Ionamin Diet Pill

Among the handful of available prescription weight loss drugs, there lies the Ionamin diet pill. Is this a pill for you? Does it work? What are its side effects? Here are all the answers to these questions and more.

What is Ionamin Diet Pill?

Known generically as phentermine hydrochloride, this drug is better identified by its brand name Adipex-P and Ionamin. No matter which name is used, the drug is classified as an appetite suppressant, scientifically called an anorectic or anorexigenic. However, scientists have not determined whether or not Ionamin is strictly an appetite suppressant, or if the central nervous system and/or metabolic pathways are implicated.

Prescription Protocol

Ionamin is not for just anyone wishing to lose weight. It is only available by prescription and must be closely monitored by a medical professional during its use. Doctors prescribe this diet drug to patients with body mass index (BMI) as follows:

BMI greater than or equal to 30

BMI greater than or equal than 27 with a health condition associated with the weight such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Here are a few examples portraying these equivalents:

Weight 150 + Height 5’0’’ = BMI 31

Weight 190 + Height 5’6’’ = BMI 31

Weight 250 + Height 6’3’’ = BMI 31

Ionamin is also only recommended in association with a calorie restricted diet, exercise plan, and counseling for behavior modification to eating habits.

Usage and Dose Information

It is extremely important to understand that the Ionamin diet pill is only used for a short period of time. In fact, three weeks is the recommended maximum length of time indicated as a weight loss therapy. The reason for this short time frame is due to the body’s ability to adjust itself to the drug and hence the drug loses its effect. Unfortunately, this drug cannot be taken in large amounts to overcome this immunity because of its severe side effects as described below.

Ionamin comes in 15 milligram and 30 milligram doses. It is taken once a day, preferably before breakfast. It can be taken up to 10 to 14 hours before bedtime. The tablet form can be taken up to two hours after breakfast, and can be halved for dosage modifications as needed, unlike the capsules that need to be swallowed in their entirety. If a dose is missed, it is highly suggested that it be skipped completely and resume schedule with next dose as indicated. Ionamin is stored at room temperature.

Side Effects

Like all medications, there are side effects ranging from slight to severe to even death. It is critical for all users of Ionamin diet pill to use caution when taking. The following side effects have been reported:

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• dry mouth

• mood swings

• headache

• elevated blood pressure

• increased heart rate

• impotence

• insomnia

• stomach and intestinal discomfort

• tremors

More severe side effects include drug dependency, severe skin disorder, and primary pulmonary hypertension. The latter condition has the warning signs of shortness of breath, chest pain, swollen ankles, and fainting spells. Moreover, if the drug is suddenly stopped, extreme fatigue, depressed mood, and insomnia can follow. It is best to wean off Ionamin under the instruction of your physician.

Drug Interactions and Health Considerations

Due to the possibility of severe health hazards, the Ionamin diet pill should not be taken with any other weight loss drug, including over-the-counter and prescription pills promoted as weight loss drugs. It is also recommended that alcohol not be consumed when taking Ionamin or other phentermine drugs. Medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression are counter-indicated with the use of Ionamin and must be strongly considered with your physician. Individuals with glaucoma, history of heart attack, arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure should not take this diet drug. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women trying to conceive should not be considered for this drug therapy. Children under 16 years of age are not prescribed Ionamin in any form.

Overdose is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Symptoms of overdose include confusion, hallucinations, coma, convulsions, and aggressiveness.

Does It Work?

Weight loss is evident among patients taking the Ionamin diet pill in conjunction with following a calorie-resticted diet compared to patients given a placebo and following the same dietary plan. However, enhanced weight loss is minimal, evidenced by only a fraction of a pound each week. Nonetheless, this weight loss increase can be significant in an effort to stave off the results of chronic diabetic states and high blood pressure often seen in obese patients. A dietary program outlining an appropriate caloric amount and including balanced, healthful meal plans are crucial to the effect of the drug. While the drug is for short-term use, diet and exercise remain the long-term answer to permament weight loss.