Foods to Avoid While on Qsymia

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Qsymia is a combination drug that blends Phentermine with Topiramate to treat obesity and promote weight loss. This drug has been proven effective. However, like many other weight loss drugs, it requires you to make dietary changes.

Like most other weight loss drugs, you must eat healthy and exercise for this medication to be effective. According to WebMD, Qsymia is effective when you eat a low-calorie diet. It helps facilitate weight loss. According to experts, it is important to provide your body with a substantial amount of food for the medicine to be effective. However, some people have a hard time losing weight on this medication, because they eat too much.

Many people who take this drug have a preexisting serious condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Caffeine can be a problem for those who take Qsymia. You should completely avoid alcohol if you take Qsymia. The reason for this is that alcohol affects the central nervous system and can cause cardiovascular problems. Drinking alcohol on Qsymia increases heart rate. One study found that drinking while on Qsymia increased heart rate by 24 beats per minute. This is significantly higher when compared to other drugs, such as methamphetamine.

According to experts, caffeine can cause a number of problems, if you take Qsymia. It is best to avoid foods that contain caffeine or high amounts of the stimulant. This means you should not drink coffee, eat chocolate, or drink caffeinated sodas. Consuming caffeine while taking Qsymia can increase side effects of the drug. You should also avoid non-prescription supplements that contain caffeine. Phentermine does not mix well with caffeinated foods, as it can cause intense side effects, such as jitteriness and a rapid heartbeat.

There is no specific set of rules when it comes to caffeine consumption on Qsymia. Experts recommend weaning yourself off of caffeine before you start taking the drug, if possible. After an extended period of time, your body will no longer crave foods that contain large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine decreases the effectiveness of Topiramate, which is why you should eliminate it from your diet.

Because of this, you will also need to eliminate tea and chocolate from your diet, no matter how much your body may crave it. Phentermine and Topiramate work in tandem to facilitate weight loss. If the effectiveness of one of these drugs is compromised, it is not going to be effective in helping you lose weight.

It is important to understand what phentermine is. Phentermine is a medication that suppresses appetite. It is typically prescribed for people who are having a hard time losing weight or are obese. Although Phentermine does not contain caffeine, it is a stimulant and has many of the same side effects as caffeine. Women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant should avoid this drug.

Those who take Qsymia should also avoid taking herbal supplements and herbal remedies. You should also avoid taking calcium supplements. Taking vitamin C or calcium supplements while on this medication can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. You should also avoid taking St. John’s Wort, as this herbal remedy can decrease the effectiveness of topiramate. St. John’s Wort is typically used to treat depression. It is also used to treat insomnia and lung and kidney ailments. According to Very Well Health, Qsymia can also be used as an anti-seizure medication. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Obesity is also linked to a host of other problems caused by the environment, social factors, and economic issues. Someone may not have enough money to buy healthy food. Healthy food promotes weight loss, while fat laden food makes you gain weight. Fatty foods are less expensive for that reason.

Qsymia should be taken in the morning as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. You should not take Qsymia before you go to bed, as this can cause insomnia. Qsymia should be stored at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees. Make sure you don’t store Qsymia in a bathroom where there is excess moisture. It should be stored in a locked box, so no one else can get to it.

If you plan to travel, the area to which you are traveling may have its own regulations when it comes to prescriptions, such as this one. Because of this, it is also a good idea to take a copy of your prescription with you. You should also keep your medicine in its original container from your pharmacy. The bottle has your name on it, so it is good for identification purposes.

Dispose of any unused or expired pills. Never flush medication down the toilet or pour it down the drain. Your pharmacist can provide you with alternate ways to dispose of your medication. Some CVS pharmacies have drop boxes where you can dispose of unused and expired medication.

So how long does it take Qsymia to start working? Qsymia begins to suppress hunger the moment you take it. It works throughout the entire day. It typically takes four hours for phentermine levels to peak in your body. It takes about two hours for topiramate levels to peak in your body. Like any other drug, Qsymia comes with its own set of side effects. Side effects of Qsymia usually include headache, dry mouth, constipation, and nausea. A stuffy nose is also possible.

While side effects are generally mild, Qsymia does have some severe side effects to be aware of. These can include low blood sugar, muscle pain or weakness, trouble focusing, and vision changes. People taking Qsymia may also experience suicidal thoughts or actions. However, there is help. Qsymia can also worsen certain health conditions, such as diabetes and heart conditions. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

Because severe side effects are damaging, it is important to avoid high caffeine foods, as this leaves you more susceptible to other health conditions. The dosage of Qsymia you take is dependent on your condition. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the right dosage for you and your situation. The time between doses and the strength of the medication you take will depend on your situation and any other conditions you may have.

Adults typically take 3.75 milligrams of Phentermine and 23 milligrams of Topiramate. After two weeks, your doctor might increase your dosage to 7.5 milligrams of phentermine and 46 milligrams of Topiramate. After this, your doctor may adjust your dosage as needed. There are a number of things to be aware of when taking this medication. Qsymia is known to cause severe allergic reactions, so do not take it if you have allergies. If this drug is taken during pregnancy, it can cause the fetus to develop a cleft lip or palate.

You may be required to furnish a negative pregnancy test before you take this medication. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication, because levels of Topiramate are present in breastmilk. This drug is not approved for children under the age of 12. People over the age of 65 respond well to this medication. However, those over 65 may be prescribed a lower dose.

If you happen to miss a dose of this medication, skip that dose, and take your next dose at your normal time. It may help to come up with ways to remember to take your medicine. You could set a timer on your watch or put a reminder on your Google calendar. As with any medication, there is always a potential for overdose. Signs of a Qsymia overdose include convulsions, tremors, hallucinations, and rapid breathing.

Those who consume alcohol while taking Qsymia are more likely to experience severe side effects. If you think you are suffering an overdose, contact your physician as soon as possible, or contact the Poison Control Center. You can reach the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If someone collapses after an overdose, call 911 right away. As with any emergency, it is best to stay calm if someone you know has overdosed.

It is essential that your doctor monitors your progress when you take Qsymia. Your doctor may request regular blood and urine tests to monitor your progress. Many antiseizure medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. In the event that this happens to you or someone you love while taking Qsymia, seek help immediately.

Someone who is experiencing a Qsymia overdose may become faint or dizzy, or extremely sleepy. Regardless of what side effects one is experiencing, it is imperative to get help right away. The side effects of Phentermine can be different from Topiramate side effects, so it is important to know the side effects of both.

Side effects of Phentermine include tingling in the arms or legs, trouble thinking or walking, and trouble breathing. Side effects of Topiramate include eye redness or pain, drowsiness, and increased eye pressure.

16 Sources

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.

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Foods to Avoid While on Qsymia

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

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