The pharmaceutical
company Vivus recently reported that clinical study data related to its
weight-loss drug Qsymia indicates the medication may also help treat obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA), a potentially deadly condition that affects tens of millions
of Americans.
Qsymia received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July for the treatment of obesity. However, the findings of a recent study, which were published in the journal Sleep, demonstrate that two active ingredients in Qsymia—phentermine and topiramate—may also aid in the treatment of OSA.
The study was funded by Vivus, which is also conducting ongoing studies as it pursues approval for the potential use of Qsymia in OSA and diabetes treatment, and focused on 45 obese adults with OSA who were not undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The study found that patients who received phentermine and topiramate experienced fewer breathing interruptions and lower blood pressure during sleep.
There are currently no FDA-approved medications for sleep apnea treatment. If you or your partner suffers from loud, chronic snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms, a qualified sleep dentist can assess your condition, determine whether you need further testing, and devise a customized sleep apnea treatment plan for you.
In addition to CPAP, the field of dental sleep medicine offers a number of treatment options, including oral appliances.
Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate an experienced sleep dentist near you.