Precautions
Please use Phentermine with caution as it is similar chemically to amphetamines and has the potential for psychological dependency.
Adults Age 60 and Over – There is no specific information comparing the use of appetite suppressants in the elderly with use in other age groups. Therefore, it may not be known if they work in exactly the same way they do in younger adults, or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people.
Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients, especially when taken in combination with drugs that act on the central nervous system.
Alcohol – Alcohol may increase unwanted side effects of dizziness, therefore, it is advisable to limit alcohol use while taking Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants).
Breast Feeding – Use of Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants) while breast-feeding is NOT recommended; it may pass into breast milk, causing unwanted effects in nursing babies. Please consult your doctor for advice.
Diabetes – Phentermine may affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic and notice a change in the results of your urine or blood sugar test or if you have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.
Driving and Hazardous Work – Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants) may cause some people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than normal. Do NOT drive or engage in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) – Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants) may worsen the condition.
Infants and Children – Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants) are NOT recommended for use by children under age 16. Studies on appetite suppressants have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants in children with use in other age groups.
Kidney Disease – The chance of serious side effects may increase due to higher blood levels of Phentermine.
Pregnancy – Phentermine has not been shown to cause birth defects in humans. Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Surgery, Dental Treatment, or Emergency Treatment – Taking Phentermine in conjunction with medicines that are used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may cause serious side effects. Prior to surgery or treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Other medicines
Certain medicines should never be used together, however, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.
When you are taking Phentermine (or other appetite suppressants), it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Amantadine, i.e. – Symmetrel
- Amphetamines
- Caffeine, i.e. – NoDoz
- Chlophedianol, i.e. – Ulone
- Cocaine
- Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems
- Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays)
- Methylphenidate, i.e. – Ritalin
- Nabilone, i.e. – Cesamet
Other diet pills or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as:
- citalopram, i.e. – Celexa
- fluvoxamine, i.e. – Luvox
- sertraline, i.e. – Zoloft
- fluoxetine, i.e. – Prozac
- paroxetine, i.e. – Paxil
Pemoline, i.e.- Cyler – These medicines in conjunction with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants may increase the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects, such as irritability, nervousness, trembling or shaking, or trouble in sleeping.
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors – Phentermine (or any other appetite suppressant) taken in conjunction with or less than 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor may suddenly provoke extremely high blood pressure.
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors include:
- furazolidone, i.e.- Furoxone
- phenelzine, i.e. – Nardil
- selegiline, i.e. – Eldepryl
- isocarboxazid, i.e.- Marplan
- procarbazine, i.e.- Matulane
- tranylcypromine, i.e. – Parnate
Tricyclic antidepressants – Using these medicines with Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants may cause high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Tricyclic antidepressants include:
- amitriptyline, i.e. – Elavil
- clomipramine, i.e. – Anafranil
- amoxapine, i.e. – Asendin
- doxepin, i.e. – Sinequan
- nortriptyline, i.e.- Aventyl
- trimipramine, i.e. – Surmontil
- amoxapine, i.e. – Asendin
- desipramine, i.e.- Pertofrane
- imipramine, i.e. – Tofranil
- protriptyline, i.e. – Vivactil