Brenda Khan
Phentermine is a prescription-only weight loss pill that is approved for short-term use. It is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to speed up weight loss in people with obesity. It is a controlled substance and may be habit-forming, so it should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. While phentermine is safe when taken as prescribed, it may not be safe for certain people, such as those with heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or severe kidney or liver disease. It is also not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine's side effects
Phentermine is a drug approved for weight loss as part of a regimen of exercise, calorie restriction, and behaviour modification. It is used to speed up weight loss in overweight people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance, similar to an amphetamine, and it stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure and decreasing appetite. It is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with heart problems or a history of substance misuse.
Phentermine may cause some unwanted effects, and it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Tremors or involuntary shaking
- Fast breathing, confusion, and stomach cramps
- Euphoric or "high" feeling
- Mood changes, such as agitation
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
- Palpitations
- Restlessness
- Headache
Phentermine may also interact with other medications, including:
- Insulin and oral diabetes drugs
- Weight loss drugs
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
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Who shouldn't take it
Phentermine is a prescription-only weight loss pill that should only be taken as advised by a doctor. It is not suitable for everyone and should not be taken by those who fall into the following categories:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Phentermine can be harmful to both pregnant women and their babies. If taken during pregnancy, phentermine may cause a birth defect called cleft lip or cleft palate, and the baby may be smaller than expected at birth. It is also unsafe for those who are breastfeeding.
Those with heart disease
Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It should not be taken by anyone with heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
Those with hyperthyroidism
Phentermine should not be taken by anyone with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Those with glaucoma
Phentermine has been linked to glaucoma and should not be taken by anyone with this condition.
Those with severe kidney or liver disease
Phentermine is processed by the kidneys and liver, and those with severe disease in either of these organs should not take it.
Those with a history of substance misuse
Phentermine is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. It should not be taken by anyone with a history of substance misuse.
Those under 16 years old
Phentermine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old. Safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.
Those taking certain other medications
Phentermine may interact with many other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. It should not be taken with other diet medications or similar medicines such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), without medical advice.
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Dosage instructions
Phentermine is a prescription-only appetite suppressant and weight loss pill approved for short-term use. It is usually taken for 3 to 12 weeks or less. It is typically taken once daily, with or without food, in the morning. However, some forms, like Lomaira, are taken three times daily before meals.
The typical dosage of phentermine for weight loss usually ranges from 15 mg to 37.5 mg daily. However, the dosage can depend on the specific product and form, and it may be adjusted based on individual response to the treatment. For instance, the dosage of Adipex-P and generic tablets may be adjusted to 18.75 mg once or twice daily.
Phentermine is available as an oral tablet, capsule, and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). To take the orally disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before touching the tablet. Place the tablet on the top of your tongue right after removing it from the bottle and swallow it with or without water. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, break, or chew it.
Phentermine is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the directions on the prescription label. Do not take a larger dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer duration than recommended. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Phentermine may cause side effects, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking it, especially if you have certain health conditions or are taking other medications. It should not be used by individuals with specific health conditions, such as heart disease, glaucoma, severe kidney or liver disease, or a history of drug abuse. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Additionally, phentermine may interact with other medications, including MAO inhibitors and certain diet medications, so it is crucial to disclose all current medications to your doctor before starting phentermine.
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Interactions with other medicines
Phentermine interacts with many medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking phentermine with any other medication.
Phentermine should not be taken with other diet medications or appetite suppressants without medical advice. It is also not recommended to be prescribed in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of medications used to treat depression. Some examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), and tranylcypromine.
Phentermine may also interact with antihypertensive or antiepileptic medications. It is important to disclose all medications, supplements, and vitamins currently being taken to a healthcare professional, who can then determine whether phentermine is appropriate and safe for the individual.
Additionally, phentermine may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, severe kidney or liver disease, or a history of substance use disorder. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Phentermine is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. It may affect alertness and coordination, and it is advised to refrain from driving or operating machinery until the individual knows how phentermine affects them.
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Safety considerations
Phentermine is a prescription-only appetite suppressant and weight loss pill approved for short-term use. It is generally safe to use when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind when taking phentermine:
Contraindications and Pre-existing Conditions
Phentermine is not suitable for everyone, and certain pre-existing conditions may contraindicate its use. Do not take phentermine if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, severe kidney or liver disease, or a history of drug abuse. It is also important to disclose any allergies, especially to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals, to your doctor before taking phentermine.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Phentermine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking phentermine, stop taking the medication immediately and consult your doctor. Phentermine may increase the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. Therefore, it is crucial to use effective birth control while taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
Phentermine can interact with various other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements. It should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of antidepressants. Always disclose all medications and supplements you are taking to your doctor before starting phentermine to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
Age Restrictions
Phentermine is not approved for use by anyone under 16 years old, and safety and efficacy have not been established in children. It is important to keep phentermine out of the reach of children, as it may be harmful to them.
Tolerance and Misuse
Phentermine can cause tolerance, where the body adjusts to the medication, reducing its effectiveness. Misuse or taking phentermine other than as prescribed can lead to serious side effects, including hallucinations and psychotic-like behaviors. It is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Do not take phentermine if you have a history of substance use disorder.
Alertness and Coordination
Phentermine can affect alertness and coordination, so refrain from driving or operating machinery until you know how phentermine affects you. It is recommended to take the last dose of the day 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is a prescription-only appetite suppressant and weight loss pill approved for short-term use. It is generally safe to take when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, it may not be safe for certain people, such as those with heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or severe kidney or liver disease. It is also not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing.
Some common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and constipation. It can also affect alertness or coordination, so it is advised to refrain from driving or other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how phentermine affects you.
Phentermine can interact with many other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and dietary supplements. It should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain other medications. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking phentermine with other medications.
Phentermine typically stays in your system for approximately 4 days. It takes about 20 hours for half of the drug to leave your system. However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, diet, and liver and kidney function.
If you miss a dose of phentermine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
