Struggling with weight loss has become one of the most common issues all around the world today. Most people are combating hard to lose weight and get back in shape. Though, most people gain massive weight due to bad eating habits and poor lifestyles. However, losing weight is a real daunting task for people and in some cases couldn’t be possible without proper guidelines and help. To help people in losing weight, the medicine industry has come up with different weight loss supplements and solutions, but not all of them are worthy to try on. When it comes to talking about weight loss, one of the most popular and widely known weight loss drugs in the world is Phentermine. For the past many years, Phentermine is used with a doctor-approved exercise, lifestyle change, and a calorie deficit diet routine to help people lose weight.

Generally, Phentermine is used by overweight and obese people, who have serious, weight-related issues and medical problems. Losing weight is important for such people to lessen the many health risks that come along with obesity that includes heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing issues. It is known from various studies and experiences that Phentermine helps people in losing weight by decreasing their appetite. Phentermine (Adipex-P) works by curbing hunger, thus increasing the amount of energy used in the body. Though, it has been proven that using Adipex-P Phentermine turns out beneficial for short-term weight loss when used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise routine. However, using Phentermine for losing weight comes along with some risks and side effects that need to be considered before using this drug. Check out our detailed review below to understand the common Side effects of Phentermine.

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Phentermine (Adipex-P)

Phentermine (Adipex-P) is a well-known weight loss drug that is mainly an appetite suppressant prescribed as the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals having a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors of hypertension and heart disease. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is generally not a first choice medication prescribed for weight loss because of its side effects and the risk of abuse. However, it can be used for the short-term phase if other similar weight loss medications haven’t work for the individual.

Phentermine (Adipex-P) is a stimulant drug that affects certain parts of the brain and causes the effects to lessen up your appetite, which eventually helps you losing weight. This medication, Phentermine (Adipex-P), is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It is important to know that Phentermine (Adipex-P) should not be combined with other weight loss agents. The same applies to Phentermine and Topiramate. The available brands in the US for phentermine and Adipex-P and Lomaira.

Phentermine and Topiramate

Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia) is another variant of this drug that combines a centrally acting appetite suppressant (phentermine) with an antiepileptic agent (topiramate) in an extended-release capsule. It is specifically labeled to use as assisting drug along with exercise and low-calorie diet routine for chronic weight management in adults with a higher body mass index (BMI); that is greater than or equal to 27 kg per m2 or 30 kg per m2. While Phentermine is in the class of drugs called anorectics, and it works by reducing the appetite; on the other hand, Topiramate belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It not only works by decreasing the appetite but also causes feelings of fullness to last longer after eating, which eventually stops the individual from consuming more calories.

Combining Phentermine and Topiramate along with a calorie deficit healthy diet routine results in greater weight loss results than combing low calorie diet with increased activity regime. According to the clinical studies, patients who have taken one year of treatment of Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia) with the maximum dosage of (15/92 mg) had lost an average of 11% of their excess body weight, and the individual who took the lower dosage of (7.5/46 mg) had lost an average of 7% to 8% of their excess weight.

How Does Phentermine Work?

In spite of all the popularity of Phentermine, the exact mechanism of action of Phentermine (Adipex-P) is unknown. It probably works by decreasing the appetite and acting on the center parts in the brain that is responsible for controlling hunger. Phentermine is similar to amphetamine. It also stimulates the nervous system, elevates blood pressure, and increases the heart rate in the body. One dose of Phentermine (Adipex-P) can last up to two days at least in your body before it is completely cleared out. It is good at lowering appetite, thus helping in losing excess pounds. Phentermine (Adipex-P) can be taken with or without food and is easily available in cheaper generic forms.

How to Use Phentermine

It is advised to take Phentermine medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually once a day, either 1 hour before breakfast or 1 or 2 hours after breakfast. The dosage is usually decided by the doctor according to the individual’s medical history and required weight loss goals. In some scenarios, doctors may adjust the dose to take a small dose up to 3 times a day. Taking Phentermine (Adipex-P) or Phentermine/Topiramate (Qysmia) in the late evening or night hours may cause trouble sleeping and result in insomnia.

