Phentermine combined with topiramate has been submitted to the FDA as an anti-obesity drug. However, it was rejected by the group last year because of adverse concerns. Despite being effective in promoting weight loss, the FDA has turned down approval because of concerns such as metabolic acidosis, cognitive disorders, birth defects, and increased heart rate.

A new study has been released this year in response to the request of the FDA to submit a comprehensive assessment of the drug combo’s potential to cause any kind of birth defect as well as strategies to mitigate any known risk. Once the Phentermine/topiramate combo is approved by the FDA, it is expected to become a schedule IV drug.

The study is known as the Conquer trial, which compared two doses of the combo drug in obese and overweight individuals who also have cardiometabolic risk factors. The intake of the drug is taken in conjunction with lifestyle and diet changes. This study, which was published recently, was headed by Dr. Kishore M. Gadde together with his colleagues.

The Study and its Results

The study involved adults who have BMIs of 27 to 45 kg/m2 having two or more comorbidities. This may include hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidia, and abdominal obesity. The adults are grouped into three groups, which are tested in placebo, low dosage of the Phentermine/topiramate (7.5 mg Phentermine and 46 mg topiramate), and a higher dosage of the combo (15 mg Phentermine and 92 mg topiramate).

After 56 weeks, those taking a higher dosage of the drug achieved the highest mean weight loss, which is nearly two kilograms higher than the mean weight loss of people who are in the group given a lower dosage of the drug. Those taking placebo, on the other hand, have lost a mean weight of 1.4 kilogram.

Though it can be noted that the weight loss efficiency is better in higher dosages of the drug, adverse effects are on the rise, too. The most common side effects experienced by those taking the combo drug are dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, dysgeusia, and other depression and anxiety related problems. The published report, however, did not mention birth defects as part of the adverse effects of the Phentermine/topiramate combination.

The Medical Benefits of Topiramate

Before topiramate was combined with Phentermine to address obesity problems, it was sold first in 1995 to treat epileptic seizures as well as the Lemox Gastaut syndrome. Topiramate was and still is classified as an anticonvulsant.

Besides weight loss, other benefits of topiramate are better sleep, fewer headaches, and a cure to migraine. However, despite a lot of positive side effects, topiramate can also cause certain negative side effects like glaucoma, kidney stones, confusion, nightmares, lack of concentration, birth defects, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. Its less common side effects include vomiting, nausea, painful urination, fainting, and severe back pain.

Taking Phentermine with Topiramate Needs Doctor’s Supervision

It is true that topiramate has a lot of great medical benefits to offer. Being combined with Phentermine, it becomes more of an effective drug to help people who are obese and overweight. However, unless this drug gets the approval of the FDA, people like you must be very careful about this drug.

Hence, it is always best to consult a medical professional to give you advice regarding your weight loss and other medical problems.

Do you think you are obese or simply overweight? How can you tell the difference in the first place? Technically, overweight refers to an increased body weight in connection with the height if compared to the standard desirable weight. Some people may not literally be fat but they may be overweight because of a large muscle mass. Obesity, on the other hand, is an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass.

Even with the difference between the two conditions, being obese or overweight has their own consequences to one’s health. Hence, it is important that it is detected and given a solution as soon as possible.

Read on and discover how you can determine whether you are overweight or obese. If you are in this category, losing weight should be included in your priorities.

Using BMI: Basic Tool in Determining Obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the world’s most accepted assessment of obesity. Calculating your BMI will tell you whether you are obese or overweight. To get your BMI, know your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. Once you have them both, divide your weight by your height in meters squared. To interpret your BMI, check out these values:

• Below 18.5                 Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9                  Normal
• 25.0 – 29.9                 Overweight
• 30.0 and Above      Obese

If your BMI states that you are obese, you can then classify the state of obesity you are in. You are class I obese when your BMI is between 30 and 34.9. You are class II when your BMI is 35 to 39.9. And lastly, you are class III obese if you have your BMI above 40.

Measuring Body Fats, Other Methods

Another way to know whether you are obese or overweight is through several body fat calculators. One popular measurement method is using body fat scales. This uses a low level electric current that is passed through the body to measure body fat. To get an accurate body fat measurement, it is best not to eat or drink four hours prior to the test. Don’t exercise as well 12 hours before the body fat measurement test.

Skinfold calipers can also measure body fat. In fact, this is known as the most cost effective way to indicate fat levels in the body. Professional supervision, however, is usually needed to ensure accurate results. On the other hand, the most accurate way to measure body fat is hydrostatic weighing. The examiner calculates the body density by measuring how much water is displaced once the body is immersed in water. However, there is often a problem about the availability of hydrostatic weighing tanks today.

Dealing with Obesity

Your task does not end after finding whether you are overweight or obese. This knowledge is only your first step towards combating this health problem. Remember, there is no use knowing your weight status if you don’t do anything to correct it.

As a plan, you can change your diet and follow a strict exercise regimen to help you deal with your weight. Or you can seek the help of a professional to guide you all the way towards getting a healthy and desirable weight. A weight loss pill is usually added in the treatment of obesity.

People who are obese have encountered Phentermine one way or another, at least when they require immediate weight loss. Phentermine is an anti-obesity drug that acts as a stimulant to control the appetite. If taken together with proper diet and exercise, this drug can work wonders to the weight loss goals of obese people.

Various Types of Phentermine

There are two main types of Phentermine in the market. This weight loss drug can be purchased as pills or in capsule form. Both drugs work similarly because of the same formulation that makes both of them. They can effectively work to suppress the appetite, burn calories, and even increase metabolism.

The only difference between the two is the length of time they take effect after being taken. Capsules work immediately after ingestion because of the capsules’ nature of being an instant-acting medication. On the other hand, the pills act slower. Since pills do not dissolve immediately, their effects may take a while. The option, however, is not dependent on the patient. It usually lies in the physician upon analyzing the patient’s medical history.

Doctor’s Supervision Needed to Avoid Side Effects

The problem with Phentermine, however, is that some obese people experience side effects. It includes serious conditions such as chest pain, swelling in the ankles or feet, confusion, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath. Less serious side effects include restlessness, hyperactivity, headache, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, and impotence. With all these, doctor’s supervision is really important when taking Phentermine.

The Right Dosage of Phentermine for Weight Loss

Phentermine capsules come in doses of 15 mg, 30 mg, and 37.5 mg. Doctors often recommend any of these dosages to the patient depending on his obesity condition and other medical considerations. Usually, Phentermine is recommended to be taken once every day, preferably in the morning. When speaking of tablets, an 18.75 mg dosage can be given once every morning. This involves half a tablet of Phentermine. For a full 37.5 dosage, one tablet is recommended every day.

It is very important that Phentermine dosage is followed correctly. Over dosage can cause several problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, seizure, and the like. If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you have remembered. Do not double your Phentermine intake if you missed a dose.

The Best Way to Take Phentermine

Phentermine is not designed for long-term use. If you use it longer than what is prescribed, the drug will not be as effective as it really is. Plus, there is a huge risk that this weight loss drug can be abused. The best time to take this drug is before breakfast. However, it can also be taken an hour or two after breakfast. This usually depends on what kind of Phentermine you are taking. Your doctor will advise you in terms of the right time to take the medication.

In case you experience increased hunger or you think it is not working properly for you, better talk to your doctor immediately.

Phentermine may be a lifesaver to a lot of people suffering from obesity. However, if not taken properly, Phentermine intake can give a lot of risks in one’s life. So to make sure Phentermine will serve you best, know more about this weight loss drug and always be guided by a medical professional.