Jeffrey Salazar
Phentermine is a drug used for short periods to speed up weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. It is typically used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise plan. While it can be effective, it is a controlled substance that can cause several side effects, including dry mouth, insomnia, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and restlessness. More seriously, phentermine can also cause heart valve problems, pulmonary hypertension, and severe allergic reactions. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it can cause birth defects and developmental issues in babies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, restlessness |
| Serious side effects | Heart valve disease, increased blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), hallucinations, psychotic-like behaviours |
| Interactions | Fenfluramine (Phen-Fen), dexfenfluramine (Redux), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, etc.), prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products |
| Contraindications | Glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, advanced coronary artery disease, extreme agitation, history of drug abuse, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies |
| Precautions | Follow prescription, store at room temperature, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how phentermine affects you, keep hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed, do not sell or give to others |
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What You'll Learn
Heart valve problems
Phentermine is a stimulant medication that suppresses a person's appetite, making it popular as a weight-loss drug. It is usually prescribed as part of a short-term weight-loss plan that also includes exercise, modifying behaviour, and reducing calories.
Phentermine is associated with a number of side effects, including dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. In rare cases, it may also cause valvular heart disease, which involves damage to one or more of the valves in the heart. These valves open and close to regulate blood flow.
The use of phentermine, especially in combination with fenfluramine, has been linked to unusual cardiac valve structure and function. This can lead to regurgitation of the valves on the left and right sides of the heart, resulting in conditions such as aortic valve insufficiency and mitral valve insufficiency. In some cases, patients have also developed pulmonary hypertension, a rare but often fatal condition characterised by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
The prevalence of significant valvular heart disease associated with the use of phentermine and other anorectic drugs is reported to be as high as 23%. However, it is important to note that valvular heart disease associated with phentermine use is rare, and the majority of cases have occurred when phentermine is used in combination with other drugs, particularly fenfluramine.
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Increased blood pressure
Phentermine is a stimulant that acts on the sympathetic nervous system and can lead to a surge in adrenaline levels. This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may be particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular issues or those who are undiagnosed. The increase in blood pressure may be mild or more severe, and can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms of elevated blood pressure include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath.
The mechanism by which phentermine increases blood pressure is through its action on the adrenergic system. It stimulates the release of norepinephrine, which causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and thus increases blood pressure. This is a particular concern for those with existing hypertension, as the combination of phentermine and hypertension can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack.
Additionally, phentermine may interact with other medications, especially those that affect the cardiovascular system. For example, combining phentermine with other stimulants or diet pills can exacerbate its effects on blood pressure. It is important for individuals taking phentermine to be aware of these potential interactions and to consult a healthcare professional before taking any additional medications or supplements.
Furthermore, the increase in blood pressure may be more pronounced in certain populations, such as the elderly or those with renal impairment. These individuals may have a reduced ability to metabolize phentermine, leading to higher drug concentrations in the body and potentially more severe side effects. As such, it is crucial for individuals considering phentermine therapy to disclose their full medical history and current medication list to their healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits of the medication for their specific case.
While increased blood pressure is a concerning side effect of phentermine, it is typically monitored and managed through regular check-ups with a healthcare professional. Individuals taking phentermine should have their blood pressure regularly monitored, especially during the initial phase of treatment, to ensure that it remains within a safe range. Adjustments to the dosage or discontinuation of the medication may be necessary if blood pressure becomes elevated to unsafe levels.
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Interactions with other medications
Phentermine is a controlled substance that can be misused and lead to dependence. It is typically prescribed for short-term use as part of a weight loss plan that includes exercise, a low-calorie diet, and behavioural changes. It is important to be cautious when taking phentermine with other medications as it can cause serious side effects or interactions.
Firstly, phentermine should not be taken with other weight loss medications, such as amphetamine, benzphetamine, dextroamphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, fenfluramine (Phen-Fen), or dexfenfluramine (Redux). Taking phentermine with other diet pills can lead to a rare but fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension.
Secondly, phentermine can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure when taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. It is recommended that you do not take phentermine within 14 days of starting or stopping an MAOI.
Thirdly, phentermine may interact with insulin and oral diabetes drugs, such as nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, metformin, glimepiride, glipizide, sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, exenatide, and liraglutide. Taking these medications together may cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels, and your doctor may adjust the dosage of your diabetes medication.
In addition, it is important to inform your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you are taking. Phentermine may also be unsafe for those with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, severe heart problems, high blood pressure, or a history of drug abuse.
It is crucial to seek medical advice and carefully follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider when taking phentermine to avoid any potential interactions or adverse effects.
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Not suitable for children
Phentermine is a prescription-only medication that is used to speed up weight loss in obese individuals. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance with the potential for abuse and dependence. It is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
Phentermine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure while decreasing appetite. It is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or 27 kg/m2 or greater with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The most common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects such as heart valve disease and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) are rare, especially when phentermine is used alone. However, taking phentermine with other diet medications can cause a rare, fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension.
Phentermine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it may harm the unborn baby or the nursing infant. It is also contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe agitation, or a history of drug abuse.
Phentermine can cause tolerance, and misuse can lead to serious side effects like hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. It is important to take phentermine exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to store it safely out of the reach of children.
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Pregnancy risks
Phentermine is a prescription medication that acts as an appetite suppressant to aid weight loss. It is unsafe for use during pregnancy and can cause harm to the unborn baby. Here are the pregnancy risks associated with phentermine:
Birth Defects and Fetal Development
Birth defects are a significant concern with phentermine use during pregnancy. Most birth defects develop early in pregnancy, often before a person even knows they are pregnant. A 2019 case report suggests a correlation between phentermine use and an increased risk of stroke in a developing fetus. Additionally, there is research indicating a link between phentermine exposure and thickened mitral valves in the heart, as well as a type of brain cyst called bilateral porencephalic cysts.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Phentermine use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of cleft lip and cleft palate in the developing fetus. This is a serious birth defect that can have long-term consequences for the child.
Gestational Diabetes
Phentermine may increase the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. This condition poses risks to both the developing fetus and the pregnant person, potentially leading to complications such as high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
Weight Loss During Pregnancy
Deliberate weight loss during pregnancy is generally unsafe for both the parent and the fetus. Weight loss can put the baby at risk for health complications, including being small for its gestational age, which is associated with an increased risk of dying in the first year of life.
Breastfeeding
It is not recommended to take phentermine while breastfeeding. Although it is unknown if phentermine is excreted in breast milk, it acts as a stimulant and may cause side effects in the breastfed baby, such as agitation, sleeping problems, and feeding difficulties.
Overall, phentermine is not considered safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant people should discontinue the use of phentermine and consult their healthcare provider to assess any potential risks and receive advice on weight management during pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is a drug used to speed up weight loss in overweight people. It is usually taken for 12 weeks or less, and it stays in your system for approximately 4 days.
The most common side effects of Phentermine are dry mouth and insomnia. Serious but rare side effects include heart valve disease, increased blood pressure in the lungs, and allergic reactions.
Phentermine should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe heart problems, or a history of drug abuse.
If you experience any unusual or serious side effects from taking Phentermine, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may also report the side effects to the relevant authorities, such as the FDA in the United States or Health Canada in Canada.
