Why is Ionamin prescribed? - Ionamin, an appetite suppressant, is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. The drug is for use only by excessively overweight individuals who have a condition--such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol--that could lead to serious medical problems.
Most important fact about Ionamin - Be sure to use Ionamin only as directed. It will lose its effect after a few weeks, and should be discontinued when this happens. If you try to boost its effectiveness by increasing the dose, you will run the risk of serious side effects and dependence on the drug.
How should you take Ionamin? - Take Ionamin before breakfast or up to 2 hours after breakfast. Tablets can be broken in half, if necessary. Take Ionamin before breakfast or 10 to 14 hours before you go to bed. Ionamin capsules should be swallowed whole.
What if you miss a dose of Ionamin? - Skip the missed dose completely; then take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
What are the possible side effects of Ionamin? - Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.
- More common side effects may include: Changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or elation, headache, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, inability to fall or stay asleep, increased heart rate, overstimulation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal problems, throbbing heartbeat, tremors, unpleasant taste
Who should not take Ionamin? - If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to phentermine hydrochloride or other drugs that stimulate the nervous system, you should not take Ionamin. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced. Do not take Ionamin if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the eye condition known as glaucoma, or high blood pressure. Also avoid Ionamin if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs such as Nardil and Parnate, within the last 14 days.
Special warnings about Ionamin - Ionamin can cause a rare but potentially fatal condition called primary pulmonary hypertension. Call your doctor immediately if you develop such warning signs as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting spells, or swollen ankles.
Ionamin may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities. Therefore, you should be extremely careful if you have to drive a car or operate machinery.
You can become psychologically dependent on Ionamin. Consult your doctor if you rely on Ionamin to maintain a state of well-being.
If you stop taking Ionamin suddenly after you have taken high doses for a long time, you may find you are extremely fatigued or depressed, or that you have trouble sleeping.
If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant it can cause severe skin disorders, a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes.
Even if your blood pressure is only mildly high, be careful taking Ionamin.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ionamin - Remember that Ionamin should never be combined with the weight-loss drug fenfluramine (Pondimin); very dangerous side effects could result. Ionamin may also react badly with alcohol. Avoid alcoholic beverages while you are taking it.
If Ionamin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you check with your doctor before combining Ionamin with the following:
- Drugs that boost serotonin levels, such as the antidepressants Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
- Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
- Diabetes medications such as insulin and Micronase
- High blood pressure medications such as guanethidine (Ismelin)
Special information about taking Ionamin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding - The effects of Ionamin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately.
