Compare Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Summary of Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Summary for Sympathomimetic / AntiepilepticPrescription onlyQsymia (phentermine / topiramate extended release) is a combination medication used to help with weight loss. It's approved for people over 12 who are considered obese and for some adults who are considered overweight. This medication is a tablet that you take once a day. You should also eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly for best results. Side effects include a "pins-and-needles" feeling, dry mouth, and constipation. You can only get this medication through the Qsymia REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) program because of the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Summary for GIP and GLP-1 agonistPrescription onlyMounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription injection that's used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was approved by the FDA in May 2022 as the first one in a new class of medications called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The dosage is convenient because it's injected under the skin once a week. Some common side effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Indications of Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Indications for•Weight loss and long-term weight management, together with diet and exercise, for certain people:•People age 12 years and older considered obese•Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)Indications for•Type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercisePros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic / AntiepilepticPros•A pill that's taken once a day•Combines two ingredients that help lower appetite into one pill for convenience•An option for certain children 12 years and older, if diet and exercise aren't enoughCons•Can raise the risk of depression or thoughts of self-harm•Not safe during pregnancyPros and Const for GIP and GLP-1 agonistPros•Given once weekly•Injections can be given with or without food•Comes as ready-to-use injectable pens with a pre-attached needle•Can use if you have liver or kidney problemsCons•Only available as an injection•Can cause unpleasant stomach side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)•Available as brand name only•Not approved for children•Might not be safe during pregnancyCommon Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects forAdults:
•Feeling of pins and needles (up to 20%)•Dry mouth (up to 19%)•Constipation (up to 16%)•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 16%)•Headache (up to 11%)•Change in taste (up to 9%)•Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)•Dizziness (up to 9%)Children:
•Depression (up to 4%)•Nausea (up to 4%)•Fever (up to 4%)•Dizziness (up to 4%)•Joint pain (up to 4%)Common Side Effects for•Nausea (12-18%)•Diarrhea (12-17%)•Low appetite (5-11%)•Vomiting (5-9%)•Stomach upset or indigestion (5-8%)•Constipation (6-7%)•Stomach pain (5-6%)Warnings of Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects for•Harm to an unborn baby•Mood problems and suicidal thoughts or behavior•Fast heart beat•Vision problems•Problems concentrating•Higher level of acid in blood (metabolic acidosis)•Possible lower kidney function•Kidney stones•High body temperature and inability to sweat•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions•Possible slowed growth in childrenCommon Side Effects for•Risk of thyroid cancer•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications•Allergic reactions•Stomach problems•Kidney damage•Eye problems related to high blood sugar (complications of diabetic retinopathy)•Gallbladder problemsPrices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Mounjaro
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