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What is Adipex
 Adipex
is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine.
It is also known as an "anorectic" or "anorexigenic"
drug. Adipex stimulates the central nervous system (nerves
and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure
and decreases your appetite.
Adipex
is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in
the treatment of obesity.
Adipex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Adipex
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Adipex may cause dizziness, blurred
vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme
tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous
activities.
Adipex is habit forming. You can become
physically and psychologically dependent on this medication,
and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly
after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor
about stopping this medication gradually.
Do not crush,
chew or open any "once-daily" Adipex tablets or
capsules. Swallow them whole.
Who should not take Adipex You cannot take Adipex if you
- have heart
disease or high blood pressure;
- have arteriosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries);
- have glaucoma;
-
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine
(Nardil) in the last 14 days; or
- have a history
of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have:
- problems with your
thyroid,
- an anxiety disorder,
- epilepsy
or another seizure disorder, or
- diabetes.
You may not be able to take Adipex, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not
known whether Adipex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
Adipex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Adipex passes into breast
milk. Do not take Adipex without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Adipex Take Adipex exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Adipex is usually
taken once or twice a day before a meal on an empty stomach.
Do not take Adipex in the evening because it may
cause insomnia.
Do not crush, chew or open any "once-daily"
Adipex tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.
Never
take more of this medication than is prescribed for you.
Too much Adipex could be very dangerous to your health.
Store Adipex at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already
evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause
insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Adipex overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid
breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and
seizures.
Avoid while taking Adipex Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Amphetamine may cause
dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide
the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these
effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Do not take
Adipex late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day
can cause insomnia.
Possible side effects of Adipex If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Adipex and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives);
- an irregular heartbeat or very high
blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
-
hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take Adipex and talk to your doctor if you experience
- restlessness or tremor,
- nervousness or
anxiety,
- headache or dizziness,
- insomnia,
- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
- diarrhea or constipation, or
- impotence
or changes in your sex drive.
Adipex is habit forming.
You can become physically and psychologically dependent
on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if
you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous
use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication
gradually.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Adipex You cannot take Adipex if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the
last 14 days.
Changes in insulin and other diabetes
drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with Adipex.
Adipex may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin).
This could lead to an increase in blood pressure. Tell your
doctor if you are taking guanethidine.
Before taking
this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic
antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine
(Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor),
imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline
(Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs may
decrease the effects of Adipex.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Adipex.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
