What is phentermine?

Phentermine is the oldest prescription weight-loss pill used today to treat obesity. It’s also the drug that’s most commonly prescribed for this purpose, even though there are newer options on the market.

Phentermine has been popular for man years due to its effectiveness. Studies have found it can bring about a loss of 5% to 10% of body weight over 12 weeks, when taken as part of a treatment plan that includes a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Is it safe to take phentermine for weight loss?

Phentermine is a prescription diet pill that suppresses appetite. For people who are obese, or have a weight-related medical condition, this appetite suppressant can be a life-changing drug. Phentermine is effective, safe to take short-term (three months), and inexpensive. 

How does phentermine work for weight loss?

Phentermine is, in medical lingo, an anorectic, which simply means it curbs hunger. It does this, in part, by triggering the release of certain brain chemicals in the area of the hypothalamus that controls appetite. Hence, phentermine helps decrease appetite by affecting the central nervous system.

How long should you take phentermine? 

Phentermine is only approved for short-term use - 3 months.

Phentermine dosage

Determining the best phentermine dose for you will depend on many factors. Taking phentermine alone without diet and lifestyle modifications will not likely lead to significant weight loss at any dose. It is difficult to correlate a specific phentermine dose to a specific amount of weight loss because there are so many other factors that are key to successful weight loss even when taking an anti-obesity drug. A reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity are two very important factors to weight loss. When dieting, every person will do these to a different extent, making it difficult to relate a dose of the drug to an amount of weight loss. 

Phentermine is available in oral capsule dosage forms of 15mg and 30mg. There is also a tablet form which is a 37.5mg dose, but is the equivalent of 30mg of phentermine base. There are also 8mg and 18.75mg dosage forms available. Typical dosing for patients is 15mg to 30mg daily, though your healthcare professional will determine the best dose for you.

Phentermine side effects

Serious adverse effects are rare. The most common side effects of phentermine include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Dry mouth
• Sleeplessness
• Nervousness
• Constipation