Compare Qsymia vs. Phentermine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Phentermine (Adipex-P)
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Phentermine (Adipex-P)
Summary of Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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 SympathomimeticPrescription onlyPhentermine (Adipex-P) is an appetite suppressant. It's a prescription weight loss pill for people ages 17 years and older. This medication works best when it's part of a treatment plan that involves healthy diet and regular exercise. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is taken by mouth once daily, typically in the morning. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headache.
Indications of Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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 forShort-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:
•30 kg/m2 or greater; or•27 kg/m2 or greater, and with at least one other weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol)Pros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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 SympathomimeticPros•Can help you lose 5% to 10% of body weight•Usually taken by mouth once per day•Available as a lower-cost generic•Comes as tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tabletsCons•Most insurance companies don't cover the cost of phentermine (Adipex-P).•Has a risk of misuse and dependence since it's a stimulant medication that's similar to amphetamines•Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure•Should be avoided in children 16 years of age and younger, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with serious heart problemsCommon Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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•Dry mouth•Headache•Tremor•Constipation•Diarrhea•High blood pressure•Fast heart rate•Difficulty sleepingWarnings of Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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•Not safe to combined with other weight loss medications•Phentermine not working well•Risk of misuse and dependence•Trouble concentrating or problem with coordination•Heart and lung problems•Risk of high blood pressure•Risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetesPrices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Phentermine
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