What is Qsymia for Weight Loss?
Qsymia is a prescription medicine used for weight loss. It is taken once daily by mouth, alongside a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet to help you lose weight.
Qsymia is a combination of 2 drugs, phentermine and topiramate extended-release (ER) and works in 2 ways: phentermine acts to reduce the appetite and decrease food intake and topiramate helps you feel fuller. It is believed Qsymia may raise the activity of your neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), which is a chemical messenger in the brain. This can suppress your appetite and make you feel fuller. Qsymia may also alter the taste of certain foods. Qsymia will start to work right after you take it and it is used in addition to increased physical exercise and a decreased calorie diet. It is given as a long-term, once-daily oral capsule to help suppress appetite all through the day.
Indications of Qsymia for Weight Loss
Qsymia is recommended as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with a body mass index or BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or higher (overweight) in the presence of at least one other weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It can also be used in children aged 12 years and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or greater (when standardized for sex and age).
How is Qsymia for Weight Loss Taken?
Qsymia dose is taken as a once-daily capsule by mouth in the morning with or without food. You should avoid an evening dose of this medication as it may interfere with your sleep pattern. Your physician will slowly increase your dose over a 28-day period and will assess your weight loss after 12 to 24 weeks of treatment with Qsymia, depending on your final dose.
How Effective is Qsymia for Weight Loss?
In 56-week long clinical trials, it was noted that individuals lost on average 32 pounds or 14.5 kg by using Qsymia 15/92 mg capsule along with diet and exercise and about 5 inches reduction in their waist circumference. Individuals using a placebo (an inactive pill with no medicine) lost 6 pounds or 2.7 kg and 1.7 inches.
Who is Not a Good Candidate for Qsymia for Weight Loss?
You are not a good candidate for taking Qsymia if you:
- Are taking certain medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs in the past 14 days
- Are allergic to topiramate, sympathomimetic amines such as phentermine, or any of the ingredients in Qsymia
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during Qsymia treatment
- Have glaucoma or thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism)
What are the Side Effects of Qsymia on Weight Loss?
As with any medicine, Qsymia may cause some side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- A sensation of "pins-and-needles"
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Change in taste
- Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection
Serious side effects include:
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Several allergic reactions
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Dangerously low blood sugar
- Tachycardia (fast or pounding heartbeat) at rest
