Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. For individuals struggling with obesity or overweight with related health issues, prescription medications like Qsymia might be considered. However, deciding if Qsymia is the right choice and understanding its implications requires careful consideration and professional medical advice. In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to Talk To A Doctor Online Free or at a low cost to discuss your health concerns and explore treatment options like Qsymia.
Qsymia is a prescription medication combining phentermine and topiramate extended-release. It is designed to assist adults and children aged 12 years and older who are obese, and some adults who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems, in losing weight and keeping it off. It’s crucial to understand that Qsymia is most effective when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It’s also important to note that the long-term effects of Qsymia on heart health, stroke risk, or mortality related to these conditions are still under investigation. Similarly, the safety and effectiveness of Qsymia when combined with other prescription, over-the-counter medications, or herbal weight loss products are not fully established. Its safety and efficacy in children under 12 years old are also not yet known.
Important Safety Considerations Before Starting Qsymia
Before considering Qsymia, it’s vital to be aware of certain contraindications. Qsymia should not be taken if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment. It is also contraindicated for individuals with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), those taking or having recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or those allergic to topiramate, sympathomimetic amines like phentermine, or any of Qsymia’s ingredients. A complete list of ingredients can be found at the end of the Medication Guide.
Serious Side Effects of Qsymia
Qsymia carries the risk of serious side effects, which necessitate careful monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider. It’s beneficial to talk to a doctor online free initially to understand these risks before even starting the medication.
Birth Defects: Perhaps the most serious risk is the potential for birth defects, specifically cleft lip and cleft palate. Qsymia is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Women who can become pregnant must undergo a pregnancy test before starting Qsymia and monthly thereafter, and must use effective contraception consistently while on the medication. If pregnancy occurs while taking Qsymia, it is crucial to stop the medication immediately and inform your healthcare provider without delay. Pregnancies should also be reported to the FDA MedWatch and the Qsymia Pregnancy Surveillance Program.
Growth Slowdown in Children: In children 12 years and older, Qsymia may slow down height increase. This is a critical consideration for younger patients and should be discussed with a pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: Topiramate, an active ingredient in Qsymia, can induce suicidal thoughts or actions. It’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like thoughts of suicide or dying, suicide attempts, new or worsening depression or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, aggression, acting on dangerous impulses, mania, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Serious Eye Problems: Qsymia can lead to serious eye problems, including sudden vision decrease, eye pain, redness, and secondary angle closure glaucoma, which can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. Any new eye symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately. Visual field defects have also been reported.
Severe Skin Reactions: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are severe, potentially life-threatening skin rashes with blisters and peeling skin that can be caused by Qsymia. Immediate medical attention is required if any skin rash or blisters develop.
Common and Possible Side Effects of Qsymia
Besides the serious side effects, Qsymia also has common and possible side effects that patients should be aware of. Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, even through talk to a doctor online free services for initial consultations, can help manage these.
Common Side Effects in Adults: These include paraesthesia (numbness or tingling in extremities or face), dizziness, dysgeusia (changes in taste), insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.
Common Side Effects in Children (12+): Depression, dizziness, joint pain, fever, flu, and ankle sprain have been reported as common side effects in children.
Other Possible Side Effects:
- Mood changes and trouble sleeping: Qsymia can cause depression, mood problems, and insomnia. Report these to your healthcare provider if they occur.
- Cognitive difficulties: Confusion, concentration problems, memory issues, and speech difficulties can occur.
- Metabolic acidosis: Increased acid in the bloodstream can lead to bone problems, kidney stones, growth retardation in children, and potential harm to a fetus during pregnancy. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in heartbeat, and cognitive difficulties. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor acid levels.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects: Combining Qsymia with sleep aids, anxiety medications, or alcohol can exacerbate CNS side effects like dizziness and light-headedness. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Qsymia.
- Seizures: Stopping Qsymia abruptly can cause seizures, even in individuals without a prior history of seizures. Discontinuation should always be gradual and under medical supervision.
- Kidney Stones: Staying well-hydrated is important to minimize the risk of kidney stones. Severe side or back pain, or blood in the urine, should be immediately reported to a healthcare provider.
- Decreased Sweating and Fever: Especially in hot temperatures, Qsymia can reduce sweating and increase body temperature, potentially requiring hospitalization in severe cases.
- Allergic Reactions: Qsymia capsules contain FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with aspirin allergies.
It’s crucial to discuss any bothersome or persistent side effects with your healthcare provider. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. For more detailed information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects to VIVUS LLC or the FDA.
Seeking Medical Advice and Support
Given the complexities and potential risks associated with Qsymia, seeking professional medical advice is paramount. Utilizing resources to talk to a doctor online free for an initial consultation can be a convenient first step to understand if Qsymia is a suitable option for your weight management journey. Online consultations can help you discuss your health history, current medications, and any concerns you might have about starting Qsymia. While online platforms cannot replace in-person examinations for prescription purposes, they offer an accessible avenue to gain preliminary information and guidance.
Ultimately, any decision regarding Qsymia should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider, ensuring you are fully informed about both the potential benefits and risks.
Please read the Qsymia Medication Guide, Full Prescribing Information and Risk of Birth Defects with Qsymia Patient Brochure.
