Qsymia (1548)
Key points below
Qsymia
What is Qsymia?
Qsymia is a medicine used to help with weight loss. It is used with a healthy diet and being more active.
This medicine will help you feel full. It will also help you not feel as hungry. It is made up of two
medicines: phentermine and topiramate.
Who can take this medicine?
Children 12 years old and older can use it. Tell your provider if you:
- are pregnant or take birth control pills.
- plan to or are trying to get pregnant while taking this medicine.
- have or had glaucoma.
- have elevated thyroid hormone.
- have depression or anxiety.
- are taking medicines for depression or anxiety.
- have high blood pressure or heart issues.
Do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant, it is important to call your provider right away.
How do I take this medicine?
This medicine is swallowed. The provider will tell you how much to take. It will start at a low amount. The provider will let you know if you need to take more.
When should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine in the morning. If you take it at night, it might make it hard for you to fall asleep. When it is time to stop taking this medicine, it needs to be done slowly. Your provider will tell you
how to do this safely.
What should I watch for (side effects)?
- Feeling restless or shaky
- High blood pressure or fast heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Feeling foggy when trying to think. (This may happen but should get better after 2 weeks).
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Kidney stones (severe back or side pain)
What else should I know when taking this medicine?
You will need to:
- have your blood pressure and heart rate checked monthly the first three months on this medicine. Go to your provider visits. They will need to check your blood pressure, heart rate,
and weight more often while taking this medicine. This helps them know if they need to change the amount of medicine you take. - tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This medicine can cause problems with other medicines. For example, it can make birth control pills not work as well.
Important note:
This medicine may cause oral birth control pills to not work as well. It could increase the chances of getting pregnant.