Phentermine is known to be the oldest prescription drug that has been given the nod for weight loss, way back in 1959. But it is not the only treatment procedure for weight loss, and it has always been suggested as the most sought player for combination treatment. From there, this medication had been widely used for years before its side effects were demonstrated, leading to restriction on its usage. Now, these weight loss pills are available in new formulations, trying to lower the side effects and risks posed by the medication.
Can I take Phentermine?
If this is the question that you keep asking all the time, you will have to know more about the drug that goes into your body. Of course, you can take the diet pill and even use them responsibly for your benefit. First and foremost, it is better to understand that the drug is a prescription medication, recommended for weight loss. But that is not all.
Is Phentermine effective for weight loss?
Phentermine is not solely responsible for weight loss, while it tries to enhance the process with its primary mode of action. Its action is the same as that of a sympathomimetic amine, as it tends to augment the activity of epinephrine and norepinephrine and also dopamine in some cases. Rise in the levels of these chemicals, in turn, affect the appetite and lower cravings to a large extent.When this is combined with a great workout routine, energy expenditure is high, leading to significant weight loss.
How much weight loss is possible with Phentermine?
Reports suggest that Phentermine can influence appropriate weight loss when it is used the right way. The drug is recommended for use only for a short time and your medical practitioner might prescribe and also advise you to stop using it halfway, before resuming the remaining schedule. The average weight loss with this drug is believed to be around 4% of the initial body weight in a stipulated time of 3 months, and the values might increase by 1 or 2% when the routine is prescribed for 6 months.
But, it is to be noted that Phentermine doesn’t work the same way for all and in case, you see no result in a span of 3 months or more, it is better to stop using it. For the drug to be effective and work in your favor, follow a strict diet.
Dosage
This medication is usually prescribed for a time period of up to 12 weeks. It can be taken in installments, where one has to make sure he/she doesn’t exceed 40mg, 3 times a day. The common routine is to take 8mg before each meal. Or a single dose between 15mg to 35 mg before breakfast is also admissible.
Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings
Some common side effects associated with Phentermine are :
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme chest pain
- Ankle or feet swelling
- Restlessness with tremors
- Behavioral changes
Adipex interacts with the following substances to cause serious side effects
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Alcohol
- Hypoglycemic drugs
- Adrenergic medications
As a controlled substance, Phentermine is prone to cause dependence and addiction in most adults, when it is misused for inappropriate reasons. Prolonged use of the substance is likely to cause mental depression and extreme levels of fatigue. People suffering from cardiac and renal impairment have to make sure the medication is taken with the consultation of a doctor. Pregnant women and children will have to be careful while using this weight loss pill.
People who should take Phentermine with care
Consult a doctor before taking this drug to avoid complications. People who suffer from anxiety, glaucoma, heart conditions, blood pressure, hypothyroidism, strokes and other such conditions must consult a doctor whether to use the diet without any adverse effects.
Other people who must not take the drug without a doctor’s recommendation are :
- Overactive thyroid
- Diabetes (1,2 and 3)
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug abuse
- Glaucoma in the eye
- High BP