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.

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