Treatment library
Loading treatment roster
Preparing current medications, procedures, devices, and historical context.
Treatment library
Preparing current medications, procedures, devices, and historical context.
A fixed-dose combination of phentermine and topiramate extended release for chronic weight management. It remains one of the main non-GLP-1 branded obesity medications in the U.S.
FDA-approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults and for certain adolescents with obesity.
Sympathomimetic appetite suppression plus antiepileptic-related appetite effects
Coverage varies. Some plans treat it more favorably than injectable obesity brands; many still exclude obesity medications broadly.
Sympathomimetic appetite suppression plus antiepileptic-related appetite effects
A fixed-dose combination of phentermine and topiramate extended release for chronic weight management. It remains one of the main non-GLP-1 branded obesity medications in the U.S.
medication
current
2012
Qsymia
phentermine / topiramate extended release
VIVUS
No identical generic extended-release combination equivalent.
phentermine, topiramate
Lower cash-pay ceiling than the newest injectable brands, but still a meaningful recurring branded medication cost.
Coverage varies. Some plans treat it more favorably than injectable obesity brands; many still exclude obesity medications broadly.
FDA-approved for adults with BMI of 30 or higher, or BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Also approved for certain adolescents with obesity. Often considered when an oral chronic obesity medication is preferred and stimulant-related cautions are acceptable.
Adults with BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Also approved for certain adolescents with obesity.
The teratogenicity risk from topiramate is the first thing clinicians consider: pregnancy testing is required, and the drug is not an option for anyone who may become pregnant. That aside, Qsymia produces roughly 9-10% average weight loss in trials, which is competitive with older GLP-1 results but below current injectable benchmarks (Wegovy roughly 15%, Zepbound roughly 20%). It is oral and avoids injection entirely, which matters to patients who will not consider a needle.
Qsymia is still the main oral comparator in obesity treatment, even as branded injectables absorb most of the attention.
Includes teratogenicity concerns related to topiramate, stimulant-related cardiovascular cautions, mood effects, and cognitive side effects.
dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, paresthesia, increased heart rate
Sympathomimetic appetite suppression plus antiepileptic-related appetite effects
Oral once-daily capsules with titration through multiple dose strengths depending on response and tolerability.
Oral capsule taken once daily.
These are the official or reference sources used to anchor this treatment profile.
Treatment availability, dosing, cash pricing, and insurance coverage change often. Verify current details with your clinician, pharmacist, surgeon, device program, and insurer before starting, switching, or paying for treatment.