Appetite Suppressants, Sympathomimetic (Systemic)

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine does not cause unwanted effects.

If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose . Instead, check with your doctor.

Do not take an appetite suppressant with or less than 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor . If you do, you may very suddenly develop extremely high blood pressure.

Taking a sympathomimetic appetite suppressant may cause a positive result in urine screening tests for amphetamines.

Sympathomimetic appetite suppressants may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of developing dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

This medicine may cause some people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert .

Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine . Taking appetite suppressants together with medicines that are used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may cause serious side effects.

Check with your doctor immediately if you notice a decrease in your ability to exercise, if you faint, or if you have chest pain, swelling of your feet or lower legs, or trouble in breathing . These may be symptoms of very serious heart or lung problems.

If you have been taking this medicine for a long time or in large doses and you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on it, check with your doctor .

• Some signs of dependence on appetite suppressants are:
  • a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine.
  • a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine.
  • withdrawal side effects (for example, mental depression, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness) when you stop taking the medicine.

For patients with diabetes :

• This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your urine or blood sugar test or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.

If you have been taking this medicine in large doses or for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor . Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely. This will help prevent withdrawal side effects.