Phentermine
Overview
Phentermine is a stimulant medication used as an appetite suppressant to assist with weight loss in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise program. The medication is approved by the FDA as a short-term adjunct therapy for adults with certain comorbid conditions who are overweight or obese. Phentermine works on the brain to reduce hunger and on the cells to increase metabolism to burn more fat. The common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth and a restless feeling, and the medication is contraindicated in individuals with cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, or who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Duration of Use
When the FDA approved phentermine in 1959, it was approved for short-term use, typically interpreted as about three months. However, obesity is a long-term disease, and newer weight loss medications, such as the combination of phentermine and topiramate, have been approved for longer-term use. While most weight loss physicians use phentermine on a longer-term basis off-label, it is important to note that the benefit of losing weight should be considered higher than the risks associated with the medication.
Combination with Other Weight Loss Medications
Phentermine is increasingly being used as a component of combination weight loss medications, such as Qsymia, and is often used with other weight loss medications, including bupropion, metformin, diethylpropion, and Belviq. In the opinion of many weight loss physicians familiar with phentermine, it is a relatively well-tolerated medication that works best in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise under careful medical supervision.
Dosage
Phentermine is available as a 15 mg, 30 mg, or 37.5 mg capsule or tablet, and the strength of the medication that is most effective depends on an individual's situation and the weight loss physician's recommendation. While there are variations in the formulation in terms of extended-release or immediate-release, the capsule or tablet should be the same.
Precautions
Individuals should tell their doctor and pharmacist if they are allergic to phentermine or any other medications, or if they are taking any other medications. Phentermine works best in combination with a diet program, and individuals should follow the diet and exercise program that their doctor has given them. If a dose of phentermine is missed, individuals should take the missed dose as soon as they remember it, but if it is almost time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose and continue their regular dosing schedule.
Safety
Phentermine is an amphetamine and is the most widely used anti-obesity drug in the U.S. While phentermine is the agent of choice among physicians specializing in obesity treatment, the use of this drug for obesity treatment by other physicians has long been curtailed due to misconceptions regarding phentermine safety. Concerns of phentermine-induced adverse cardiovascular reactions and phentermine-induced addiction have had a profound negative impact on phentermine prescribing. However, after 52 years of use, there is no evidence in the peer-reviewed medical literature to support the hypothesis that phentermine has significant human addiction potential.
Side Effects
Common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Some side effects can be serious, such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, restlessness, dizziness, tremor, insomnia, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the legs and ankles, and difficulty doing exercise that an individual has been able to do. Individuals should call their weight loss or primary doctor if they have any unusual problems during their treatment with phentermine.
Trade Names
Phentermine is marketed under various trade names, including Adipex P (immediate release) and Ionamin.
W8MD Doctors in Philadelphia
W8MD doctors in Philadelphia prescribe phentermine and Adipex for weight loss. Individuals can contact W8MD for more information about insurance coverage, the cost of phentermine, and other cheap weight loss prescription options in Philadelphia.
Interactions
Phentermine may interact with medications such as dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, furazolidone, or MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine), which are contraindicated due to the risk of serious side effects, such as increasing headache, high blood pressure, slow heart rate, elevated temperature, or possibly fatal lung problems. Guanadrel (Hylorel) or guanethidine (Ismelin) effectiveness may be decreased by phentermine. Antacids may decrease the excretion of phentermine, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, methazolamide) may also decrease the excretion of phentermine.
Also see
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers is a network of medical centers located in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and surrounding areas that provide comprehensive care for weight loss, sleep disorders, and aesthetic treatments.
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Locations
W8MD location(s):
- Brooklyn, NY: NYC medical weight loss, sleep and medspa: 2632 E 21st St., Suite L2, Brooklyn, NY 11235 Contact: (718)946-5500
- W8MD's Weight loss diet - Recipes (WikiMD)
- Links: Weight loss | Sleep medicine | Medical spa | Nutrition | Success stories |
- Diet pills: Phentermine, Phen/Topiramate, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro, Contrave, Plenity, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine
- Resources: W8MD diet | Keto diet guide | Free Ebook | 12 Ways to lose weight quickly | 8 Amazing Weeks
