Questions and answers about Phentermine

For decades, weight and obesity have been major health care challenges in the US. It’s estimated that 36.5% of US citizens are overweight according to the CDC. The weight loss industry generates $72 billion in revenue yearly. For decades, Americans have struggled mightily to lose weight, even as sedentary lifestyles make shedding pounds difficult. Obesity is regarded as a major factor contributing to heart disease and a host of other health issues that challenge Americans.

As part of this struggle to maintain healthy weight, clinicians and patients have been looking to pharmaceutical options. One of these drugs is Phentermine, a stimulant and appetite suppressant. In this article, we’ll talk about Phentermine and how it’s typically used as part of a supervised weight reduction regime. We’ll also discuss the drug’s features and drawbacks.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is also sold under the brand names of Adipex-p, Duromine, Metermine, Suprenza, and ionamin. Phentermine is a medication used to treat obesity, along with diet and exercise. Phentermine is commonly used to help treat obesity, with two million prescriptions having been filled as of 2017.

Phentermine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant. Importantly, phentermine is not another name for a drug combination of Fenfluramine/Phentermine, otherwise known as “Fen-Phen.” Phentermine does not cause pulmonary hypertension, the problem for which Fen-Phen was withdrawn by its manufacturers after a damaging set of lawsuits. Fen-Phen is no longer widely available for use. 

A Phentermine dosage is instead often prescribed in a mixture with Topiramate, also called Topimax. This is a common anti-seizure medicine and also lowers appetite. This drug has been shown to be safely usable with Phentermine. Sometimes Phentermine is combined with Topiramate in some formulations, while in other instances Topiramate is prescribed separately from Phentermine. 

Phentermine uses

Phentermine is meant for short term use and is meant to be used with calorie reduction and exercise, along with lifestyle changes. Phentermine creates weight reduction within the first several weeks of use. After 12 weeks, the weight loss effect ceases. This means that Phentermine is meant as a short-term assistance as part of a wider weight loss program.

Phentermine is especially popular for treating people who have comorbid conditions with obesity, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabete. Phentermine is useful when used in a program where comorbidity factors are also being controlled and treated. Using Phentermine alone without treatment for these factors can be dangerous. As always, if you are considering Phentermine for weight loss, consult your doctor and work with them to create a comprehensive care plan that takes all of these factors into account.

Benefits of Phentermine

What does Phentermine do?

Phentermine functions by promoting the release of norepinephrine and serotonin, which decreases appetite and increases feelings of energy and wellbeing.

Phentermine also has a secondary effect of increasing metabolism and inducing short term weight loss. This, along with the energy increase that the drug creates, can make it easier to  establish a set of good habits when setting up a sensible diet and exercise program. Since the effects of the drug last only for about 12 weeks, it’s important that a patient receives proper nutritional and exercise support, so that by the end of that period, good lifestyle habits are in place.

Dosage information

Phentermine 37.5 MG is a dose typically prescribed.  Dosages also include 15 mg and 30 mg. As of 2016, the FDA also approved an 8 mg dosage for people that can be taken 3 times daily. Phentermine is usually administered in sustained release capsules that should be taken 10 to 14 hours before sleep and taken exactly as prescribed. Phentermine high dosages can cause severe side effects, so doctor’s instructions should always be followed. Dosages of Phentermine 37.5 MG and above should always be monitored with care. Phentermine pills that dissolve on tongue contact are the usual prescribed form of dosage. 

Phentermine side effects

There are a number of side effects associated with Phentermine, mostly due to the drug being a central nervous system stimulant. If you and your physician are discussing Phentermine, you should be aware of these side effects:

• Shortness of breath after mild exertion
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or faintness, feeling like you will pass out
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Pounding heartbeat or chest fluttering
• Feeling restless, trouble sleeping, tremors
• Increased blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision

Phentermine is not a good option if you already have a history of unaddressed heart disease, glaucoma, or hyperthyroid issues. Phentermine is also contraindicated for pregnant women. When taking a Phentermine 37.5 MG dosage or other large amounts, it’s always wise to discuss with your doctor side effects.

Phentermine: An option for weight control in a rational health care plan

Phentermine can be an excellent tool in a reasonable plan of lifestyle change that considers the challenges associated with heart disease and other factors related to obesity. Combined with exercise, diet changes, and medication meant to control things like hypertension, Phentermine can be a great way to help reduce obesity and live a healthier life.