Qsymia vs. Qnexa: What’s the diff?
This took me a while to figure out…first I kept seeing all this info about Qnexa (Phentermine/Topiramate). Then, all of a sudden I see that the FDA approved a drug called Qsymia for weight loss. Turns out, they’re the same. I guess they decided to change the name!
Anyways this is a combination of two drugs that have been around for awhile. Phentermine is the generic name for a drug called Adipex, which is an anorectic, or apetite suppressant. Topiramate was originally an anti-seizure medication. Both drugs have been used to help patients lose weight.
Qsymia/Qnexa is just a single pill that combines both of these medications. Patients who used the drug in the studies that were done prior to approval lost about 10 percent of their body weight – so a 300 lb patient lost around 30 pounds.
We have been using phentermine and topiramate for a while in Cincinnati to help our patients lose weight. Whether we end up using this drug depends on the cost, as individually these drugs are affordable as they have been around awhile.
Trace Curry MD
www.journeylite.com
Hi – I came across your site while looking into Qsymia due to my desperation to lose weight…the easiest way possible ha-ha! I took Phen-Fen back in the mid-90s but after Fenfluramine was recalled, I found that Phentermine alone did not have the desired effect. I am interested to learn more about your Phentermine/Topiramate therapy, including the costs involved. Thanks so much!
Hi Julie – I will have someone contact you. Dr. C
Qnexa was the original name of the product during the trials, (and the one the drug company preferred), but the FDA made them change it because it sounded too similar to other drugs on the market. HTH
Yes Courtney you are correct about Qsymia! Dr. Curry
Is this medication available with or without a prescription?
Qsymia requires a prescription and a face-to-face visit.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians