IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not
be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
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 USE: 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.
