What it means
A sympathomimetic drug used with diet and exercise in people with obesity. It acts like a mild amphetamine on the brain to reduce hunger. Side effects include a fast heart rate, higher blood pressure, dry mouth, restlessness and trouble sleeping. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure and heart rate. Teach the client to take it in the morning to avoid insomnia and not to combine it with MAO inhibitors or other weight-loss drugs.
At a glance
| Drug class | anorexiant (sympathomimetic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Adipex-P, Lomaira |
| Also written | Adipex-P, Lomaira |
Related terms
tachycardia
A heart rate faster than normal; in an adult, more than 100 beats per minute.
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
BMI
Body mass index: a number worked out from a person's weight and height that sorts weight into categories.