A brand-name oral prescription medication, Ionamin contains phentermine and is no longer sold in the United States. Despite its effectiveness at helping patients lose weight, Ionamin poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

Side effects of Iontamin include constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, headache, mania, headache, irritability, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, restlessness, stomach cramps, trembling and insomnia.

Drug Interactions

Ionamin has the potential to cause severe reactions like high blood pressure when combined with medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) like brofaromine, antidepressants like iproniazid, the chemotherapy drug procarbazine and antibiotics like furazolidone, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Withdrawal

When used for prolonged periods of time like several weeks or months, Ionamin may cause chemical dependence, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you develop a dependence and stop taking the drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression.

Risks

Infrequently, Ionamin causes primary pulmonary hypertension, a life-threatening lung disease, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Other risks associated with Ionamin include dangerous spikes in blood pressure and the onset of valvular heart disease.

Considerations

Use of Ionamin in pregnant women may cause dependence on the drug in newborns. If you have a history of substance abuse, type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, mental illness, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, it may not be safe for you to take Ionamin, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Ionamin (Phentermine)

Mayo Clinic: Appetite Suppressants, Sympathomimetic (Oral Route)