Phentermine/topiramate

Phentermine/topiramate, sold under the brand name Qsymia, is a combination of phentermine and topiramate used to treat obesity. It is used together with dietary changes and exercise. If less than 3% weight loss is seen after 3 months it is recommended the medication be stopped. The weight loss is modest. Effects on heart related health problems of death is unclear. Phentermine/topiramate, sold under the brand name Qsymia, is a combination of phentermine and topiramate used to treat obesity. It is used together with dietary changes and exercise. If less than 3% weight loss is seen after 3 months it is recommended the medication be stopped. The weight loss is modest. Effects on heart related health problems of death is unclear. Common side effects include tingling, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and constipation. Serious side effects may include suicide, abuse. Use is not recommended during pregnancy. Phentermine is a stimulant and appetite suppressant. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that has weight loss side effects. The exact mechanism of action for both drugs is unknown. Phentermine/topiramate was approved for medical use in the United States in 2012. Approval was denied in Europe, due to concerns regarding safety. In 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. In addition, 62% to 70% of subjects receiving the recommended dose or top dose of phentermine/topiramate ER achieved ≥5% weight reduction by week 56 (ITT-LOCF) compared to 17% to 21% of those receiving a placebo. In clinical trials, the most common adverse events which occurred at a rate ≥5% and ≥1.5 times placebo included paraesthesia (tingling in fingers/toes), dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.