Phentermine

Phentermine is a regulated prescription medication used to reduce appetite.

About Phentermine

Overview

Phentermine is a prescription weight loss medication approved by the FDA in 1959 for short-term use in individuals over 16 years old.

In the 1990s, it was combined with other drugs to create the fen-phen combination for weight loss. Due to reports of heart problems, the FDA removed the other drugs from the market.

Today, phentermine is available under various brand names and can be used alone or in combination medications for weight loss.

It is a controlled substance due to the risk of dependence and is prescribed for a limited amount of time to individuals with obesity or excess weight with certain weight-related conditions.

Advantages

Phentermine is classified as an anorectic drug, which is also known as an appetite suppressant, helping to reduce calorie intake by suppressing appetite and potentially leading to weight loss.

The exact mechanism by which phentermine reduces appetite is not fully understood, but it is believed to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain, including norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.

These neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers in the body, and when their levels rise, hunger decreases. However, tolerance to the appetite-suppressing effects of phentermine may develop within a few weeks, requiring a discussion with the prescribing healthcare professional.

Pros

Phentermine boosts metabolism
Suppresses appetite
Increases energy levels
Safer than over-the-counter weight loss pills
Improves mood
Fights fatigue
Available only with a prescription
Talk to a doctor about weight loss goals and benefits

Cons

Most commonly reported side effects:

Dry mouth
Sleep problems
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Skin flushing
Fatigue
Constipation
Irritability
Nausea
Vomiting

What to Expect

Clinical studies have shown that phentermine can aid in significant weight loss, even though it is only FDA-approved for short-term use of 12 weeks.

Doctors often prescribe phentermine off-label for longer periods, sometimes recommending breaks from the medication.

On average, users can expect to lose 3-7% of their initial body weight within 3 to 6 months.

Combining phentermine with topiramate has shown to be more effective for weight loss than using phentermine alone. This combination medication, sold as Qsymia, has been associated with higher odds of losing at least 5% of initial body weight compared to other weight-loss drugs.

Average weight loss was:

7.8 pounds (3.55 kg) for a 3.75/23 mg (phentermine/topiramate) dose
16 pounds (7.27 kg) for a 7.5/46 mg dose
18 pounds (8.25 kg) for a 15/92 mg dose

In users of phentermine-topiramate, weight loss translated to a significant decrease in waist circumference as well as improved insulin sensitivity, improved blood sugar management, and reduction in blood pressure

Safety Profile

Although uncommon, there exists the potential for severe side effects when using phentermine including:

elevated blood pressure
suicidal thoughts
metabolic acidosis
increased creatinine levels
fetal harm
vision impairment
cognitive dysfunction
hypokalemia (low potassium)

It is advised to refrain from taking phentermine if one has a history of heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, severe kidney or liver dysfunction, or if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, the concurrent use of phentermine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of medication prescribed for depression, is not recommended.

Cost

With a prescription, the price of a month’s supply of phentermine can vary significantly, ranging from $30 to upwards of $200, contingent upon the brand, formulation, and strength of the medication.

Related Procedures

Benefits of Drinking Water

Ensuring adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Water consumption plays a crucial role in preventing dehydration, a condition that…

Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is when we turn to food as a way to cope with our feelings, rather than eating when…

Functional Medicine: Wellness and Longevity

The functional medicine model focuses on treating the whole person, putting you at the center of your healthcare journey….

GLP-1 Injectables

Discover the power of GLP-1 drugs in transforming your health….

GLP-1 Oral

Semaglutide is available in tablet or sublingual form as an oral option for weight loss without the need for injections….

Healthy Meal Plan

A dietary regimen that supports overall health and weight management involves consuming a diverse range of nutritious foods….

Metformin

Studies have found that metformin can help with weight loss, especially for those who are overweight and at risk for…

Naltrexone/Bupropion

The powerful combination of naltrexone and bupropion has the potential to revolutionize weight loss….

