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Compare Qsymia vs. Zepbound

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are both medications used to help with weight loss, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Qsymia is a combination of a sympathomimetic and an antiepileptic medication, while Zepbound is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Both medications are used for weight management in adults who have obesity or who have overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Zepbound is also approved for treating moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. Qsymia is taken orally once a day, whereas Zepbound is injected under the skin once a week. Both Qsymia and Zepbound are only available as brand-name medications. Common side effects of Qsymia include dry mouth and constipation, while Zepbound can cause nausea and diarrhea. Qsymia is a controlled substance due to the phentermine component, whereas Zepbound is not a controlled medication. Additionally, Zepbound has potential interactions with diabetes medications, warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), and birth control pills. Qsymia can also interact with birth control pills as well as alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness.

  • Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
    Zepbound (tirzepatide)
  • Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
    Zepbound (tirzepatide)

  • Summary of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    Summary for Sympathomimetic / Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Qsymia (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 agonist
    Prescription only

    Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication that's used along with diet and exercise. It helps with weight loss in adults who meet criteria for weight management therapy. It's also approved to treat moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. This medication belongs to the drug class called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The dosage is 1 injection under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and injection site reactions. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is only available as a brand-name medication.

  • Indications of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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

    In addition to a balanced diet and exercise plan:

    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)
    •Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults considered obese

  • Pros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic / Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •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 enough
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of depression or thoughts of self-harm
    •Controlled substance and only available through a REMS program
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Injected once a week
    •Can take with or without food
    •Different strengths available, so it's adjustable depending on your needs
    Cons
    •Must be injected under the skin
    •Can cause bothersome side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain
    •Can't use with other tirzepatide products (Mounjaro) or with other GLP-1 agonists

  • Common Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •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 (25-29%)
    •Diarrhea (19-23%)
    •Constipation (11-17%)
    •Vomiting (8-13%)
    •Stomach pain (9-10%)
    •Indigestion (9-10%)

  • Warnings of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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 children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid cancer
    •Stomach problems
    •Kidney damage
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
    •Possible risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    Learn more about Qsymia
    Learn more about Zepbound

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