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Adipex P Vs. Phentermine: Drug Comparison

Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more.

Medical Review byMike Bohl, MD, MBA, MPH, MS, ALMNov 4, 2024

Medication Name

Adipex-P

*image for illustrative purpose only

Phentermine

*image for illustrative purpose only

Summary

Prescription only

Adipex-P® (phentermine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used as a short-term adjunct to weight loss in patients with obesity. It works as an appetite suppressant by stimulating the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure while reducing hunger. Adipex-P is typically prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen to enhance weight loss efforts. Common side effects include increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness. It is important to note that Adipex-P is intended for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and other adverse effects​.

Prescription only

Phentermine is the active ingredient in brand-name medications including Adipex-P®. The information below is about brand name Adipex-P. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used as a short-term adjunct to weight loss in patients with obesity. It works as an appetite suppressant by stimulating the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure while reducing hunger. Adipex-P is typically prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen to enhance weight loss efforts. Common side effects include increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness. It is important to note that Adipex-P is intended for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and other adverse effects​.

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Drug Category

Sympathomimetic amine anorectic

Sympathomimetic amine anorectic

Approved Uses

Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is indicated:

  • As a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)

Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is indicated:

  • As a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)

Rx Available

Weight loss treatment that puts you first

Dosage

  • Typically taken orally once daily

  • Comes in 37.5 mg tablets

  • Typically taken orally once daily

  • Comes in 37.5 mg tablets

Known Common Side Effects

Adverse events have been reported in the following systems:

  • Cardiovascular

  • Central nervous system

  • Gastrointestinal

  • Allergic

  • Endocrine

Adverse events have been reported in the following systems:

  • Cardiovascular

  • Central nervous system

  • Gastrointestinal

  • Allergic

  • Endocrine

Interactions & Contraindications

  • History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)

  • During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Glaucoma

  • Agitated states

  • History of drug abuse

  • Pregnancy

  • Nursing

  • Known hypersensitivity, or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines

  • Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, alcohol, insulin and oral hypoglycemics, adrenergic neuron blocking drugs

  • History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)

  • During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Glaucoma

  • Agitated states

  • History of drug abuse

  • Pregnancy

  • Nursing

  • Known hypersensitivity, or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines

  • Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, alcohol, insulin and oral hypoglycemics, adrenergic neuron blocking drugs

Warnings & Precautions

  • Coadministration with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended

  • Rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension have been reported

  • Rare cases of serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease have been reported

  • Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks

  • Adipex-P may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle

  • Risk of abuse and dependence

  • Concomitant alcohol use may result in an adverse drug reaction

  • Use caution in patients with even mild high blood pressure

  • A reduction in dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication may be required in some patients

  • Breastfeeding: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother

  • Coadministration with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended

  • Rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension have been reported

  • Rare cases of serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease have been reported

  • Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks

  • Adipex-P may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle

  • Risk of abuse and dependence

  • Concomitant alcohol use may result in an adverse drug reaction

  • Use caution in patients with even mild high blood pressure

  • A reduction in dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication may be required in some patients

  • Breastfeeding: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother

Weight Loss Treatments

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Boxed Warning

References

*This information is from the label for brand name Adipex-P®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Phentermine, the active ingredient in Adipex-P, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient phentermine.

*This information is from the label for brand name Adipex-P®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Phentermine, the active ingredient in Adipex-P, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient phentermine.

The information provided here is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE and is for informational and educational purposes only. The drug comparison tool does not determine eligibility for medications or treatments provided via the Hims/Hers platform. Consultation with a healthcare provider is required to assess suitability for any medical treatment based on individual health and medical history. All product names and associated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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