In case if you are using Phentermine and Topiramate sustained-release capsules, they should be taken only once a day before breakfast or at least 10 to 14 hours before sleeping time. Swallow the capsules whole, without crushing or chewing, as doing so can increase the risk of side effects of Phentermine/Topiramate (Qysmia).

The dosage and the duration of the treatment usually depend on the medical condition of an individual and their response to the treatment. The dose will be adjusted by the doctor that will suit you best. But, the important thing while using Phentermine/Topiramate (Qysmia) is to discuss the risks, benefits, and side effects of this treatment with your doctor.

Possible Common Side Effects of Phentermine

Whether you are using Phentermine (Adipex-P) or Phentermine/Topiramate (Qysmia), you should be well aware of the possible common side effects of Phentermine. There are many adverse reactions that are associated with the common side effects of Phentermine.

  • One of the most common side effects of Phentermine is primary pulmonary hypertension. Prolong use of Phentermine (Adipex-P) may cause regurgitate cardiovascular disease, palpitation, tachycardia, increase in blood pressure, and ischemic events.
  • The use of Phentermine and Topiramate also puts a negative impact on the central nervous system by causing dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, euphoria, and overstimulation. The wrong dosage intake can also result in severe headaches and psychosis.
  • One of the common side effects of Phentermine is its effect on gastrointestinal health. Phentermine and Topiramate may also cause dryness of the mouth with an unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Another common side effect of Phentermine (Adipex-P) is, it can cause certain allergies such as Hives, medically known as Urticaria. Individuals may also experience red, itchy skin or raised welts on the skin with varying sizes and patterns.
  • The use of Phentermine and Topiramate also put side effects on the endocrine system and may cause changes in libido that may also lead to impotence in severe cases.
  • Moreover, there are some common side effects of Phentermine that come with the withdrawal of these drugs after prolonged high dosage administration. If you suddenly stop using Phentermine (Adipex-P), you may have symptoms of depression and severe tiredness. To avoid this side effect, you should lower the dose slowly.
  • One of the possible common side effects of Phentermine that should be really taken seriously is this medication may sometimes cause addiction. The risk may be higher in individuals who have a substance use disorder. To avoid this side effect you should never increase your dosage or take it more frequently for a longer duration than prescribed.

One of the issues associated with Phentermine and Topiramate is this medication may stop working towards weight loss after you have been taking it for a few weeks. In such a scenario, don’t increase the dose at your own without doctor’s consultation. Your doctor will advise you whether to further use it or stop using Phentermine.

Who Shouldn’t Use Phentermine?

Though Phentermine and Topiramate are popular drugs for weight loss, one cannot use them if pregnant or a nursing mother.

Also, you should not use Phentermine if you have glaucoma, severe cardiac problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, extreme agitation, overactive thyroid, or coronary artery disease. Also, do not intend to use Phentermine (Adipex-P) if you have used MAO inhibitor in the recent past; that is before or within 14 days.

In addition, Phentermine is not approved to use by younger individuals of age less than 16 years old.

What Other Drugs should not be used with Phentermine?

There are certain drugs that don’t go well in the combination of Phentermine together. Taking Phentermine (Adipex-P) together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can result in a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Also, there are many other drugs that can interact with phentermine that includes many vitamins and herbal products as well. It is therefore important to discuss all your current medicines with your doctor before starting using Phentermine and Topiramate.

Final Word

Phentermine and Topiramate have been considered as a good option for sustained weight loss in individuals who are unable to lose weight despite trying various controlled calorie diet and exercise routine. However, it should be avoided to be given to patients with a history of significant coronary artery and heart disease. Also, women who have chances of getting pregnant should use contraception and have regular pregnancy tests when taking Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia). Moreover, the common side effects of Adipex should be taken seriously and should never be ignored before started using this medication.