Although Phentemine was first introduced into the weight loss industry in the 1950’s it is still the commonly prescribed diet pill in the United States. Phentermine is sold under the brand name Adipex and is prescribed to obese patients who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant used for weight loss. It is meant to be used only for a short time, along with exercise and a diet. Phentermine works by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which speeds up your heart rate and increases blood pressure. This triggers the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which suppresses appetite and speeds up metabolism.
Typical Phentermine Weight Loss Results
Phentermine can produce weight loss results when used properly under medical guidance. Some typical Phentermine before and after results include:
5-10% of total body weight loss: Many people are able to lose 5-10% of their starting weight over 3 to 6 weeks of treatment with phentermine. This amounts to 10 to 20 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is the typical recommendation for safe weight loss with phentermine.
12-23 pounds average in 3 months: According to clinical studies and user reviews, most people lose 12 to 23 pounds on average over 3 months when combining phentermine with diet and exercise. Of course, results vary and some people lose more or less than this amount. Phentermine seems to help with losing weight more quickly and provides a boost in motivation for lifestyle changes.
Loss of appetite and reduced cravings: Many users report a loss of appetite and decreased food cravings with phentermine use. This makes it easier to lower calorie intake and adopt better eating habits during treatment. However, some appetite suppression may decrease over time with continued use. Phentermine is meant for short-term use to maximize its effects.
Initial boost in energy and motivation: Phentermine stimulates the nervous system and adrenal glands to increase motivation, focus and energy. This initial boost in alertness and mood can help someone who is starting a weight loss regimen by stimulating them to make changes to diet and start an exercise plan. However, this boost in energy may subside partially with continued use.
Plateau in weight loss: There is a possibility of plateauing in weight loss results after a few weeks of use. This is because the body develops tolerance to some of the effects of phentermine over time. Changing the dose under medical guidance or stopping phentermine for a while may help in overcoming a weight loss plateau. It may also help to make further changes to diet and exercise to continue progressing.
Return of lost weight: There is a possibility of regaining some weight back after stopping phentermine. The weight loss effects of phentermine are temporary, so continued lifestyle changes must be made to maintain weight loss in the long run. Developing lifelong habits of reduced calorie intake and regular exercise is the key to successful long-term weight management. Phentermine can be a useful jumpstart, but lasting results require permanent changes.
So in summary, typical results with phentermine include initial loss of 5-10% of body weight over 3 to 6 weeks, average of 12-23 pounds over 3 months, reduced appetite, increased energy and motivation, potential plateau in weight loss over time and possibility of regaining some weight back after discontinuing phentermine. Maximizing results requires diet, exercise and permanent lifestyle changes.
How Does Phentermine Work?
Phentermine works primarily by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate appetite. It stimulates the adrenal glands and triggers the release of adrenaline, which reduces appetite. The key ways in which Phentermine works are:
1. It releases adrenaline: Phentermine activates the fight or flight response by releasing adrenaline. This adrenaline rush reduces appetite and increases alertness and focus. The release of adrenaline also increases heart rate and blood pressure, which increases metabolism and calorie burning.
2. It affects neurotransmitters: Phentermine increases the amount of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are associated with an improved mood and decreased appetite. By regulating these neurotransmitters, phentermine is able to suppress appetite and reduce food cravings.
3. It acts on hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls hunger. Phentermine works on the hypothalamus to decrease appetite. It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that signal the hypothalamus to reduce hunger signals and stop cravings. By acting on the hunger center in the brain, phentermine achieves its appetite suppressing effects.
Dosage and Usage
Phentermine comes as an oral capsule, tablet, or orally disintegrating tablet. It usually needs to be taken once daily, in the morning. Patients start with a low dose of about 15 to 30 mg, and then the dose may be increased gradually over several weeks to a maximum of 30 mg once daily. Phentermine should be used only for a few weeks at a time, typically 3 to 6 weeks. Long-term use is not recommended as the effects may decrease over time.
