Phentermine

Phentermine

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a medication prescribed for chronic weight management to individuals with overweight and weight-related complications or obesity without burning fat or affecting metabolism. It makes them feel full sooner and takes their mind away from food, lessening their calorie intake and allowing people to feel more control over their appetite and food cravings.

Phentermine - A medication tablet commonly prescribed for weight management.

How does Phentermine work?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that helps people manage their weight. It changes the brain chemistry and alters levels of dopamine and norepinephrine to make one feel less hungry and consume fewer calories. 

One may lose weight without making necessary lifestyle changes, but phentermine works best by taking it with healthy lifestyle changes. Increased physical activities and a modified diet are equally relevant to maintaining lost weight.

People who take phentermine without lifestyle changes may lose weight at first and regain it before reaching their desired weight.

Who should not take phentermine?

Those who have any of the following should not take phentermine:

    • heart disease
    • uncontrolled hypertension
    • glaucoma
    • uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
    • pregnant women
    • nursing
    • planning to get pregnant
    • taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days
    • prone to agitation 
    • history of drug abuse

What if I get pregnant while taking Phentermine?

Although there are no documented cases of phentermine being harmful to developing fetuses, like many medications, we advise discontinuing Phentermine immediately as there are no studies to determine its safety during pregnancy.

How does the first office visit and monthly follow ups for this program looks like?

First visit includes physician consult, review of medical and surgical history, EKG, and one month prescription of Phentermine (if recommended by Physician).

Follow up monthly visits, include quick review of your progress, challenges, any medication side effects etc. You can stay on the appetite suppressant for up to 3 months as long as its helping to move towards your goal weight. FDA approved phentermine to be taken up to twelve weeks.

Since phentermine is helping people reach a healthy weight, healthcare providers have the option to order longer use.

When is the best time to take phentermine?

Generally, it is best to take Phentermine with first meal of the day. To spread the medication evenly throughout the day, some patients take half a pill before breakfast and the other half before lunch. This way, it allows the medication to work in the evening.

Taking phentermine less than eight hours before bedtime can keep you awake or cause insomnia. With this, we do not recommend taking it in the evening.

Also, please note that phentermine is a long-acting medication and takes an hour or two for its appetite suppressant effect to peak. It may remain effective for about six to eight hours, and about twenty-four hours to be eliminated from the body.

How do I know if phentermine is working?

Once an individual taking Phentermine has lost 10% of their original weight when they started taking the medication, and if they maintain the weight they have lost, phentermine is still working.

Is phentermine addictive and a controlled substance?

While phentermine is chemically related to amphetamine, there has been no documented case of addiction. However, phentermine is still a federally controlled substance because the possibility of abuse or may lead to drug dependence is not dismissed. Some states allow doctors to prescribe one month at a time.

What are the common side effects of phentermine?

Phentermine’s side effects may include the following:

    • dry mouth
    • restlessness
    • irritability
    • insomnia
    • constipation
    • jitteriness
    • increased heart rate 
    • increased blood pressure

What are the possible serious side effects of phentermine?

Please stop taking phentermine if you have trouble breathing, severe chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the legs.

How does phentermine react with caffeine and alcohol?

    • Caffeine – Caffeine and phentermine are both stimulants that can cause insomnia and increase heart rate. If taken together, the side effects may be severe and we recommend limiting caffeine intake while taking Phentermine, especially during the first two weeks of taking it.
    • Alcohol – There is no known interaction between Phentermine and alcohol, but some individuals reported they feel intoxicated quicker when they drink alcohol while taking phentermine. We highly recommend driving after having a drink.

Also, keep in mind that alcohol contains calories that may stimulate appetite and decrease one’s willpower. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is important in losing weight with phentermine effectively.

Does phentermine interact with any other medication?

    • It is safe to take Phentermine while taking most other medications or a combination of medications. Some may increase the side effects such as dry mouth and increased heart rate. Thus, it is very important to let the healthcare provider prescribing Phentermine review all the medications you are taking. This is to ensure your safety and prevent complications or severe side effects.

What will my initial visit look like?

    • First visit includes physician consult, review of medical and surgical history, EKG, and one month prescription of Phentermine (if recommended by Physician).

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