Qsymia

Caloric Restriction, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes + 6 more

Treatment

3 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Qsymia

What is Qsymia

Phentermine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Phentermine is a drug used to help people lose weight by reducing appetite. It was introduced in 1959 and is classified as a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has a low potential for abuse. It is related to amphetamine but does not have the same addictive qualities. Phentermine was initially combined with other drugs to create an anti-obesity regime, but was later approved as a stand-alone drug in 2012. It is typically used in short-term weight management programs and is taken in lower doses than when it was combined with other drugs.

Ionamin

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Qsymia Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Ionamin

Phentermine

1959

298

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Phentermine, also known as Ionamin, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Obesity and Comorbidity .

Obesity

Used to treat Obesity in combination with Topiramate

Comorbidity

Used to treat one related comorbidity in combination with Topiramate

Regime of weight reduction

Effectiveness

How Qsymia Affects Patients

Phentermine is thought to work by reducing appetite and increasing the body's resting energy expenditure. In clinical studies, patients taking phentermine lost an average of 3.6 kg over two to twenty-four weeks and were able to maintain their weight after treatment stopped. Unlike other drugs in the amphetamine family, phentermine does not cause any stimulation of the central nervous system, high blood pressure, tolerance or QTc prolongation.

How Qsymia works in the body

Phentermine is a medication that helps reduce hunger by increasing levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This causes the body to enter a state of alertness, which suppresses the feeling of hunger. It also weakly inhibits monoamine oxidase, although this effect is not usually significant.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Qsymia is contingent upon the specified disorder, comprising Regime of weight reduction, Hyperlipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes. The amount likewise deviates as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet) articulated in the table hereunder.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Obesity

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Caloric Restriction

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Type 2 Diabetes

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Hypertensive disease

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

High Cholesterol

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Regime of weight reduction

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Chronic Weight Management therapy

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

increase in physical activity

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Comorbidity

, 30.0 mg, 15.0 mg, 37.5 mg, 3.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 8.0 mg, 18.8 mg

Oral, , Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating

Warnings

Qsymia has seven forbidden contraindications, so it is not advised to take Qsymia when suffering from any of the conditions in the below table.

Qsymia Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Hyperthyroidism

Do Not Combine

concomitant use or 14 days after discontinuation

Do Not Combine

Agitation

Do Not Combine

Drug abuse

Do Not Combine

Cardiovascular Diseases

Do Not Combine

Open-angle glaucoma

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Phentermine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Qsymia.

Common Qsymia Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Iobenguane

Major

Phentermine can cause a decrease in the absorption of Iobenguane resulting in a reduced serum concentration and potentially a decrease in efficacy.

Methylene blue

Major

Phentermine may increase the serotonergic activities of Methylene blue.

Mirtazapine

Major

Phentermine may increase the serotonergic activities of Mirtazapine.

1-benzylimidazole

Minor

The therapeutic efficacy of 1-benzylimidazole can be decreased when used in combination with Phentermine.

4-Methoxyamphetamine

Minor

The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phentermine is combined with 4-Methoxyamphetamine.

Qsymia Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of phentermine for rats is 151mg/kg. Signs of an overdose may include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, aggression, hallucinations, and panic followed by fatigue and depression. It can also cause irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, stomach issues such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Chronic overdosing may lead to skin problems, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hyperactivity, and changes in personality. In severe cases, it may cause a psychosis similar to schizophrenia. Carcinogenic or mutagenic effects have not been observed.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Qsymia Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Qsymia?

There are 104 active studies investigating the potential of Qsymia to treat Type 2 Diabetes, facilitate Weight Reduction Regimens and ameliorate Disease.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Type 2 Diabetes

89 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Obesity

0 Actively Recruiting

Hypertensive disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Comorbidity

0 Actively Recruiting

High Cholesterol

19 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1

Caloric Restriction

0 Actively Recruiting

Regime of weight reduction

0 Actively Recruiting

increase in physical activity

0 Actively Recruiting

Chronic Weight Management therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Qsymia Reviews: What are patients saying about Qsymia?

5

Patient Review

9/13/2022

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for an Obese Person

I've been on this medication for six months and have lost 50 pounds. I started at 208 and was considered obese; now I'm just overweight with a BMI of 28. I'm still taking the medication and planning to lose 25 more pounds.

4.7

Patient Review

4/29/2022

Qsymia for Weight Gain

I'm really happy with this medication. I've been able to keep the weight off that I lost, and my cravings are mostly under control.

4.7

Patient Review

10/29/2021

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I've been seeing some great results. I lost 25 pounds in the first three weeks while taking this medication. I'm currently still on the 7mg dose and have experienced some fatigue; however, I believe this could be my body getting used to the medicine. Overall, I'm pleased with how things are going and plan to continue using this treatment.

4

Patient Review

5/14/2022

Qsymia for Weight Gain

This pill is working great for me! I started it last Sunday and by the following Saturday, I had lost 9 pounds. I'm going on vacation in 20 days and need to lose 10 pounds to hit my weight goal, so this is perfect. I'm currently taking 15 mg per day and am down to 140 pounds from 149.

4

Patient Review

12/8/2021

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I started this treatment two days ago and have had headaches that I hope will go away. I've been looking online to see if anyone else has experienced this symptom and whether or not it goes away. I'm hopeful that this works because my hip is in terrible shape and I've gained a lot of weight because my mobility is so limited.

3

Patient Review

6/22/2021

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I was really pleased with the results I got from taking Qsymia, but as soon as I had to switch to the generic version, I started noticing weight gain. Not cool.

