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A Meal Plan for Adipex

Aug 25, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

Doctors may prescribe the appetite suppressant Adipex-P to help dieters feel less hungry and lose weight, according to MayoClinic.com, but the drug is only for those who are significantly overweight. You cannot take Adipex-P for more than 12 weeks due to the medication's amphetamine-like properties and addictive potential. While taking this appetite suppressant, eat properly and exercise regularly to get the best results. If you do not change your eating habits, you risk regaining weight once you stop taking Adipex-P.

Adipex-P Basics

Adipex-P is comprised of the appetite suppressant phentermine and is the most commonly-prescribed diet drug in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in 1959. Until the late 1990s, manufacturers combined phentermine with the appetite suppressant fenfluramine and marketed this blend as fen-phen. The FDA banned fenfluramine because it caused serious heart and lung damage in some patients.

Diet Recommendations

If you restrict foods or severely limit your caloric intake, you risk health problems and an inability to stick to your diet plan, warns the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. During and after your use of Adipex-P, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and whole grains. Restrict your intake of trans and saturated fats, sodium and added sugars. Women should eat a minimum of 1,200 calories each day, while men should eat at least 1,500 calories daily.

Contraindictions

Do not take Adipex-P if you are over the age of 65, warns PubMed Health. If you are pregnant or nursing, you also must avoid phentermine. Adipex-P is also not suitable for you if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. The drug may interact with some medications for high blood pressure and diabetes, so discuss your options with your doctor before taking Adipex-P.

Potential Side Effects

You may experience dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, constipation, diarrhea or vomiting after taking Adipex-P, warns PubMed Health. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away. If you suffer increased blood pressure, chest pain, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, swelling of your legs or ankles, insomnia , tremors or heart palpitations after taking phentermine, get prompt medical assistance.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Aug 25, 2011

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