Where is Phentermine used?

Phentermine is a weight loss medication used along with proper diet and exercise. This is recommended for use in people with risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. This is an FDA-approved complementary remedy for people who find it difficult to lose weight after making diet and lifestyle changes support a moderate weight.

How does Phentermine work?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that stimulates the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters whose levels are increased by this medicine are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

With an increased level of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in your brain, you feel full and thus eat less. Over time, this may cause weight loss, especially if accompanied by exercise and a proper diet.

How is Phentermine taken?

This medication is taken orally and is usually recommended for up to 12 weeks at a time to help weight loss. Phentermine was only available in15mg, 30mg, and 37.5mg of extended-release capsules. Recently the FDA approved an 8mg tablet that can be taken 3 times a day.

Phentermine can be taken either as a tablet or an extended-release capsule.

• The dosages 30 mg 37.5 mg are usually taken once a day in the morning. Each dose may be taken 1 to 2 hours before breakfast.
• The 8 mg dose can be taken up to 3 times every day. Each dose may be taken 30 minutes before a meal.

For better appetite control higher dosages may be needed. Do not crush the extended-release capsule. Doing so will increase the absorption of the medicine, which may also cause some serious side effects or will lose its purpose.

After taking Phentermine, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. the medicine reaches peak concentrations in 3 to 4.4 hours.

What are the precautions in taking Phentermine?

• Taking this medicine along with other diet medications may cause pulmonary hypertension. Do not take a dose of Phentermine with any other diet medications without the consent of your doctor.
• Several medications can affect Phentermine. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, herbal products, and vitamins. Let your doctor know about all your current medications and any prescriptions you start or stop using.
• Avoid driving or dangerous activity until you know how Phentermine will affect you.
• Drinking alcohol with this medication can worsen certain side effects.
• Overdose symptoms may include hallucinations, confusion, panic, extreme restlessness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, irregular heartbeats, feeling tired or depressed, seizure, slow breathing, or weak pulse, Call for medical assistance right away if you have any of these overdose symptoms.
• Call your doctor right away if you think this medication is not functioning properly, or within 4 weeks you have not lost at least 4 pounds.
• Do not stop taking a dose of Phentermine suddenly, or you can have withdrawal symptoms. You may ask your doctor how to stop safely using this medication.
• Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed or in larger amounts. Taking more Phentermine will not make it more effective and may cause serious side effects.