Adipex Warnings and Precautions

Adipex – What to tell my doctor?

You need to consult your doctor before you start to take Adipex-P in case you have:

* Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
* Any kind of heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, heart disease, irregular heart rhythms (known as arrhythmias) or had a heart attack recently.
* Diabetes
* Anxiety
* Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
* High blood pressure (known as hypertension)
* A history of alcohol or drug abuse
* Any kind of allergies, such as allergies to preservatives, dyes or certain foods.

Also, inform your doctor in case you are:

* Pregnant or planning on getting pregnant
* Breast feeding.

You need to also inform your doctor all the other medications you are on, that include non-prescription and prescription medications, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Adipex - Specific Warnings and Precautions

Here are some of the warnings and precautions to should know before you start taking Adipex-P:

* Adipex-P could increase your blood pressure and heart rate. This could lead to problems, particularly if you already have heart problems or high blood pressure.
* Adipex-P taken with a combination of fenfluramine (”phen/fen”) is known to lead to harmful side effects, such as lung problem known as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Though, using only Adipex-P could result in these problems, but it is less common. Inform your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of PPH, for instance:

o Tiredness or fatigue
o Giddiness or fainting
o Trouble in breathing
o Blue lips or skin
o Chest pain
o Swelling of the ankle

* Chemically, Adipex-P is related to amphetamines, which could lead to dependence. Using Adipex-P in the long run can lead to addiction. As, Adipex-P could lead to abuse, there are specific rules that should be adhered to in prescribing and dispensing this medication.
* It is suggested to avoid the intake of alcohol when taking Adipex-P.
* If you are diabetic and are on insulin, your doctor might be required to modify the dosage of insulin, as using Adipex-P cause appetite suppression.
* Prior to commencing your course of Adipex-P, your doctor should ensure that your obesity is not a result of a medical condition.
* Adipex-P might hinder your ability to carry on tasks that need total concentration, for instance operating machinery, piloting an airplane, or driving particularly during the initial weeks of medication. It is suggested that you exercise caution till you are sure of how you are affected by Adipex-P.
* Adipex-P could cause interaction with numerous other medications
* Adipex-P is classified as a pregnancy Category C medication. It means that using this drug during pregnancy is not safe. Ensure you consult your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with using this drug during pregnancy.
* It is not certain if Adipex-P passes through breast milk. Hence, in case you are breast feeding or intend to start, consult this with your doctor before you take this medication.

Adipex – Who should not take it?

In the following cases, you should not take Adipex-P:

* If you are allergic to Adipex-P or to any of the inactive components that are present in the drug.
* If you have an overactive thyroid (known as hyperthyroidism).
* If you are severely tense or anxious.
* If you have glaucoma (a condition of the eye).
* If you have moderate to severe high blood pressure (known as hypertension).
* If you have a heart condition, such as including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or heart disease.
* If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
* If you have had a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the previous 14 days, such as:
o Isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
o Rasagiline (Azilect®)
o Phenelzine (Nardil®)
o Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
o Selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Zelapar®).

Specific Warnings and Precautions – Summing Up

There are numerous cases where Adipex-P must not be had, as well as, many warnings and precautions you should be conscious of prior to starting this medication. On the other hand, it is not possible to discuss all precautions and warnings within this article. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor about the exact Adipex-P precautions and warnings that could apply to you.