About Phentermine
Phentermine is an oral therapy for weight loss and obesity management, and it belongs to the class of drugs called appetite suppressants. It is indicated for patients having body mass index( BMI) > 26/ KG and <30 / kg presence of obesity-related comorbidity (hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease high lipids). Phentermine is recommended for short-term use. As per the FDA guidelines, it should not be used for more than 12 weeks ( three months).
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that reduces hunger and suppresses appetite by blocking the message in the brain. As a result, you take fewer calories; simultaneously, it can keep you satiated throughout the day.
Phentermine is one of healthcare providers’ best, most effective, and most prescribed medications. Its chemical structure is similar to the stimulant drug – amphetamine, and it is available only on prescription.
It is also effective for managing eating disorders. It is important to take Phentermine, a weight loss medication, as it is often the first line of attack for weight loss and obesity management. It is indicated for the short-term treatment of obesity and is used along with lifestyle modification, mild exercise, and a caloric deficit diet.
How long does Phentermine stay in your system?
A drug half-life is a time taken for half of the dosage to be metabolized by the liver. Amphetamine is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, and it reaches its peak in three to four hours. In addition, it takes five to six half-lives to remove the drug from the system; however, the drug’s half-life remains unchanged irrespective of the duration and dosage.
The half-life of Phentermine is 20 to 22 hours, and it will take four to five days to get rid of the metabolites from the body. Some tests can detect Phentermine in your system for a longer duration.
Blood Test – can detect up to 24 hours in the body, and blood tests will detect after 4 hours after taking a dose.
The kidney excretes Phentermine via urine; therefore, it is detected in the urine seven days after the last dose.
Hair Test – can detect the dose for several months.
There are a lot of factors that can contribute to decreasing and accelerating the half-life of the drug. Still, it is important to take it as per your doctor’s instruction as it is indicated for weight loss, and often people take it to get back in shape, and it is not among the drugs used in addiction, drug abuse, and misuse.
What are some possible side effects of Phentermine?
Phentermine may have some side effects, and some side effects are usually mild to moderate. Here are common side effects that may occur as follows:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lack of sleep
- Insomnia
Most of the common side effects of Adipex will wash off with time. It is recommended to inform your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.
Severe side effects of Phentermine-
- Increase in blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- uncontrolled heartbeat
- low libido
- Mood changes like agitation, uncontrolled anger, nervousness, and hallucination
- Allergic reaction
- hives, swelling on lips, throat, and cheeks
Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these side effects. Rush to the health center if you see any bizarre and unpleasant effects of the drug.
What are some precautions for using Phentermine?
Phentermine is an FDA-approved medication, and it is indicated for managing obesity and weight loss. However, it is unsafe to use if you have any health condition that may trigger or Worsen with weight loss medication, then you must inform your doctor about it. Here are a few conditions wherein it is not safe for you to use Phentermine
Share your medical history with your pharmacist beforehand with your health care provider.
- If you have diabetes
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have glaucoma
- If you have a family history of drug abuse and drug misuse
- Chest pain, Angina pain
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Renal disease
- Liver disease
In addition, if you have any health conditions or are struggling with any disease. It is important to inform your healthcare provider so that he can mitigate the ill effect of the drugs if any.
How to take Phentermine?
Read the instructions on the pack of drugs, and the best bet is to follow the regime given by your doctor.
- Your doctor may advise you to take one hour after or one hour before breakfast, and it is usually prescribed once daily. Your doctor may give you thrice OR twice a day, depending upon your health and weight loss goal.
- It is not recommended for pregnant women, and at the same time, it is not indicated for nursing mothers as it can harm the baby.
- Phentermine is also available in the extended-release formulation and is usually taken once daily.
- Do not crush, chew or pound the tablet. Please take it as a whole with a glass of water.
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant; therefore, it is important to take it as per your doctor’s instruction and should be used for the short term as using it extended time may result in intolerance and dependence. When on Phentermine, it is important to check your blood pressure levels as the drug can mess with your blood pressure levels, harming your health and well-being.