Adipex is an appetite suppressant that is available by prescription only. It is to be used for a short term in addition to a low calorie diet and moderate exercise. Adipex is mostly used in individuals who are significantly overweight and who have not been able to lose weight with just exercise and diet alone.
Is Adipex for Everyone?
Before taking Adipex, individuals should consult with their doctors first if they have or had any of the following medical conditions: anxiety, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid problems, seizures or a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Adipex. Individuals should not use Adipex if they are allergic to any of the ingredients in it or other sympathomimetics (i.e., pseudoephedrine). As with any medication, consult with a physician before using this.
How Does it Work?
Adipex works by stimulating the hypothalamus gland in the brain. The hypothalamus gland is responsible for controlling functions such as one's appetite, amount of sleep and body temperature. Adipex has an affect on some neurotransmitters as well. The neurotransmitters are responsible for communication between brain cells. One of these neurotransmitters is called the serotonin. Adipex works to reduce the levels of serotonin in one's brain to give them the feeling of being full. This will prevent the individual from doing any unnecessary eating which will eventually lead to weight gain.
How Should Adipex be Taken?
Always follow the prescription label that is printed on medications so that you will be given the correct dosage. Usually, Adipex is taken one hour before a meal. The best time to take it is during the morning hours. It is also advised that one should take Adipex at least six to eight hours before going to bed because it could cause restlessness.
Adipex should only be used for no more than three months. This may be a habit forming medication and by using it for more than three months, complications may arise. With a physician's approval, an individual can restart taking the Adipex two months after she previously stopped.
Side Effects
As with any medication, Adipex may cause some side effects to occur. Some of these side effects are dryness of the mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased sex drive, headache, dizziness and restlessness. Other side effects include the feeling of euphoria, fatigue and constipation.
If any of the following side effects should occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. These side effects are: difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, blurred vision, severe headache, swelling of the lips, face or tongue, and hallucinations.
Precautions
Do not take Adipex with any other types of diet medications without consulting with a physician first. Taking Adipex with other diet medications such as Phen-Fen or Redux can cause pulmonary hypertension, which is a life-threatening lung disorder. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Adipex because it can make some of the side effects worse.
When an individual stops using Adipex, he may experience some withdrawal symptoms such as depression and extreme fatigue. It is advised for individuals to not stop using Adipex until they have talked with their physician first. The physician may choose to keep decreasing the dosages until the individual has stopped completely.