Physical Activity

The importance of physical activity lies in its ability to provide both immediate and long-term health benefits….

Topiramate

Topiramate can help with weight loss by reducing calorie intake and affecting reward pathways related to eating….

Find a weightloss provider

Common Conditions

Acne Scars

Acne scars are permanent textural changes that occur on the skin due to severe acne or improper handling of acne…

Aesthetic Complications

Complications can arise during or after a treatment by any practitioner for any patient. Although serious complications are uncommon, there…

Age Spots

Age spots are flat, brown, or grayish patches that appear on the skin, typically in areas exposed to the sun….

Broken Capillaries

Blood vessels, specifically capillaries, are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues…

Cellulite

Cellulite is a prevalent skin condition primarily affecting women. It appears as lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks,…

Collagen Depletion

Collagen is a vital protein found abundantly in the body. It provides structure, strength, and elasticity to various tissues, including…

Double Chin

A double chin refers to the accumulation of excess fat under the chin, resulting in the appearance of a sagging…

Fitzpatrick Skin Type

In aesthetics, knowing your skin type helps you choose the appropriate laser therapies. Here is an overview of the six…

Gender affirming services

Care designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity….

Hair Loss

Hair loss refers to excessive shedding or thinning of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. Hair…

Hair Removal

Practitioners can eliminate unwanted hair from the body through various treatments that provide either temporary or permanent results….

Hand rejuvenation

Procedures to improve the appearance of the hands by restoring their natural color, smoothness, and vitality….

Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes refer to an eye shape characterized by an excess of skin and soft tissue around the eyebrow that…

Hyperpigmentation / Pigmentation

Pigmentation refers to the coloring of the skin, which is determined by the production and distribution of melanin – the…

Ingrown Hair

Folliculitis, or ingrown hairs, is a dermatological condition characterized by the skin’s response to trapped hairs….

Jowls

Jowls refer to the sagging skin and flesh along the jawline, typically below the cheeks. Jowls can vary in severity,…

Large Pores

Large pores refer to visible openings on the skin surface, primarily on the face. They appear larger than normal due…

Libido

Libido, the desire for sex, varies among individuals and can be influenced by medical conditions, hormones, medications, lifestyle, and relationships….

Male Aesthetics

Male aesthetic services share similarities with women’s but are tailored to men’s specific needs….

Melasma

Melasma is a chronic skin disorder that causes brown or grayish patches to develop on the face. These patches typically…

Menopause

Menopause is the natural biological process marking the end of a women’s reproductive years, characterized by the cessation of menstruation…

Neck rejuvenation

There are several cosmetic procedures available for neck rejuvenation that can help you achieve the youthful look you desire….

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face. Characteristics include redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes…

Scars

Scars are visible marks that result from the skin’s natural healing process after an injury, surgery, or certain skin conditions….

Skin Laxity

Skin laxity refers to the loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. It occurs due to the weakening of…

Skin Redness

Skin redness refers to the visible flushing or reddening of the skin, often accompanied by warmth and increased blood flow…

Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing refers to improving the skin’s texture and appearance by targeting and removing damaged outer layers. This procedure promotes…

Skin Texture

Skin texture refers to the overall smoothness, evenness, and quality of the skin’s surface. It describes the visual and tactile…

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, or striae, are visible lines or streaks on the skin’s surface. They often have a slightly different texture…

Sun Damage

Sun damage refers to the harmful effects that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can have on…

Sun Spots

Sun spots are flat, brown, or dark spots that appear on the skin after prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet…

Thin Eyebrows

Eyebrow hair loss can affect anyone, regardless of gender, impacting one or both sides of the brows….

TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorder is a condition…

Under Eye rejuvenation

Undereye rejuvenation often involves multiple treatments to address age-related changes….

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common issue due to weak or damaged veins and valves….

Volume Restoration

Volume restoration refers to replenishing lost volume in specific areas of the face. As we age, the natural fat pads…

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are visible lines and creases that appear on the skin’s surface due to various factors. They are a natural…