Key takeaways
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both medications used for weight loss in adults and children aged 12 and older. However, they have some important differences. Qsymia is a combination of a sympathomimetic and an antiepileptic, while Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist. Qsymia is taken orally once a day, whereas Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week. Qsymia is a controlled substance because it contains phentermine, while Wegovy is not a controlled substance. Common side effects of Qsymia include dry mouth and constipation, while Wegovy often causes nausea and diarrhea. Qsymia can cause a fast heart beat, while Wegovy can increase the risk of some types of thyroid cancers. Both medications can cause problems with vision.
