Phentermine vs Qsymia in Phoenix, AZ: What’s the Difference? | TeleSlim Clinic
Phentermine vs Qsymia in Phoenix, AZ
Qsymia contains phentermine, but it also contains topiramate, so it is not the same as phentermine alone. Both are controlled-substance (Schedule IV) weight-loss medicines for adults. Here is how they differ for Phoenix adults considering a video visit.
Side by side
| Phentermine | Qsymia | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Appetite suppressant | Extended-release capsule combining phentermine and topiramate |
| How it is taken | Tablet or capsule once daily or in divided doses (for example Adipex-P or Lomaira) | Once-daily capsule, taken in the morning because it can affect sleep |
| Typical dosing | Depends on the product; chosen and monitored by your physician | Starts at 3.75 mg/23 mg daily for 14 days, then 7.5 mg/46 mg; may be raised in steps up to 15 mg/92 mg |
| Intended duration | Approved for short-term use, a few weeks | Used with diet and activity as part of ongoing weight management |
| Special precautions | Raises heart rate and blood pressure; potential for misuse and dependence | Can cause birth defects; a negative pregnancy test and effective birth control are needed for people who can become pregnant; possible mood changes, eye problems and kidney stones |
What your physician looks at
- Pregnancy plans. This is central for Qsymia.
- Heart, blood pressure and thyroid history. Important for both.
- Mood, sleep and other medicines. Both can affect sleep, and Qsymia can cause mood changes.
- Planned length of treatment and monitoring.
No medicine is best for everyone. Your physician reviews your health history, other conditions, current medicines, goals, side-effect tolerance and budget before recommending anything, and your plan can change over time.
Do not stop Qsymia suddenly. Your physician will guide any change. Read the full prescribing information for each medicine.
What it costs
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay: $99 for the initial consultation and $99 per month for physician follow-up. Medication is a separate pharmacy cost, and cash prices typically run about $150 to $450 per month depending on the medicine and dose, so confirm today’s price with your pharmacy. See the cost guide and the insurance guide. TeleSlim Clinic does not dispense medication and does not offer compounded GLP-1 medications.
FAQs
Is Qsymia just phentermine?
No. It combines phentermine with topiramate in one capsule, and it has its own label and precautions.
Which is stronger?
They are different medicines, and results vary. Your physician can explain what the prescribing information says for each.
Do I need pregnancy testing for Qsymia?
People who can become pregnant need a negative test before starting and regular testing during treatment, with effective birth control.
Meet your physician
Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, DABIM, DABOM, FACP is Chief Medical Officer of TeleSlim Clinic. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and is licensed to practice in Arizona. All TeleSlim Clinic visits are conducted by video with a board-certified physician.
Request your free consultation to see whether TeleSlim Clinic is a fit for you in Phoenix.
Read the full pages: phentermine in Phoenix and Qsymia in Phoenix. See the weight loss medications overview or our Phoenix online weight loss doctor page.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Whether a medication is appropriate is a decision made by a physician after an evaluation. Individual results vary.
