Ionamin - weight loss medication

Ionamin

Generic Name: Phentermine Resin Capsules (FEN-ter-meen REZ-in)
Brand Name: Ionamin

Ionamin (also sold under a generic name as phentermine resin capsules) is used in short bursts and in combination with a low calorie diet, physical exercise and lifestyle changes to help those who are overweight to reduce that weight. It works by releasing more adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain which suppresses your appetite.

Do NOT to use Ionamin if:

Before you begin to take any prescription medication, it is always advisable to ask your physician for confirmation that it will be safe. In the case of ionamin, you must tell your physician if you have:

high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular problems;
a brain or spinal cord disorder;
high cholesterol or lipid levels;
diabetes mellitus — your insulin requirements may change;
an overactive thyroid;
glaucoma;
any tendency to become anxious or agitated; or
a history of alcohol or substance abuse.

The fact that you have had an allergic to ionamin, to other medications, foods or other substances is also highly relevant. Finally, the decision whether to take ionamin will be affected if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Does ionamin interact with other medications?

You must always tell your physician if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medications. These are the most serious combinations of medications to avoid:

you should always allow a period of fourteen days to elapse between stopping a course of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine and starting ionamin, or vice versa;
furazolidone which is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections causing diarrhoea;
the effectiveness of guanadrel or guanethidine which are used to reduce blood pressure may be reduced; and
the risk of side effects is increased with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors such as fluoxetine.

How to use ionamin :

You should approach the use of ionamin with caution and only take it as directed by your physician. Always check the label to make sure that you follow the instructions exactly. It is best to take this medication before breakfast, or at least ten hours before going to bed. You should always swallow an ionamin tablet whole with lots of water. Should you forget to take a tablet, do not take a replacement less than 8 hours before you are due to take the next tablet. Taking too much ionamin can be dangerous. If you are elderly, you should take the minimum dose possible. Ionamin should not be given to anyone under the age of 16 years. Finally, tell your physician immediately if you find yourself getting out of breath with only mild physical exercise.

Possible side effects of ionamin :

All medications may cause side effects but, for the most part, most people have no side effects when taking ionamin or the following side effects are mild and pass quickly:

headache;
dry mouth or a bad taste in mouth;
dizziness;
upset stomach, constipation or diarrhoea;
difficulty sleeping;
exaggerated sense of well-being; or
anxiety, restlessness or difficulty in sleeping.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

difficulty breathing, a swelling of the face or tongue, violent itching, rash or hives suggesting a severe allergic reaction;
shortness of breath;
chest pain or fast or irregular heartbeat;
swelling of the legs and feet;
a decrease in libido or erectile dysfunction; or
bizarre behaviour or significant mood swings.

Important safety information:

One of the more common side effects of ionamin is dizziness. This will be worse if you have consumed alcohol. It is not safe to engage in any potentially dangerous activity until you know how your body will react. If you take more than the recommended dose or use ionamin for longer than prescribed not only do you increase the risk of serious side effects, but you also run the risk of physical and psychological dependence. Once dependent, you will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop. Relapse is relatively common and you may find yourself addicted.