Dante Carrillo
Phentermine is a medication used in the short term to promote weight loss, in combination with a low-calorie diet and exercise. It is available as a tablet or extended-release capsule and is usually taken once a day in the morning. Phentermine is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming, so prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times. It is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with heart problems or a history of substance misuse. Common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness, and restlessness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How it works | Phentermine decreases appetite and cravings by acting as a norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (NDRA) and producing stimulant, rewarding, and appetite suppressant effects. |
| Use | Phentermine is used for a limited period of time, typically a few weeks to 12 weeks, to speed up weight loss in overweight people who are also exercising and eating a low-calorie diet. |
| Dosage | 18.75 to 37.5 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken before or after breakfast. The dosage may be adjusted by a doctor as needed. |
| Form | Phentermine comes as tablets and extended-release capsules. |
| Side effects | Common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness, and restlessness. Serious but rare side effects include heart valve disease and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). |
| Precautions | Phentermine is a controlled substance and may be habit-forming. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain other medications, including MAO inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It may also impair driving or operating machinery. |
| Interactions | Phentermine may decrease the effect of drugs like clonidine, methyldopa, and guanethidine. Drugs to treat hypothyroidism may increase its effect. It should not be used with similar medications such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, or phendimetrazine. |
| Administration | Phentermine should be taken orally with or without water. The tablet should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. The last dose of the day should be taken 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to avoid sleep issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine diet pill side effects
Phentermine is a prescription medication used for weight reduction in patients with obesity or who are overweight and have other health conditions. It is typically used for a limited period of time, usually 12 weeks or less, alongside a reduced-calorie diet plan and regular exercise. It is available as a 15 mg or 30 mg capsule or an 18.75 mg or 37.5 mg tablet, and is taken once daily in the morning or three times a day 30 minutes before meals.
Phentermine can cause several side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before taking the medication. The most common side effects include dry mouth and insomnia, with the latter being worsened by taking the medication too close to bedtime. Other common side effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, restlessness, and fatigue. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as heart valve problems, pulmonary hypertension (when taken with other diet medications), and increased blood pressure in the lungs.
Phentermine may also cause mood changes, such as feeling agitated or perceiving things that are not there (hallucinations). These side effects may be a sign of misuse or overdose, which can lead to serious, life-threatening consequences. It is important to take phentermine exactly as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking phentermine may worsen certain side effects, and it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption while on this medication. Phentermine may also interact with other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. It is crucial to discuss all medications and supplements currently being taken with a doctor or pharmacist before starting phentermine.
If any unusual problems or side effects occur while taking phentermine, it is important to contact a doctor or healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
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Who should not take phentermine
Phentermine is a prescription drug used for weight reduction in patients with obesity. It is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. It is typically taken orally and should be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
Phentermine should not be taken by anyone under 16 years of age. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it can harm unborn babies and may pass into breast milk.
People with a history of heart problems, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, stroke, heart failure, valve disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, should not take phentermine. Additionally, those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma, or agitation should refrain from taking the drug.
Phentermine can also interact with other medications, including benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, phendimetrazine, Bontril®, Didrex®, and MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid and phenelzine. It is important to consult a doctor about any current medications and health conditions before taking phentermine.
Furthermore, phentermine may affect alertness and coordination, so it is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
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Phentermine dosage
Phentermine is a controlled substance, and its use can lead to misuse and dependence. It is approved for short-term use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 or a BMI of at least 27 with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It is not approved for use in children aged 16 and younger.
The typical phentermine dosage for weight loss ranges from 15 mg to 37.5 mg daily. However, the specific dosage and frequency depend on the product and form prescribed by your doctor. It is generally recommended to take the lowest effective dose, and your dosage may be adjusted based on your response to the treatment. Phentermine is available as an oral tablet, capsule, and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). Most forms are taken once daily, with or without food, preferably in the morning to avoid insomnia.
For the oral tablet, swallow the tablet whole with or without water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Take it before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. If you are taking Lomaira, which is another brand of phentermine oral tablet, you may take it three times daily before meals. In this case, take your last dose earlier in the evening to avoid insomnia.
For the ODT form, place the tablet on your tongue, allowing it to dissolve, and then swallow with or without water. Ensure your hands are dry before handling the ODT.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is close to your next scheduled dose or late in the evening. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
It is important to note that phentermine interacts with certain medications, including MAO inhibitors, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, phendimetrazine, Bontril, and Didrex. Consult your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking and inform yourself about the risks and potential adverse reactions associated with phentermine.
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Phentermine and weight loss
Phentermine is a medication used for weight loss in people with obesity. It is typically prescribed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have other risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. It is approved for short-term use, usually for a few weeks, and works by decreasing appetite, which leads to eating fewer calories and creating an energy deficit. This medication is meant to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. It is available as tablets or extended-release capsules, typically taken once daily before or after breakfast. The length of treatment depends on the individual's response to the medication.
It is important to note that phentermine is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. It should be taken exactly as directed by a doctor, and the prescribed dosage should not be exceeded. Phentermine may interact with other medications, including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, it is important to maintain open communication with your doctor and inform them of any side effects experienced while taking phentermine.
Some individuals have reported significant weight loss while taking phentermine. However, it is important to note that results may vary depending on initial weight and the ability to adjust diet and exercise habits. It is recommended to follow a doctor-prescribed diet and exercise program to maximize the effectiveness of phentermine for weight loss. Additionally, phentermine may cause side effects such as dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headaches, although these side effects typically subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
While phentermine can be an effective tool for weight loss, it is important to prioritize healthy and sustainable practices. Combining phentermine with a balanced diet and regular exercise can enhance weight loss results and improve overall health. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Phentermine and drug interactions
Phentermine is a medication used for weight loss in obese or overweight individuals with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is typically used for a short period of time, ranging from three to six weeks, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. It is available in the form of tablets and extended-release capsules, usually taken once daily before or after breakfast.
Phentermine can interact with several other medications, and it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking phentermine with any other drugs. Here are some drug interactions to be aware of:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors: Do not take phentermine if you are currently taking or have recently taken MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Combining these medications may lead to serious adverse effects.
- Weight Loss Medications: The safety and efficacy of combining phentermine with other weight loss drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, or paroxetine, have not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended to co-administer these medications.
- Beta-Blockers: Phentermine may interact with beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, atenolol, or propranolol, which are commonly used for heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure.
- Insulin: If you have diabetes, phentermine may affect your insulin requirements. Consult your doctor or adjust your insulin dose as needed.
- Guanethidine: Phentermine may decrease the hypotensive effect of guanethidine.
- Other Medications: Phentermine may also interact with similar medications, including benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, phendimetrazine, Bontril, and Didrex. It is important to discuss any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is a medication used to treat obesity in combination with diet and exercise. It is available as a tablet or extended-release capsule and is typically taken once daily in the morning. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by your doctor and those on the prescription label. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.
Phentermine is not recommended for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have heart problems or a history of substance misuse. It should also not be taken in combination with certain medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness, and restlessness. Serious side effects may include heart valve disease and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). It is important to discuss any concerns or problems with your doctor.