2.3

Patient Review

1/4/2022

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for an Obese Person

The first month, I saw some results with this treatment plan; however, I haven't lost any more weight since then. Additionally, I experienced a rare side effect where my speech was impacted. It became difficult to retrieve words I wanted to say, even though I knew what I wanted to communicate.

2.3

Patient Review

10/17/2022

Qsymia for Adjunct Treatment of Obesity in a Comprehensive Weight Reduction Regimen

I've now been on this medication for a month and I have not seen any results. I'm 54 years old, so maybe it just doesn't work for people of my age/gender.

1.7

Patient Review

12/22/2020

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for an Obese Person

The first day I started taking Qsymia, I noticed a significant decline in my vision. After two years of taking the medication, I was hospitalized three times with kidney stones. It wasn't until after this that I realized that Qsymia can cause serious kidney problems. The side effects of this drug are terrible and hidden from many people who take it.

1.7

Patient Review

7/23/2022

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I was extremely disappointed with this product. I saw no results after a month of use, despite following the recommended diet and exercise regimen

1.7

Patient Review

2/5/2022

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I was really disappointed with this treatment. I didn't experience any side effects, but after six months of being on the highest dosage, I actually gained weight.

1

Patient Review

7/8/2022

Qsymia for Weight Loss Management for Overweight Person with BMI 27 to 29 and Weight-Related Comorbidity

I've only just started taking the medication, but I already had a terrible experience with customer service. The representative was so rude and unhelpful. It made me feel like my concerns didn't matter at all.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about qsymia

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Qsymia stronger than phentermine?

"There are no studies that compare phentermine and topiramate directly, but experts believe that topiramate is a stronger weight loss medication than phentermine alone."

Answered by AI

What are side effects of Qsymia?

"You may experience dizziness, drowsiness, a dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, tingling in your hands and feet, constipation, or a metallic taste. If any of these effects last longer than a few days or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist."

Answered by AI

How fast do you lose weight on Qsymia?

"My results have been good. I lost 25 pounds in the first 3 weeks - two weeks while taking 3.5mg of the medication and one week while taking 7mg of the medication."

Answered by AI

How does Qsymia work for weight loss?

"Phentermine is a drug that causes an immediate response, while Topiramate works throughout the day. The combination of the two drugs helps to reduce your levels of hunger and promote weight loss more effectively than diet and exercise alone. On average, people who take these drugs lose 5-8.9% of their excess body weight."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Qsymia

Image of University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Pharmacist-led Care for Diabetes

18+
All Sexes
Edmonton, Canada

As of 2024, nine percent of Albertans are living with Type 2 diabetes, which increases their risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Unfortunately, less than half of patients have controlled Type 2 diabetes. We are well aware of the factors which lead to worsening diabetes, but need to give people more support to help them manage their diabetes. Pharmacists are respected health care professionals who are often easier to see that doctors and can help people with diabetes to stay as healthy as possible. This research project aims to see whether a pharmacist service can help improve diabetes management in people with type 2 diabetes compared to usual care from their family physician or nurse practitionner. The potential impact of this project is to empower people with type 2 diabetes to understand their condition, it's management, and to achieve target blood sugar levels, which will ultimately reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Alberta

Ross Tsuyuki, BScPharm, PharmD, MSc

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Qsymia, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Lipid Clinic at Brown University Health in Providence, United States.

2-HOBA Supplementation for High Cholesterol

18 - 69
All Sexes
Providence, RI

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a natural supplement called 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) can reduce harmful oxidized lipids and improve the function of lipoprotein(a) in adults with high lipoprotein(a) levels. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does 2-HOBA lower oxidized phospholipids on lipoprotein(a)? Does 2-HOBA reduce markers of inflammation and blood clotting in the blood? Participants will: Take 2-HOBA capsules (400 mg, three times daily with meals) for 6 weeks Provide blood and urine samples at the beginning, middle, and end of the study Have lab tests to measure changes in lipids, inflammation, and clotting markers

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Lipid Clinic at Brown University Health

Wenliang Song, MD

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Qsymia, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, United States.

Composite Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome

18+
All Sexes
Indianapolis, IN

The objective of this study is to pilot a multifaceted, optimized intervention for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in emergency department patients to establish feasibility. Participants (n=20) will be randomized to intervention or control (usual care). The composite intervention will include an educational video outlining the adverse effects of MetS and the benefit of walking, a written exercise prescription with a defined goal of walking 150 minutes per week, a Fitbit accelerometer device, resources for healthy eating practices, periodic text message reminders, and an urgent referral to primary care and our health system's Healthy Me clinic for follow-up visit. Investigators hypothesize that this approach will change patient understanding and motivation to increase physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital

Image of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, United States.

Cardiometabolic Prevention Clinic for Cardiovascular Disease

18+
All Sexes
Durham, NC

This project is studying whether a team-based specialty clinic can help people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease better manage their blood pressure and cholesterol. The clinic includes coordinated care from heart doctors, kidney doctors, diabetes specialists, and liver doctors. The study will compare two groups of patients: one receiving usual care from their primary care provider, and one referred to the Duke Cardiometabolic Prevention Clinic for multidisciplinary care. The main goals are to find out if this clinic improves blood pressure and cholesterol control over 12 months, increases use of recommended heart medications, and reduces hospital visits and other healthcare use. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Those referred to the clinic will: 1) Meet with a cardiologist for an initial evaluation. 2) Be referred to other specialists (such as endocrinology, nephrology, or hepatology) based on their needs. 3) Receive ongoing, coordinated care from a team of specialists working together to improve their heart and metabolic health.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Duke University Medical Center

Neha J Pagidipati, MD, MPH

Have you considered Qsymia clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Qsymia, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials