What is Qsymia? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take your medicine as directed. 

Your dose may need to be changed, particularly at the beginning.

Carefully follow the doctor's instructions about diet and exercise.

Please read the medication guide for Qsymia.

Take this medicine in the morning with or without food.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Drink extra fluids to avoid possible kidney problems.

Store Qsymia capsules in a tightly closed container in a dry place at room temperature. Protect the capsules from moisture.

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, skip the missed dose. 

Take the next day’s dose the next morning. 

Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to phentermine or topiramate.

Qsymia is also contraindicated in people:

• Who are pregnant

• With glaucoma

• With an overactive thyroid

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking Qsymia. 

The prescriber will need to schedule regular checkups, weight checks, and lab tests to monitor your use of this drug, the success of the treatment, and any possible problems. Keep all appointments.

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.

Before taking Qsymia, tell the doctor about all your medical conditions, especially:

• Glaucoma

• Thyroid problems

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Heart disease or heart rhythm problems

• A history of heart attack or stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Depression or mood problems

• A history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• A history of depression or mood problems

• A history of high acid levels

• A history of seizures

• A history of drug abuse

Qsymia can cause serious problems, including:

• Kidney problems

• Kidney stones

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Psychiatric or cognitive problems

• Mood disorders

• Sleep disorders

• Vision changes

• High acid levels in the blood

• High ammonia levels in the blood 

• Fast heart rate

• Elevated body temperature and decreased sweating

• Low blood sugar (in people with Type 2 diabetes)

• Low blood pressure (in people taking blood pressure medications)

• Slowed growth (in children)

• Severe drug or allergic reactions

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control while taking this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not suddenly stop taking Qsymia except as directed by the prescriber. When it’s time to quit, doses may need to slowly decrease to prevent seizures or other withdrawal problems.

This medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact the prescriber if you have thoughts of hurting yourself, mood problems, or start engaging in worrisome behaviors.

This medicine may cause you to feel dizzy, drowsy, or confused or to have trouble thinking or speaking. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

The use of Qsymia can lead to addiction and abuse. An overdose can be fatal. Do not use more than your prescribed dose or take Qsymia for longer than prescribed. Call the prescriber if you think your medicine is not working.

Qsymia is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to other people is against the law and hazardous. Keep this drug securely out of the reach of children and other people.

Qsymia can never safely be taken with drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs must be discontinued 14 days before you can safely take Qsymia. You can find a list of MAO inhibitors here.

To avoid significant drug interactions, the prescribing healthcare provider should have a complete list of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:

• Other diet pills

• Anti-seizure medications

• Other stimulants, including amphetamines

• Drugs that make you sleepy, such as narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, or similar drugs 

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Oral diabetes medications

• Birth control pills

• Acetazolamide, amitriptyline, methazolamide, pioglitazone, zonisamide

Avoid alcohol or taking CBD products while taking Qsymia.

When taking phentermine, avoid other weight loss drugs or remedies unless cleared by the doctor. This includes weight loss drugs purchased with or without a prescription and weight loss supplements and herbal products. 

Insulin and other diabetes medication dosages may need to be adjusted when phentermine is being used.

Tell doctors, dentists, or any other healthcare providers treating you about Qsymia before they prescribe new medications.