Oral Phentermine: Its Applications, Adverse Effects, and Weight Loss Implications
Phentermine, a stimulant medication, belongs to the class of drugs known as anorectics. It is used to help with weight loss in certain adults who have overweight or obesity, and is FDA-approved for those with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
However, long-term use of phentermine carries significant risks and potential adverse effects. This is because it is intended for short-term weight loss treatment.
The major long-term effects and risks of phentermine use include cardiovascular complications, psychiatric disturbances, dependence and withdrawal symptoms, potential for abuse, ophthalmologic side effects, and other common side effects of extended use.
Cardiovascular complications such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure can occur due to chronic stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to serious heart problems.
Psychiatric disturbances, including personality changes, psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, and mood changes, are also associated with high-dose or prolonged use. Psychotic symptoms may resolve upon discontinuation.
Dependence and withdrawal symptoms can occur with long-term or high-dose use, resulting in physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and strong cravings if the drug is abruptly stopped.
Phentermine's potential for abuse is due to its stimulant-like effects and similarity to amphetamines.
Ophthalmologic side effects, primarily linked to phentermine combined with topiramate, include blurred vision, ocular pain, and increased intraocular pressure, which may require treatment discontinuation.
Other common side effects of extended use may include dry mouth, insomnia, and constipation, with some reports of heart valve damage although this is rare.
Because of these risks, phentermine is generally prescribed only for short-term use (a few weeks), and long-term treatment is not recommended. Patients are advised to strictly follow prescribed dosages and consult healthcare providers for any adverse effects or concerns about prolonged use.
If high doses or extended duration of use occur, close medical monitoring is essential to manage potential severe side effects and avoid complications.
Phentermine is a schedule IV (four) controlled substance, which means it has an accepted medical use, but also has a risk of misuse and dependence. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to serious side effects.
Phentermine is available in oral forms including tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets. Phentermine tablets are scored and can be split in half along the score line, but should not be crushed or chewed. Orally disintegrating tablets should not be split, crushed, or chewed.
Phentermine should be taken about 30 minutes before eating or 1 to 2 hours after eating, except for orally disintegrating tablets which can be taken either with or without food.
Dosages of phentermine include 15 mg to 37.5 mg once per day in the morning, 18.75 mg twice per day, or 4 mg to 8 mg three times per day.
Phentermine is not safe to take while breastfeeding, during pregnancy, or in children under age 16 years. It is also banned in competitive sports.
Phentermine may interact with several other medications, as well as certain supplements and foods. It is important to discuss any medications, supplements, or foods that you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting phentermine.
Mild side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, unpleasant taste in your mouth, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, feelings of unease, feelings of excitement or intense happiness, dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and mild allergic reaction.
Serious side effects from phentermine aren't common but can occur and include increased blood pressure, heart-related side effects, primary pulmonary hypertension, psychosis, and severe allergic reaction. If you experience any serious side effects, you should seek immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, while phentermine can help with weight loss management for a few weeks, its long-term use is not recommended due to the potential risks of serious side effects like heart valve problems, mental health concerns, and dependence. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully and seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
- Prolonged use of Phentermine, a drug in the anorectics class used for health-and-wellness and weight-management, can lead to cardiovascular complications such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure, which could potentially result in serious heart problems.
- Psychiatric disturbances are associated with high-dose or prolonged use of Phentermine, including personality changes, psychosis, paranoia, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, and mood changes, which may improve upon discontinuation.
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms can occur with long-term or high-dose use of Phentermine, resulting in physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and strong cravings if the drug is abruptly stopped.
- Phentermine's potential for abuse is due to its stimulant-like effects and similarity to amphetamines, making it a schedule IV (four) controlled substance.
- To manage potential severe side effects and avoid complications, close medical monitoring is essential if high doses or extended duration of use occurs, especially for patients prescribed phentermine for asthma, obesity, diabetes, or anthrax-related weight management.
