Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) for Weight Loss in Illinois
Qsymia combines phentermine, an appetite suppressant, with extended-release topiramate in a once-daily capsule. This guide summarizes the FDA label, including important pregnancy precautions.
Important safety information. This page is general education, not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether a medication is right for you. Do not start, stop or change a prescription without talking to your clinician. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency care or call 988.
What It Is
Qsymia is a once-daily capsule that reduces appetite and increases fullness.
FDA-Approved Uses
Qsymia is approved, with diet and exercise, for long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition, and in adolescents 12 and older with obesity.
How It Is Taken
One capsule each morning. Dosing starts at 3.75/23 mg for 14 days, then 7.5/46 mg. Doses can be raised to 11.25/69 mg and 15/92 mg if weight loss is inadequate. Stopping from higher doses should be done gradually.
Common Side Effects
Tingling in the hands or feet, dizziness, altered taste, trouble sleeping, constipation and dry mouth.
Serious Warnings
Topiramate can cause birth defects, including cleft lip and palate. Pregnancy must be ruled out before starting, and people who could become pregnant need effective contraception and pregnancy testing as directed. Qsymia is not for people with glaucoma or hyperthyroidism, or who took an MAOI in the last 14 days. It can raise heart rate and cause mood changes or suicidal thoughts, acute vision changes, metabolic acidosis, kidney stones, and thinking or memory problems. Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance, so prescribing follows federal and Illinois rules. Dr. Katie Rosenfeld, DO can discuss whether it is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qsymia safe in pregnancy?
No. It can harm a developing baby. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Can I stop it suddenly?
Stopping abruptly from higher doses is not recommended. Your clinician will advise you.
How TeleSlim Clinic Can Help
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your health history and goals by secure video visit and discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Prescribing is always at the clinician's discretion, and not every medication is right for every person. See our Cost & Insurance guides and Illinois locations.
Cost & Insurance guides
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay, and we do not bill insurance for our own services. We do handle prior authorization for your medication, provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, and send your medication and lab orders to the pharmacy or lab you choose, where your insurance can be used. We do not see patients with Medicare.
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Insurance and Weight Loss Medication in Illinois
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA and FSA for Weight Loss Treatment
- Cash-Pay vs. Insurance for Weight Loss Treatment
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Weight Loss Medication
- Illinois State Employee Plan and Weight Loss Medication
- When Your Employer Plan Excludes Weight Loss Drugs
- Prior Authorization and Appeals for Weight Loss Medication
- Self-Pay Weight Loss Medication and Compounded Drugs
- What to Ask Your Insurance About Weight Loss Medication
Medications & Decision Guides
Learn about the prescription options and how to choose:
Weight Loss Guides by Health Condition
- PCOS and Weight Loss
- Prediabetes and Weight Loss
- Menopause Weight Gain
- Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
- Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Medication
- Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- Fatty Liver and Weight Loss
- Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
- Antidepressants and Weight
- Binge and Emotional Eating
- Weight Loss After 50
More in This Library
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
- Orlistat (Xenical, alli)
Cost, Coverage and Illinois Care
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medication?
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA/FSA and Weight Loss Medication
- Cash Pay vs Insurance
TeleSlim Clinic serves patients across Illinois, including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Evanston, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn. See all Illinois locations.
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If you are considering bariatric surgery, learn about surgical options with Dr. Jihad Kudsi at DoctorKudsi.com (https://www.doctorkudsi.com).
Sources: FDA prescribing information for Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release).
This page is general information, not medical advice. Prescribing information changes; confirm current details with your clinician or pharmacist. Last updated: October 7, 2026.