What is phentermine?
Phentermine is used to speed weight loss in overweight people. It is used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity, especially in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Phentermine is similar to an amphetamine. It stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.
Phentermine belongs to a class of medications called anorectics. It works by reducing your appetite.
Warnings
Do not use phentermine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
You should not use phentermine if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, advanced coronary artery disease, extreme agitation, or a history of drug abuse.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use phentermine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a history of heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, stroke);
- severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
- overactive thyroid;
- glaucoma;
- extreme agitation or nervousness;
- a history of drug abuse; or
- if you take other diet pills.
Do not use phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Do not use phentermine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- heart disease or coronary artery disease;
- a heart valve disorder;
- high blood pressure;
- diabetes (your diabetes medication dose may need to be adjusted); or
- kidney disease.
Phentermine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
Related/similar drugs
How should I take phentermine?
Take phentermine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Doses are normally taken before breakfast, or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Never use phentermine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Taking more of this medication will not make it more effective and can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
This medicine is for short-term use only. The effects of appetite suppression may wear off after a few weeks.
Phentermine may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Call your doctor at once if you think this medicine is not working as well, or if you have not lost at least 4 pounds within 4 weeks.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Bradia –
I have been taking phentermine now for 30 days. I started out at 316 pounds. As of this morning, I weighed in at 295. I’ve lost 21 lbs. I am 49 years old and 6’ tall. I am surprisingly ecstatic over my results. As far as side effects, I actually haven’t experienced any. The very first day I took the medication, I did have a mild increase in heart rate. I know that the medication will react differently with each individual. But so far, mine has been nonexistent. I will check back and give an update in another 30 days.