AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
Question I'm currently taking hydrocholort 12.5mg / levothyroxin 100mcg / phentermine 30mg to help lose weight I'm currently 35 lbs overweight. I'm 50 yrs old and was wondering if there were specific times I should take each medicine or if I should take them all at the same time. Is this the best weight loss pill or would something else work better?
Answer Levothyroxine should only be prescribed for thyroid dysfunction, not for weight loss. If you have been prescribed levothyroxine for weight loss you should be aware that it can have the potential to have some potentially serious side effect such as rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure. This along with the phenteramine which can cause the same side effects may not be a safe combination if the dose of levothyroxine is not necessary for your normal body functions but is an attempt to force weight loss. If you are taking the levothyroxine due to hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels as determined by blood tests) the drug should be taken first thing in the morning all by itself with plain water only about 1 hour before eating or taking any other medications.
The hydrochlorothiazide should be taken early in the day since it is a water pill and will make you urinate more frequently. If taken too late in the day it may keep you from sleeping through the night because you will need to use the bathroom frequently.
Phenteramine should be taken early in the day, usually no later than 10AM. If taken too late in the day it may cause insomnia. Phenteramine can also cause elevated blood pressure and heart rate and should not be taken by persons with heart disease or high blood pressure.
The best weight loss program is the one that helps you lose weight. No drug, combination of drugs, or product on the market will help you lose weight until you make the commitment to changing your diet and increasing your activity level.
