Phentermine vs Qsymia in Denver, CO: How They Differ
Phentermine vs Qsymia in Denver, CO
Phentermine and Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate) are both pills that reduce appetite, and both are Schedule IV controlled substances. Qsymia contains phentermine plus a second medicine, topiramate. Dr. Alatassi holds a Colorado medical license and Colorado DEA registration, and prescribing follows federal and Colorado law.
Side by side
| Phentermine | Qsymia | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Phentermine | Phentermine and topiramate (extended-release) |
| How it is taken | Tablet or capsule once daily or in divided doses, depending on the product | Once-daily extended-release capsule taken in the morning because it can affect sleep |
| Typical dosing | Adipex-P is typically 37.5 mg once daily (or 18.75 mg twice daily); Lomaira is 8 mg up to three times daily before meals | 3.75 mg/23 mg daily for 14 days, then 7.5 mg/46 mg daily, with possible steps up to 15 mg/92 mg |
| Length of use | Approved for short-term use, a few weeks, alongside diet and exercise | Used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity for chronic weight management |
| Pregnancy | Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding | Can cause birth defects; a negative pregnancy test is needed before starting and regularly during treatment, with effective birth control |
| Controlled substance | Yes, Schedule IV | Yes, Schedule IV |
Questions to discuss with your physician
- Are you looking for a short-term option, or support over a longer period?
- Could you become pregnant? This matters a great deal for Qsymia.
- Do you have heart or blood vessel disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of drug misuse, or do you take an MAO inhibitor? These can rule out both medicines.
- Do you have trouble sleeping or take other stimulants or antidepressants?
FAQs
Do I need an in-person visit first?
Under the federal telemedicine rules currently in effect, a DEA-registered, Colorado-licensed physician can prescribe Schedule IV medicines after a video evaluation, without a prior in-person visit. Your physician also follows Colorado law, and requirements can change over time.
Which one is better?
Neither is better for everyone. Your physician decides after a full evaluation of your history, medicines and goals.
What it costs to find out
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay: the initial consultation is $99, then $99 per month for physician follow-up, with savings on longer plans. Medication is a separate pharmacy cost, typically about $150 to $450 per month depending on the medicine and dose, and prices change over time. See our cost guide and insurance guide. We do not dispense medication and do not offer compounded GLP-1 medications.
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 Colorado. 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 Denver or elsewhere in Colorado.
More comparisons: Zepbound vs Wegovy | Oral Wegovy vs Foundayo | Wegovy vs Ozempic and Zepbound vs Mounjaro | Phentermine vs GLP-1 medications | Weight loss injection vs pill. Or see all options on our weight loss medications in Denver page and our online weight loss doctor page for Denver.
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.
