Dante Carrillo
Phentermine is a prescription medication for obesity treatment. It is a controlled substance that has a high risk of misuse or dependence. It is available in generic and brand versions, the most common being Adipex-P. Phentermine is typically combined with topiramate in extended-release capsules, and it works by decreasing appetite. It is meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. To obtain phentermine, one must consult a licensed healthcare provider for a detailed health assessment and prescription.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Prescription medication for obesity treatment |
| Availability | Generic and brand versions available |
| Cost | $7.42 with GoodRx coupon; $38.39 average retail price |
| Dosage | 18.75 to 37.5 mg once a day before or after breakfast |
| Administration | Swallow whole with or without water; do not crush, break, or chew |
| Diet | Reduced-calorie diet |
| Exercise | Regular exercise |
| Side effects | May affect blood sugar levels, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, change in eyesight, depression, sleep issues, increased body temperature, etc. |
| Precautions | Not recommended for children under 16; not to be used with similar medicines or MAO inhibitors; do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding |
| Interactions | May interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, alcohol, illegal drugs, etc. |
| Addiction | May be habit-forming |
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine prescription requirements
Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss medication that is generally considered safe and effective. It is available as a generic drug and under the brand names Adipex-P, Lomaira, and Suprenza. Phentermine is also available in combination with another drug called topiramate, sold under the brand name Qsymia.
Phentermine is a controlled substance, meaning it has the potential for abuse and dependence. It is typically approved for short-term use of up to 12 weeks and is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
To obtain a prescription for phentermine, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. Phentermine is indicated for short-term use as an adjunct to a weight reduction regimen based on exercise, behavioural modification, and caloric restriction in patients with obesity. Specifically, it is recommended for patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m^2 or greater, or 27 kg/m^2 or greater in the presence of other risk factors such as controlled hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.
It is important to note that phentermine is not suitable for everyone. It should not be taken by individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Additionally, phentermine should be used with caution in patients with even mild hypertension due to the risk of increased blood pressure. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, individuals with hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or severe kidney or liver disease.
Phentermine may impair the ability to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving, and it may interact with other medications such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics, and adrenergic neuron-blocking drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking phentermine to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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Phentermine side effects
Phentermine is a medication used for a limited period to speed up weight loss in overweight individuals who are also exercising and eating a low-calorie diet. It is only recommended for people with a BMI of 30 or greater (or over 27 with certain medical conditions). It is not recommended for those with heart problems or a history of substance misuse. It is also not approved for long-term use and should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Phentermine has serious interactions with at least 40 different drugs and moderate interactions with at least 163. It should not be taken with other medications or substances, including:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selelgiline, and tranylcypromine
- Other drugs for weight loss, such as amphetamine, benzphetamine, dextroamphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and nefazodone
- Insulin and oral diabetes drugs, such as nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, metformin, glimepiride, glipizide, sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, exenatide, and liraglutide
The most common side effects of phentermine include:
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Tremors or involuntary shaking
- Euphoric or "high" feeling
- Agitation
- Palpitations
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Pounding in your neck or ears
- Anxiety
- Nosebleed
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Arm or leg weakness
- Trouble walking
- Loss of coordination
- Feeling unsteady
- Stiff muscles
- High fever
- Profuse sweating
Serious side effects of phentermine can include:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart failure
- Psychosis
- Physical or psychological dependence
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
- Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
If you experience any side effects, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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Phentermine dosage
Phentermine is an inexpensive drug used to decrease appetite and is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to help with weight loss. It is available in generic and brand versions, with the brand version called Adipex-P.
The typical phentermine dosage for weight loss usually ranges from 15 mg to 37.5 mg daily, taken orally. However, the dosage can vary depending on the specific product and form, and it is recommended to take the lowest effective dose. For example, the typical dosage for Adipex-P is 37.5 mg by mouth once daily, either before or after breakfast. This dosage may be adjusted to 18.75 mg once or twice daily, depending on the individual's needs.
It is important to note that phentermine is a controlled substance, and misuse can lead to dependence. It is not approved for use in children under 16 or 17 years of age, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, phentermine may not be suitable for older adults, as they tend to be more sensitive to medications and are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require a lower dosage.
If you have kidney damage, your dosage may also need to be adjusted, and phentermine is not recommended for those with severe kidney damage or end-stage kidney disease. It is important to carefully follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and any recommended lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise plans.
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Phentermine cost
Phentermine is a weight-loss medication that has been available since the 1950s. It is a popular and inexpensive drug used to decrease appetite and aid weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Phentermine is available in both generic and brand versions. The brand name for phentermine is Adipex-P, and Lomaira is another brand-name drug.
The cost of phentermine varies depending on several factors, including whether it is a generic or brand-name drug, your location, the pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Without insurance, generic phentermine typically costs around $8–$25 for a 30-day supply, while brand-name phentermine costs around $11–$25 for the same duration.
Using pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost of phentermine. For example, using a GoodRx coupon can bring the price down to $7.42, which is 81% off the average retail price of $38.39 for the most common version. Prices at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies start at $12.82.
Qsymia, a prescription medicine that contains phentermine and topiramate extended-release, is priced higher than both brand-name and generic phentermine, with an average retail price of $266.75 for 30 days of 7.5 mg/46 mg capsules.
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Phentermine alternatives
Phentermine is a prescription medication used for weight loss, but it may not be suitable or effective for everyone. It is a stimulant that can cause side effects such as dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremors. People with a history of substance use disorder should refrain from taking phentermine.
Topiramate (Topamax)
Topiramate is an oral medication that is FDA-approved to treat seizures and migraines. It helps reduce appetite and makes you feel full sooner. It may also help lower leptin levels in the body, which is a hormone that signals the body to store fat. Clinical studies found that people taking topiramate lost around 5% of their body weight in 24 weeks. Weight loss typically begins within 4 weeks of starting the medication.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat is an older medication available by prescription for adults and adolescents ages 12 and older. It is an oral capsule taken three times a day with meals. Orlistat works directly in the digestive system to prevent the body from absorbing fats in the diet. Over half of adults taking orlistat lost at least 5% of their body weight after 1 year. Alli, the over-the-counter version of orlistat, is a lower dosage with reduced weight loss results and is only approved for adults. Side effects of orlistat include loose stools, oily stools, and gas with oily spotting, which can be minimised by a low-fat diet.
Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Contrave contains two ingredients: naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant. These work on two areas of the brain that are involved in the appetite and reward system. Contrave is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related risk factor. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and dry mouth. Contrave has an FDA-required black box warning due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours associated with its antidepressant ingredient.
Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Wegovy and Zepbound are injectable phentermine alternatives. They are injected once weekly and are currently only approved for adults. These medications mimic the actions of hormones in the body, including GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Clinical studies have shown that 80-90% of people taking the highest Zepbound dosage lost 5% or more of their starting body weight, with an average weight loss of around 20%. Weight loss is typically noticed within 4 weeks, and Zepbound is considered safe for long-term use. Common side effects of these medications include nausea, diarrhoea, heartburn, and injection site reactions.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss medication to determine the most suitable option based on your overall health, other medications, and insurance coverage. Additionally, natural alternatives such as dietary supplements are generally not recommended due to their lack of effectiveness and potential harm.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is a prescription medication used to treat obesity. It is a combination of two drugs, phentermine and topiramate, that work together to decrease appetite and help people lose weight.
Phentermine is a prescription-only medication, so you must obtain a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. To get a prescription, a healthcare provider will assess your health and determine if you are a good candidate for the medication.
Some common side effects of phentermine include decreased sleep, increased body temperature, and serious skin reactions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking phentermine to ensure it is safe for you.
