Dosage for Adipex Diet Pills

Dosage for Adipex Diet Pills
Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images

Adipex-P, usually referred to as Adipex, is a brand name of the generic drug phentermine hydrochloride. The medicine suppresses your appetite. It is not marketed as a weight-loss pill by itself. Promotional material describes it as a product that helps you lose weight when you eat a nutritious diet and consistently exercise. This prescription drug is for individuals who are 17 years of age or older.

Adipex Dosage

Your doctor may prescribe Adipex if you are at least 17 years of age. The pharmacy dispensing the medication will print on the product label the dosage your physician states on the prescription. Adipex comes in 37.5 mg capsules or tablets. In general, there are three possible doses: one whole pill daily; half a tablet once daily; or half a tablet twice daily. For half doses, you need to take the tablets because you cannot cut the capsules in half. The manufacturer recommends taking the medication before breakfast or one to two hours afterwards. If you take two doses daily, have the second one before evening, as the medication may keep you awake. Ask your physician how far from bedtime you should medicate yourself.

How It Works

Phentermine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Adipex, is a water- and alcohol-soluble white powder. It stimulates the central nervous system in a manner that suppresses your appetite. According to Drugs.com, this chemical's mode of action as part of a weight-loss program is not completely understood. Phentermine hydrochloride might do more than suppress your appetite to help you get lighter.

Who It Is For

Your doctor may prescribe Adipex if you are severely overweight and have a health condition that obesity can aggravate. Some health problems of concern are hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. It is worth noting that although this drug may be prescribed if you are hypertensive and obese, Adipex can also aggravate hypertension or cause it in some individuals as a side effect. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure regularly while you take this medication. Adipex is a short-term treatment that loses its effectiveness after a few weeks. Increasing the dose at that point to try to extend the drug's efficacy can lead to chemical addiction and adverse reactions.

Potential Side Effects

Adipex comes with a host of potential side effects. Take only the daily dosage your doctor prescribes to minimize the risks. You may experience diarrhea or constipation, insomnia, headaches, impotence or changes in sex drive, dry or bad-tasting mouth and restlessness. Adipex can also accelerate your heartbeat, cause hives and itching, make it difficult to breathe or cause swelling in different areas of your body. Primary pulmonary hypertension and cardiac valvular disease are side effects that can be fatal. Contact your doctor if you feel ill or any discomfort while on Adipex. Quick action on your part can help her make a potentially life-saving diagnosis.

References

Article reviewed by CarmenN Last updated on: Jul 19, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments