Qsymia: Phentermine and Topiramate​

Qsymia is prescription-only weight loss medication that contains a combination of phentermine HCl and topiramate extended-release. This drug, which received FDA approval in 2012, helps manage obesity longer-term than phentermine alone, but also carries the risk of additional side effects ( 1 , 2 ).

As of 2017, over two million Qsymia prescriptions had been filled in the US ( 3 ).

What is Qsymia?

Qsymia is a prescription weight loss medication that contains a combination of phentermine HCL (Adipex) and topiramate extended-release (Topamax). 

• Phentermine HCL works as a central nervous system stimulant to activate a “fight or flight” -like response. Like amphetamines, phentermine sends signals to the brain to suppress hunger and boost energy.
• Topiramate extended-release is an anti-seizure medication that promotes weight loss as well. It increases feelings of fullness, makes food taste less appealing and increases caloric expenditure ( 4 ).

Qsymia is prescribed for the management of exogenous obesity in adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. It is indicated for overweight adults with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 who suffer from an additional weight-related complication such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Unlike traditional phentermine pills, which can only be taken for up to 12 weeks, Qsymia has been approved for long-term use (up to 3 years).

The medication is prescribed alongside healthy diet and regular exercise ( 1 ).

Contraindications

Qsymia, like other prescription weight loss drugs, is generally regarded as safe when used as directed. However, this medication is not appropriate for everyone. 

Qsymia is contraindicated (not safe) in the presence of:

• Pregnancy (Category X medication)
• Glaucoma
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Prior reaction to sympathomimetic amines
• Current or recent (≤ 2 weeks) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use

In addition to outright contraindications, the use of Qsymia is prefaced by a number of warnings and precautions. Tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:

• Allergies, especially to a sympathomimetic amine (e.g., pseudoephedrine or amphetamine) or other medications
• Heart disease or stroke
• High blood pressure or pulmonary hypertension
• Glaucoma
• Personal or family history of a substance abuse
• Mental illness or mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety
• Hyperthyroidism
• Seizures
• Liver or kidney disease, including kidney stones
• Metabolic acidosis, or any condition that puts you at higher risk (e.g., chronic diarrhea, a ketogenic diet, or low bone density)
• Your doctor also needs to know if you have diabetes mellitus, use marijuana or think you may become pregnant in the imminent future

Due to the high potential for drug interactions, your doctor and pharmacist need to know about all prescription or OTC medications, herbal supplements, vitamins and drugs that you take right now, or have taken in the last 14 days. Take extra care to mention any birth control pills, diuretics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, seizure medications, or any other drugs that impair thinking, concentration or coordination ( 5 ).

Pills and Dosage

Qsymia is currently available in 4 different doses.

All four doses are sold as capsules, and contain varying amounts of phentermine hydrochloride and topiramate extended-release. Daily dosage ranges from 3.75/23 (3.75mg phentermine plus 23mg topiramate) to 15/92 (15mg phentermine plus 92mg topiramate) ( 5 ).

Capsule Color​	Phentermine HCL​	Topiramate Extended-Release​
Purple	3.75mg	23mg
Purple & Yellow​	7.5mg	46mg
Yellow​	11.25mg	69mg
Yellow & White​	15mg	92mg

Doctors typically start patients on the lowest strength possible, and then gradually increase the dosage according to a set schedule. However, individual dosing schedules can only be determined by a medical professional.

That being said, here is a standard Qsymia dosage progression ( 5 ):

Start treatment with one 3.75mg/23mg capsule each morning for 2 weeks. Starting in week 3, take one 7.5mg/46mg capsule each morning. At 3 months, the doctor should either stop the medication (if it’s not proving effective) or increase the dosage to 11.25mg/69mg once per day. After 2 weeks on 11.25mg/69mg, the daily dosage will be increased to the maximum of Qsymia 15mg/92mg.

Always take Qsymia EXACTLY as prescribed. Never take a different dose, or take the medication more or less often, than prescribed.

If you miss a dose of Qsymia, it is best to skip the missed dose and then continue taking the medication normally the following day.

NEVER take a double dose to make up for a missed pill. Taking more medicine than directed can lead to a dangerous, potentially fatal overdose.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of Qsymia range from relatively minor to very severe.

