Qsymia

Qsymia’s ingredients include the combination of phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine, believed to trigger the release of the chemical norepinephrine in the brain, increases blood concentrations of leptin, an appetite-regulating hormone. In turn this makes phentermine work as an appetite suppressant. Topirate, commonly known as Topamax, is prescribed as an anticonvulsant and migraine medication. It can aid in weight loss by increasing the feeling of being full, making foods taste less appealing and increasing the burning of calories.

This medication is only intended for patients who have been clinically diagnosed as overweight or obese. This generally means adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Women who are pregnant should not use Qsymia as it can cause harm to the foetus and must discontinue use immediately should pregnancy occur during a course of medication. Patients suffering with eye problems or an over-active thyroid or those who are currently using any other anti-depressants or medications will be not be suitable for this treatment. This will also be the case for those who are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Qsymia.

The recommended daily dose of Qsymia contains 7.5 milligrams of phentermine and 46 mg of topiramate extended-release. Qsymia is also available at a higher dose (15mg phentermine and 92mg of topiramate extended-release) for select patients. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, including a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise, clinical trials showed that a year-long course of Qsymia helped patients to lose at least 5% of their body weight.

Once a course of this medication has been started, it is important to continue taking the medication unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, who will be able to advise you on how to stop taking the medication if you wish to do so. If after 12 weeks you have not noticed any improvement, you should speak to a doctor. Women who use Qsymia must consistently use an effective method of birth control and should speak to a doctor immediately if they become pregnant while taking this medication.

Generally all prescription medications may potentially cause side effects, although most are only mild occurrences and should only last for a few days. The most common side effects of Qsymia are tingling in the hands and feet, dizziness, change in taste, trouble sleeping, constipation and dry mouth. Qsymia can also increase your resting heart rate and affect how you think. It is also associated with difficulties concentrating. Regular monitoring of the heart rate is recommended for all patients taking Qsymia, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Should any of these symptoms persist after a few days, it is advised that you speak to your doctor immediately.

Qsymia can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour, initiate new or worsening depression, or cause other mood/behaviour changes in some patients. Be aware of such changes and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you have type 2 diabetes, weight loss may increase the risk of low blood sugar. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor about this, because he or she might have to adjust your diabetes medications.

Currently Qsymia is not available to purchase in the UK, having only just recently received approval in the United States, though it is expected to launch in the UK next year. OnlineClinic will closely monitor the development and distribution of this prescribed medication.