Adipex-P Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Adipex-P Capsule contains phentermine hydrochloride, a sympathomimetic amine anorectic and central nervous system stimulant. It is a prescription weight-loss medicine related to amphetamine, used for a short time along with diet and exercise to help with weight loss. It is intended for short-term use only, usually just a few weeks.

What is Adipex-P Capsule

Adipex-P is a prescription weight-loss medicine that contains phentermine. It is related to amphetamine and is used for a short time, along with diet and exercise, to help with weight loss.

Adipex-P Capsule uses

• Short-term treatment of obesity.
• Weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher.
• Weight management in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and weight-related risk factors.
• Support for weight reduction alongside a calorie-controlled diet.
• Support for weight loss alongside increased physical activity.

Benefits of Adipex-P Capsule

• Helps reduce appetite.
• Supports short-term weight loss.
• May help reduce food cravings.
• Supports weight management alongside diet and exercise.
• May help improve weight-related health risks when appropriate weight loss is achieved.

How Adipex-P Capsule works

It is not fully understood how this medicine helps with weight loss. It is thought to stimulate the central nervous system, which may lower appetite and make you feel less hungry.

Adipex-P Capsule dosage

Take the capsule before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. Avoid taking it in the evening because it can cause trouble sleeping. It can be taken with or without food, and you should try to take it at the same time each day. This medicine is meant for short-term use only, usually just a few weeks. Do not take more than your doctor prescribes or use it for longer than prescribed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, since this can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule

Side effects of Adipex-P Capsule

Common

• Dry mouth or unpleasant taste
• Headache
• Tremor or shaking
• Constipation or diarrhea
• High blood pressure
• Fast heart rate
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Changes in sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Itching

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Shortness of breath, even with mild activity
• Chest pain or feeling like you might pass out
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Pounding or fluttering heartbeats
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, including hallucinations
• Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed
• Signs of low blood sugar (in people with diabetes): feeling faint, shaking, sweating, confusion, extreme hunger

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. You should not breastfeed while taking this medicine, because it may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby.
• People with kidney problems may need a lower dose, since the body clears this medicine mainly through the kidneys. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of side effects. This medicine may affect your coordination and alertness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• This medicine can rarely cause a serious, sometimes fatal lung condition called pulmonary hypertension. Report any new shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the legs right away.
• Serious heart valve disease has rarely been reported with this medicine.
• This medicine has a risk of misuse and dependence because it is related to amphetamines. Take it only as prescribed.
• Do not take this medicine with other weight-loss medications, including over-the-counter products, without talking to your doctor first.
• Do not use this medicine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days, as this can cause a dangerous reaction.
• If the medicine stops working as well over time (tolerance), do not increase the dose. Talk to your doctor instead.
• Stopping this medicine suddenly after long-term or high-dose use can cause withdrawal symptoms like extreme tiredness and depression.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F)
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you feel short of breath with mild activity, have chest pain, feel like you might pass out, or notice swelling in your ankles or feet.
• Seek medical help immediately if you have a severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, very stiff muscles, high fever, heavy sweating, or shaking.
• Get help right away for serious heart symptoms such as a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, or passing out.
• If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, get medical help immediately or contact a poison control center.

Alternatives

• Saxenda
• Phentermine
• Qsymia
• Wegovy