Most users will experience one or more minor reaction to this medication. Some of the most common Qsymia side effects include ( 5 , 6 ):

• Numbness or tingling in limbs and/or face (paranesthesia)
• Changes in/ loss of taste (dysgeusia)
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• General central nervous system side effects, including constipation or mild headache

Some patients experience serious – sometimes life-threatening – side effects from this medication.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Qsymia ( 5 ):

• Increased heart rate
• Serious changes in mood (thoughts about suicide, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling agitated or restless, irritability, acting aggressive, being angry, exhibiting violent behavior, acting on dangerous impulses)
• Eye problems (sudden decreases in vision, with or without pain and redness, or a blockage of fluid that leads to pressure build-up)
• Difficulties with concentration, memory, or speech
• Metabolic acidosis (evidenced by tiredness, loss of appetite, changes in heartbeat, and/or confusion)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Changes in blood pressure
• Kidney stones (evidenced by severe side or back pain and/or blood in the urine)
• Decreased sweating and fever
• Seizures (after stopping Qsymia abruptly)

This list does NOT contain all possible side effects of Qsymia.

How to Get Qsymia Prescribed

If you are interested in exploring potential pharmaceutical weight loss options, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. If he or she does not prescribe Qsymia, consider speaking with a weight loss clinic or specialist (e.g., a bariatric doctor or gynecologist).

Qsymia is a schedule IV-controlled substance, so it is NOT available without a prescription.

Where to Fill Your Prescription

Qsymia is available from most major pharmacies in the United States, including certified mail-order pharmacies.

Due to its drug schedule, these capsules are not available from all online pharmacies. At this time, Qsymia prescriptions can only be filled in-person or through the following certified mail-order pharmacies: Walgreens, Walmart and Kaiser Permanente ( 7 , 8 ).

Qsymia Cost

Qsymia costs around $200 per month before discounts.

The table below provides the estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Qsymia before tax, insurance and manufacturer coupons.

Qsymia costs around $200 per month before discounts.

Dose	Estimated Monthly Cost​
3.75mg / 23mg​	$187-$198​
7.5mg / 46mg​	$193-$205​
11.25mg / 69mg​	$205-$219​
15mg / 96mg​	$206-$220​

NOTE: These prices are only estimates and do not represent any type of guarantee or coupon. Updated March 2019 [9].

When compared to the cost of other phentermine pills, Qsymia is an expensive option. More, weight loss medications are NOT covered under most insurance plans, including Medicaid in most states ( 10 ).

Thankfully, VIVUS, Inc. offers a generous manufacturer’s discount. The Qsymia Advantage program entitles you to two weeks free of the starter dose (3.75mg/23mg), caps the monthly cost of Qsymia at $98 for any dose, and provides an at-home delivery service.

User Ratings

Wondering what real users think about Qsymia (phentermine & topiramate)? Recent reviews indicate that patients are pleased with their weight loss results, but warn against using the mail order service and complain of bothersome side effects.

Qsymia has an average user rating of 3.9/5:

Here are some Qsymia reviews from recent users:

Becky – Qsymia

Only been taking Qsymia for a little over 2 weeks. So happy with it! I keep water nearby all the time because I’m ALWAYS thirsty, but no other side effects. Actually, have to remind myself to eat… So far, I’ve lost 7 pounds. Can’t wait to keep watching the weight fall off!

Raquel – Not Satisfied At All

Not worth it… Never did anything for me. Only lost 13 pounds in 3 MONTHS and the side effects were terrible, especially the first month. Better to do weight watchers or something like that.

Perksta – 5 Stars

Started this medication on September 6 and weighed in at 176 lbs. Today is November 3 current weight is 153 lbs – no workouts/gym. I only take one pill daily in the morning. I will be getting my last fill on Monday, very happy with this medication. The only side effects were the first 3 days; I experienced insomnia.

Who Makes Qsymia?​

This medication is manufactured by VIVUS, Inc. – a California-based pharmaceutical company. They currently produce medications related to obesity, sleep and sexual health ( 11 ).

Please find their contact information below:

VIVUS, Inc.
1172 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94040
USA

Company Phone: 650-934-5200
Medical Information Phone: 1-888-998-4887

Corporate website: www.vivus.com
Medication Website: www.qsymia.com

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