Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Phentermine/Topiramate Extended Release Oral Capsule (PHENTERMINE/TOPIRAMATE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULE - ORAL)

To help lose weight.

Brand Name(s): Qsymia

Generic Name: Phentermine/Topiramate

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Try to avoid taking the medicine at bedtime.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Avoid drinks with caffeine while on this medicine.

If you forget a dose, just wait. Use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • irritability
  • pain in the joints
  • changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • chest pain
  • difficulty concentrating
  • depression or feeling sad
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • eye pain, redness, or itching
  • fainting
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • high blood pressure
  • kidney stones
  • seizures
  • problems with sexual functions or desire
  • shortness of breath
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • suicidal thoughts
  • difficulty or discomfort urinating
  • blood in urine
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.