● Brandname:
Qsymia®
● Generic:
phentermine/topiramate
● Uses:
Weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
kg/m2 or greater than 27 kg/m2
in combination with one of the following conditions: high blood pressure, Type
II Diabetes Mellitus, high cholesterol
● How
it works: Decreases appetite and increases feeling of being full
● Common
Side effects: Increased heart rate, dry mouth, upper respiratory infection,
constipation,
insomnia, change in taste sense, dizziness, skin tingling
● Serious
Side effects: seizure, suicidal behavior, decreased sweating
● Who
cannot take this medication: people already on MAOI therapy (i.e.
Phenelzine,
Tranylcypromine,
Isocarboxazid, Selegiline) or within 14 days of stopping of MAOI
medication, glaucoma, allergic reaction to
sympathomimetic amines (i.e. epinephrine, dopamine), overactive thyroid,
pregnancy
● Dose:
Available in 3.75 mg/23 mg and 7.5mg/46 mg capsules
○
Starting dose: 1 capsule of phentermine 3.75
mg/topiramate 23 mg by mouth once daily for 14 days
○
Maintenance dose: 1 capsule of phentermine 7.5
mg/topiramate 46 mg orally once daily; after 12 weeks at maintenance dose, if
weight loss is not at least 3% decrease
from starting weight, stop medication or contact doctor to increase dose
○
Dose increase: 3 capsules phentermine 3.75
mg/topiramate 23 mg by mouth once daily for 14 days; followed by an increase to
4 capsules of phentermine 3.75
mg/topiramate 23 mg by mouth once daily; after 12 weeks, if weight loss
is not at least 5% decrease from
starting weight gradually stop taking medication.
● Reference:
Accessed
September 20, 2012.
FDA resources page. Food and Drug Administration Web
site. Available at:
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