Lose weight with Phentermine-Topiramate

Phentermine-Topiramate is a weight loss medication that works with your brain chemistry to help you lose weight. It is a combination of two drugs, Phentermine and Topiramate which act as an appetite suppressant to keep your brain from thinking that you are hungry by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the brain that cause hunger.

It is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or over 27 with another related condition.

What is Phentermine-topiramate?

Phentermine and extended release topiramate have been separately used in various ways. Phentermine alone has been used as a short-term treatment for obesity combined with exercise and caloric restriction, while topiramate on its own was prescribed to treat partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and as a prophylactic treatment for migraine headaches. Non-FDA approved uses of topiramate include sleep related eating disorder, nightmares - post traumatic stress disorder associated, and alcohol dependence.

The United States Food and Drug Administration approved the use of phentermine combined with topimarate to aid in weight loss by reducing fat build up when paired with both cutting down calorie intake as well as physical activity; this FDA ruling only applies if an individual has a BMI of over 30 kg/m or if they meet the requirements above but suffer from at least one other related condition such as hypertension.

Phentermine-topiramate is but is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because phentermine itself has a potential for abuse and may lead to an addiction under long-term use. However, this is the lowest possible risk category for abuse. You should store this medication in a safe place out of reach of children.

Common Brands: Qsymia

Phentermine-Topiramate is available as the brand-name Qsymia, which comes in multiple dose strengths.

There is also a generic version of phentermine-topirmate. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug and will cost less out of pocket than the brand name medication.

When taking phentermine-topiramate, your Alfie doctor will determine the correct dosage for you and prescribe your medication accordingly.

How It Works

Phentermine works similarly to amphetamines by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, for suppressing appetite. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that prevents seizures through blocking high-voltage activated calcium channels and voltage gated sodium channels; furthermore it decreases appetite in a way that complements phentermine through its own mechanisms - acting on glutamate receptors and inhibiting carbonic anhydrase.

What Are the Benefits?

Phentermine is an amphetamine-like drug that is used to suppress appetite, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat seizures. The two drugs work together to help people lose weight by reducing appetite and increasing metabolism. In addition to effective weight loss, this combination of medications has been shown to reduce blood pressure and lead to cholesterol level improvement. Phentermine-Topiramate has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of sudden changes in mood, such as those that occur during menopause.

As Topiramate is used for treatment of migraines, this combination can be more effective for individuals who have obesity and also struggle with migraines.

Is This Prescription Effective for Weight Loss?

According to clinical trials, people treated with the highest dose of phentermine/topiramate ER in combination with a program of diet and exercise lost 10% to 11% of their body weight compared to 1% to 2% for those who received placebo. Furthermore, 62% to 70% of subjects receiving the recommended dose or top dose of phentermine/topiramate ER achieved ≥5% weight reduction by week 56 compared to 17% to 21% of those receiving a placebo.

Understanding Your Dosage

Phentermine-topiramate dosage starts off as one tablet of 3.75 milligrams (mg) of phentermine and 23 mg of topiramate once a day for 14 days. After 14 days, your doctor may increase your dose to 7.5 mg of phentermine and 46 mg of topiramate once a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to 15 mg of phentermine and 92 mg of topiramate.

Taking this medication in the morning can reduce the likelihood of sleep disruption or insomnia.

Phentermine-Topiramate Reviews

  • Verified phentermine-topiramate user: "I have been on Qsymia now since last May of last year, it is now July. I have now lost a total of 62 pounds."
  • Verified phentermine-topiramate user: "I was 270 pounds when I started and lost 120 pounds in 9 months with diet and exercise"
  • Verified phentermine-topiramate user: "I began Qsymia on June 23 and have lost 11 lbs in 3 weeks. I have experienced side effects such as pins/needles in my hands and insomnia at night if I take it too late in the day, along with dry mouth. However, the medication has allowed me to reduce my appetite, not crave food and make most foods taste bland."

Alternative Medications

Phentermine alone has been approved for weight loss. Other medications, such as naltrexone-buproprion or GLP-1 medications may be a better choice for you if you have any of the contraindications to this medication combination.

How Much Does Phentermine-Topiramate Cost?

The cost of phentermine-topiramate without insurance starts at around $200 for a month's supply. This retail price of phentermine and its brand counterparts can vary by pharmacy and location.

Regardless of the pharmacy , the generic form of the medication is typically cheaper than the brand medication, which is why your provider may prescribe you a generic medication rather than the brand name.

The cost of phentermine can vary in price depending on the pharmacy your phentermine prescription is filled at. You Alfie healthcare provider will also work directly with your insurance to obtain medication approval for you.

Can I Get a Coupon for Phentermine-Topiramate Pills?

You can get a savings card for brand name Qsymia that may reduce the price down to only $80 for a month's supply.

Can I Buy It Over-the-Counter or Online?

Phentermine-topiramate is not available over-the-counter and must be prescribed by a medical professional. Patients should be wary of purchasing phentermine online because some websites may not be legitimate and may try to sell counterfeit or expired drugs. It is best to use phentermine directly prescribed by a physician in combination with other medications so your progress can be monitored by clinical experts for your safety.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

With Phentermine-Topiramate, you can start seeing significant results in a matter of a few weeks. You can expect to lose an average of around 10% of your starting weight taking this combination of medications in 6 months. When combined with GLP-1 or other medications, you can see upwards of 20% with these medications.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?

The most commonly noted side effects associated with Qsymia use and which occurred in ~5% people are generally relatively minor and included paraesthesiae, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, dysguesia and dry mouth.

Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, such as: difficulties concentrating, finding words, remembering things; symptoms of kidney stones (like painful urination, fever, chills and pink or bloody urine); increased or rapid heart rate; bone pain; broken bones; fainting spells; inability to sexually perform. Some individuals who use anticonvulsants for any reason may also experience depression or changes in mood or personality including suicidal thoughts and attempts. Notify your physician immediately if there are noticeable changes in mood, thought processes and behaviors that include signs of depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts or actions - risk factors for harm against oneself. Occasionally topiramate can cause a very serious eye problem which usually occurs within one month after taking it. If left untreated this eye problem can lead to permanent blindness so please contact your physician immediately if anything like sudden vision change (decreased vision or blurred sight) happens while on therapy). Topiramate may also increase your risk of metabolic acidosis.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy in the next 6 months, or breast-feeding a baby, as this medication can increase the risk of birth defects such as cleft lip in an unborn baby. You should not use phentermine-topiramate if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, heart disease including severe heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or advanced coronary artery disease, extreme agitation, or a history of drug abuse.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.

You should also not take phentermine-topiramate with alcohol as an unsafe interaction may occur.

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