Research
Mixed
The combination of low-dose phentermine and extended-release topiramate produces significantly greater weight loss (up to 10.9%) than monotherapies or placebo, with a favorable benefit-risk profile regarding cardiovascular events despite increased heart rate.
Phentermine/topiramate is a highly effective combination drug for weight loss, achieving nearly 11% loss in high-dose users. It works by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. You start with a low dose and titrate up. If you don't lose at least 3-5% in 12 weeks, stop. Be aware of potential cognitive side effects like memory issues or tingling, and monitor your heart rate.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Phentermine/topiramate has produced much higher weight loss than previously seen in clinical trials of obesity medications... At the end of the second year of treatment, patients completing the trial taking the mid-dose combination maintained a weight loss of 9.3% below baseline, and those on the high dose maintained a 10.7% weight loss from baseline.
Why this rating
Based on large randomized controlled trials (EQUIP, CONQUER, SEQUEL).
Source
Pharmacotherapy for obesity: novel agents and paradigms
Sean Manning et al. · Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease · 2014
narrative_reviewCited 92×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →