatment usually lasts three to six weeks, although specific treatment length depends on your response to the medication, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. If your doctor prescribes the extended-release ionamin capsules, do not crush, chew or break them.
Side Effects
Ionamin has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and dry mouth. More serious side effects may include high blood pressure, restlessness, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, insomnia, and swelling of the legs and ankles. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Ionamin is a controlled substance that is available in prescription form only. Prescriptions may be filled only a small number of times because phentermine has the potential for addiction. According to Drugs.com, the action of ionamin is similar to amphetamines and other stimulants. You should not share ionamin with others. Some patients who take both phentermine and the other diet drugs fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine have developed a fatal disorder called primary pulmonary hypertension. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before starting treatment with ionamin and do not take ionamin in conjunction with other weight loss drugs.
Considerations
According to Drugs.com, ionamin only increases weight loss by a fraction of a pound per week. The greatest amount of weight loss is generally seen in the first couple of weeks and decreases in the later weeks of treatment.
Ionamin should only be used for obese patients with an initial body mass index, or BMI, that exceeds 30 kg/m2. If you have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 and other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you may be a candidate for ionamin.
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