10 Phentermine Side Effects You Should Know. Side Effects of Phentermine. Phentermine Side Effects in Females.

Phentermine Uses

Phentermine is prescribed as part of a weight loss regimen that includes doctor-approved exercise, behavior modification, and a calorie-restricted diet plan. It is typically recommended for specific individuals who are overweight, particularly those dealing with obesity or obesity-related health issues. Shedding excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce many health risks associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of premature mortality.

The precise mechanism by which this medication aids in weight loss remains unclear. It may diminish appetite, elevate the body’s energy expenditure, or impact certain brain regions. Classified as an appetite suppressant, this medication belongs to a category of sympathomimetic amines.

How To Use Phentermine HCL

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication by mouth. Typically, it’s taken once a day, either 1 hour before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. If necessary, your doctor may modify your dosage, allowing for a small dose up to three times daily. Adhere closely to your doctor’s guidance. Taking this medication late in the day may lead to difficulty falling asleep (insomnia).

If you use sustained-release capsules, you should take a single dose each day before breakfast or at least 10 to 14 hours before bedtime. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush or chew it, as breaking it open can release the entire dose immediately, increasing the risk of side effects.

The usual dosage for tablets that dissolve in the mouth is taken daily in the morning, with or without food. Before handling the tablet, ensure your hands are dry. Place the dose on the top of your tongue and let it dissolve, then swallow it with or without water.

The dosage and treatment duration are determined based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will make the necessary adjustments to find the most suitable dose. Discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of phentermine treatment and the recommended duration. To maximize its effectiveness, take this medication consistently, precisely as prescribed, and for the duration specified by your doctor. To aid in remembering, take it simultaneously (s) daily.

Abruptly discontinuing this medication may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and fatigue. To mitigate the risk of withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dosage, mainly if you’ve been using phentermine for an extended period or at high doses. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

It’s important to note that while this medication provides effective treatment for many individuals, there is a potential for addiction. This risk may be heightened if you have a history of substance use disorder involving excessive use or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Avoid increasing your dosage, taking it more frequently, or extending the duration of use beyond your doctor’s prescription. Make sure to discontinue the medication according to your doctor’s guidance.

Over time, you may find that this medication becomes less effective, typically after a few weeks of use. If you notice a decrease in its effectiveness, consult your doctor before considering any dosage adjustments. Only modify your dosage as directed by your doctor, who may ultimately instruct you to discontinue this medication.

Phentermine Side Effects

You may experience dizziness, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, irritability, or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Should any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly notify your doctor or pharmacist.

It’s essential to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they determined that the benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not encounter severe adverse effects.

This medication may lead to an increase in your blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if you observe elevated results.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any severe side effects, such as a rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, alterations in mental or emotional state (such as restlessness, uncontrolled anger, hallucinations, or nervousness), uncontrollable muscle movements, or changes in sexual interest or ability.

In the event of extremely severe side effects, cease using this medication and seek immediate medical assistance. These severe side effects include intense headaches, speech difficulties, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, or alterations in vision (such as blurred vision).

This medication may, on rare occasions, lead to severe and, in some cases, fatal lung or heart issues (such as pulmonary hypertension or heart valve problems). The likelihood of encountering these risks may increase with prolonged usage of this medication and its simultaneous use with other appetite-suppressant drugs or herbal products. Should you experience severe side effects, discontinue this medication and seek immediate medical assistance. These severe side effects include chest pain, difficulty breathing during physical activity, reduced exercise capacity, fainting, or swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

While extremely severe allergic reactions to this drug are infrequent, promptly seek medical attention if you observe any signs of a significant allergic response, such as a rash, itching, or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

Phentermine Risks

Before taking this medication, it’s essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist of any known allergies, including allergies to this medication, other sympathomimetic amines (such as decongestants like pseudoephedrine, stimulants like amphetamine, or appetite suppressants like diethylpropion), or any other allergens. This product might contain inactive ingredients capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications, so it’s advisable to discuss this with your pharmacist for additional information.

Before using this medication, it’s vital to disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, substance use disorder (involving excessive drug or alcohol use), heart conditions (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart murmurs, rapid or irregular heartbeats, or heart valve problems), mental health issues (like depression, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or agitation), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), a history of stroke, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), kidney disease, or seizures.

This medication may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or, infrequently, drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) consumption can intensify these effects. Therefore, avoiding activities requiring alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, is essential until you can do so safely. Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, and if you are using marijuana (cannabis), consult your doctor.

If you have diabetes, regularly monitor your blood sugar as directed and share the results with your doctor. It may be necessary for your doctor to adjust your diabetes medication during your treatment with this drug.

For those using tablets designed to dissolve in the mouth, be aware that your medication might contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of this medication.

Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the substances you are using, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.

Older adults may face an increased risk of experiencing dizziness and elevated blood pressure when using this medication.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it can harm a developing fetus. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, promptly notify your doctor.

It’s important to note that this drug may enter breast milk and potentially adversely affect a nursing infant. Therefore, it is not advisable to breastfeed while using this drug. Consult your doctor for guidance before considering breastfeeding.

Phentermine Interactions

Interactions between drugs can alter how your medications function or heighten the risk of severe side effects. This document may not encompass all conceivable drug interactions, so it’s crucial to maintain a record of all the products you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal products, and share this list with your doctor and pharmacist. Refrain from initiating, discontinuing, or modifying the dosages of any medicines without first obtaining your doctor’s approval.

It’s imperative to note that this medication should not be used concurrently with certain medications, as it could result in very severe interactions. If you have taken other appetite-suppressant drugs in the past year, such as diethylpropion or ephedra/ma huang, inform your doctor or pharmacist before commencing this medication.

Combining MAO inhibitors with this medication can lead to a potentially life-threatening drug interaction. Consequently, avoid taking MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine) during your treatment with this medication. In most cases, MAO inhibitors should not be used for two weeks before initiating treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to begin or discontinue this medication about MAO inhibitors.

Certain products that may interact with this medication include high blood pressure medications (like guanethidine or methyldopa), phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine or chlorpromazine), other stimulants (including amphetamines, methylphenidate, or street drugs like cocaine or MDMA/”ecstasy”).

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other substances that induce drowsiness, such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine or hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), medications for sleep or anxiety (like alprazolam, lorazepam, or zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol or cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine).

Examine the labels of all your medications, including allergy or cough-and-cold products, as they may contain components that induce drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the safe utilization of these products.

Some products may include ingredients that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure. Inform your pharmacist about the substances you are using, and seek advice on their safe usage, particularly in the case of cough-and-cold products or dietary aids.

Consuming significant quantities of caffeine-containing beverages (such as coffee, tea, or colas) or consuming large amounts of chocolate can heighten the side effects of this medication. It is advisable to limit your intake of these caffeinated products.

This medication may interfere with specific medical or laboratory tests, such as brain scans for Parkinson’s disease, which could result in erroneous test outcomes. To ensure accurate results, ensure that laboratory personnel and all your healthcare providers know your use of this drug.

Phentermine Overdose

Call 911 if someone has overdosed and exhibits significant symptoms like fainting out or difficulty breathing. If not, immediately dial a poison control hotline.

Phentermine Imprint

Here’s a table providing information about Phentermine, including its typical dose, condition for use, color, shape, and imprint: