APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Fastin, Ionamin, Plegine, Prelu-2, Sanorex, Tenuate

USES:
This medication is used in combination with a diet plan to help you reduce weight.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before meals. Sustained-release or long acting products must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them will destroy the long action and may cause increased side effects. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid taking a dose late in the day. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. It is usually taken for 8 to 12 weeks. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended. Consult your doctor before such use.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, stomach upset or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience:
chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes, breathing difficulties, swelling. If this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your complete medical history, especially if you have:
high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid, glaucoma, diabetes, emotional problems. This medication can be habit forming and must be used with caution. Alcohol can increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit alcohol use. This drug is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. You may have to stop nursing or stop using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take:
high blood pressure medicine; MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine); any other weight loss medicine. Avoid “stimulant” drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, fever, fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, panic or paranoid, drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heart beat, headache, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, pale or flushing, chest pain, sweating, muscle weakness, agitation, large pupils, or delusions.

NOTES:
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program. Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.