Typically, the usual adult dose is between 15 to 30 mg orally once daily before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. Doses at the higher end of this range may produce greater responses for weight loss, however, higher doses are associated with more significant side effects.
Continued use of phentermine may produce increasingly smaller weight loss results. Phentermine use should be discontinued after a few weeks. Additional weight loss may be achieved by continuing lifestyle changes, exercise and diet even after stopping phentermine. The limited course of treatment with phentermine is to avoid tolerance and maintain its effectiveness. Phentermine should not be used continuously for long term weight maintenance.
Some common side effects of Phentermine include:
• Insomnia and restlessness: Phentermine is a stimulant that can cause difficulty sleeping or restlessness. Taking it early in the day can help reduce these effects.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Phentermine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This effect seems to be dose-dependent but diminishes over time with continued use. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate regularly when taking phentermine is important.
• Dry mouth: Phentermine may cause dry mouth due to reduced saliva production. Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum or mints may help alleviate this side effect.
• Diarrhea and constipation: Phentermine may cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea or stomach pain. Staying hydrated and making dietary changes may help reduce these gastrointestinal side effects.
• Anxiety and irritability: Some people experience mood changes such as anxiety, irritability or depression with phentermine use. Reducing the dose or discontinuing the medication under medical guidance may be needed if these side effects are severe.
• Dizziness: Phentermine may cause feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when first starting the medication or increasing the dose. Care should be taken to avoid situations where dizziness could be harmful or dangerous. Lying down until the feeling passes can help alleviate this side effect.
• Headache: Phentermine may trigger headaches in some users, especially as you are adjusting to the medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve phentermine-induced headaches. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any severe headaches that do not go away.
• Bad taste in mouth: Some people experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth with phentermine use. Drinking plenty of water and using sugar-free mints or gum can help get rid of the bad taste. Brushing your teeth may also help.
• Dry throat: Phentermine may irritate the throat or cause a dry, scratchy throat. Throat lozenges, oral anesthetic sprays and throat sprays can help moisten and soothe an irritated, dry throat caused by phentermine.
Here are the steps to get a prescription for Phentermine:
1. See your doctor for an initial consultation. Phentermine is a prescription medication, so you must get a prescription from your doctor before obtaining it. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss using phentermine for weight loss. Your doctor will evaluate if you are an appropriate candidate for phentermine based on your medical history and BMI.
2. Get evaluated. Your doctor will evaluate to determine if phentermine is right for you based on factors like your BMI, medical conditions, and other medications you are taking. Your doctor may do blood pressure and heart rate checks, as well as blood tests to check for thyroid function and diabetes. Phentermine may not be suitable if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
3. Phentermine works best when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. In addition to considering prescription medications, embracing a holistic approach to weight management is crucial. Incorporating healthy dietary choices, such as cold press oil for cooking and dressing salads, can contribute to overall well-being. Cold press oils, known for their nutritional benefits, can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey. Consult with your healthcare provider to explore comprehensive lifestyle adjustments that align with your weight loss goals.
4. Get a prescription. If your doctor determines you are a good candidate for phentermine, you will get a prescription. The initial prescription will typically be for about 4 to 6 weeks, after which you will need a follow-up visit with your doctor to monitor your progress and get another prescription. Phentermine is usually only prescribed short-term, for 12 weeks or less.
5. Have your prescription filled at a pharmacy. Take your phentermine prescription to your local pharmacy to have it filled. Be sure to follow the dosage and usage instructions from your doctor. Phentermine comes in tablet and capsule form that is usually taken once per day in the morning. The typical dosage range is 15 to 30 mg per day before breakfast or 1-2 hours after.
6. Return for follow up. See your doctor after a few weeks of using phentermine to review your weight loss progress, side effects, and get a new prescription. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage based on your results and experience with side effects. Phentermine is meant only for short
