Topiramate And Phentermine

Abstract

Phentermine and extended-release (ER) topiramate have been used separately in a variety of ways. Phentermine was first introduced in 1959 as part of an anti-obesity combination drug. Topiramate was released for commercial use in 1996. Phentermine on its own has been used for short-term treatment of obesity in combination with exercise and caloric restriction. In addition, Topiramate on its own has been used to treat partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and as a prophylactic treatment of migraine headaches. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved the combination of these 2 drugs in 2012 to treat obesity. The drugs are to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program in individuals with an initial body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 or in those with a BMI of over 27 in combination with at least one obesity-related comorbidity. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, methods of administration, important adverse effects, contraindications, toxicity, and monitoring, of topiramate/phentermine so providers can direct patient therapy where they are indicated as part of the interprofessional team.