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Adapex for Weight Loss

Adipex, related chemically to amphetamines, is a prescription weight loss medication. According to eMedTV, it helps patients lose weight by suppressing their appetite. Patients who are prescribed this medication should also follow a proper diet and develop a regular exercise routine.

  1. Administration

    • Adipex is available in capsule and tablet form. According to RxList, patients using the capsule form typically take this medication once a day by mouth, most often an hour before breakfast. It can also be taken one to two hours after breakfast if the doctor instructs the patient to do so. Patients using the tablet form will take it orally, 30 minutes before meals, up to three times daily--the tablet form can be administered at a lower dose than the capsule.

    Side Effects

    • Patients taking Adipex for weight loss may experience side effects. According to Drugs.com, the common, less serious can include itching, nervousness, diarrhea, anxiousness, constipation, dry mouth, headache, abnormal taste in mouth, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and tremors. The less common, more serious side effects can include chest pain, fast heartbeat, feet swelling, shortness of breath, ankle swelling, uneven heartbeat, fainting, lightheadedness and elevated blood pressure. If a patient experiences elevated blood pressure, he may also experience severe headache, seizure, blurred vision, numbness, difficulty concentrating and chest pain.

    Contraindications

    • Adipex can adversely affect certain medical conditions. According to Drugs.com, these include heart disease, current drug or alcohol abuse or a history, high blood pressure, glaucoma, arteriosclerosis, current agitated state, overactive thyroid, other thyroid problems, allergies (especially to stimulants), anxiety disorder, diabetes, a seizure disorder or epilepsy.

    Drug Interactions

    • Patients taking Adipex for weight loss may not be able to take certain other medications because of possible adverse effects. According to Drugs.com, these include high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diabetes medications, oral insulin, guanethidine and guanadrel. Patients should not take Adipex if they are already taking another appetite suppressant. According to RxList, patients should also avoid other diet drugs when taking Adipex because taking them together can result in potentially dangerous side effects.

    Risks and Warnings

    • According to eMedTV, taking more Adipex than prescribed could result in dependence or addiction. Drugs.com says the side effects of Adipex may be increased by alcohol, so patients should not drink it when taking this medication.

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