What is Phentermine and How Does it Work?
America has a reputation for having some of the fattest people on the planet. For many, coping with the stresses of daily life leads to overeating. Food is as soothing as drugs for some and the habit of eating to soothe negative feelings can quickly escalate.
For overweight and obese Americans, losing the weight and getting back into a healthy lifestyle is a huge challenge. It’s hard for many to get started. It’s even harder to stick to the best laid plans. Fortunately, a prescription drug called phentermine is available and approved by the FDA for effective weight loss, and the best part is that it leads to extraordinary results.
What is phentermine?
Oral phentermine hydrochloride (HCL) is a prescription drug for weight loss. It is in the same family of appetite suppressants known as Sympathomimetic which are commonly used for managing exogenous obesity over a short-term period. It’s important to note though that phentermine is designed to work with a healthful diet and exercise plan. Taking phentermine and still continuing with bad eating habits and a lack of exercise will not bring about any results. Doctors strongly urge that in addition to dietary and exercise changes, behavior therapy is essential in order to achieve weight loss success.
How long has phentermine been around?
Phentermine was first approved by the FDA in 1959 for use as an appetite suppressant. Since then, it has become the most commonly prescribed appetite suppressant. It accounts for roughly 50% of all prescriptions made for appetite suppressants because it’s more affordable than other diet drugs approved by the FDA. It is found under many brand names which can cost more, however it can be purchased as generic medication under the name “phentermine.”
How does phentermine work?
The reason phentermine is so successful is because it stimulates the hypothalamus gland and affects neurotransmitters in the brain to trick your mind into not being hungry. The hypothalamus controls your autonomic nervous system and regulates your sleep cycles, body temperature, and appetite, among other things.
Doctors explain that phentermine should never be used to substitute for a healthful diet and exercise. That is how our we help our patients at our clinic develop a successful plan that incorporates diet, exercise, behavior modifications and phentermine together in order to lose the weight and keep it off.
How long should I take phentermine?
Phentermine is designed for use over a short term. Generally, it only prescribed for a period of 3 months. The effects tend to become null after a longer duration while side effects will continue. You can use Phen Caps after the end of your prescription to keep curbing your appetite while maximizing your energy to continue your success weight loss journey.
What are the side effects?
As is the case with all prescription drugs, phentermine may produce unwanted side effects. In some very rare cases, when a user of phentermine has serious heart or lung problems, phentermine may cause serious reactions like chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, swelling of or lower legs, and difficulty in accomplishing simple tasks. That is why consulting your doctor about being prescribed phentermine is essential. Should you experience any of those signs, you are having a serious adverse reaction to phentermine and should alert your physician immediately.
For those without heart and lung issues, the general side effects of phentermine may include change in sexual desires, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, headache, mood swings, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, unpleasant taste, or tiredness.
How to use phentermine safely
If you have other medical problems, it’s best to level with your doctor about them as they may affect your experience with phentermine. Alcohol may increase unwanted side effects like dizziness, so while taking phentermine it’s best you reduce or restrict your alcohol consumption. Diabetics may have cause for concern too because phentermine may affect blood sugar levels. Those with an over-active thyroid may find that phentermine worsens the condition. In particular, driving and hazardous work may be made more difficult while taking phentermine and it is imperative that you first see how the medication affects you before carrying out any strenuous tasks.
Additionally, adverse reactions are more likely in older patients, particularly if it is taken with other drugs. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are strongly urged not to take phentermine. Please contact your doctor to ensure your prescription for phentermine can be taken safely for your age group, your lifestyle, and along with any other medical conditions you may have or medications you take in order to ensure your safety and your best experience with phentermine.
Success stories with phentermine
We have helped patients develop successful weight loss plans that incorporate phentermine. Here are some stories from real people whom we have successfully helped with weight loss.
- Liza: “I tried patches, diets, pills, etc. There was only one diet that worked for me, but that was before I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition prevented me from losing weight; that is one of the symptoms. Every time I went to see my doctor she would ask me to please try to lose weight because that was one of the things I needed to do in order to get the condition under control. I finally heard about phentermine from a co-worker. I asked my doctor if I could try it and she gave me the ok. I started using it and the only side effect I had was headaches, but just the first week. After that, it’s been heaven for me. I am losing weight and have the energy I needed. I have an extremely busy life and my medical condition made me very tired. I would drive half-asleep in the morning and had no energy throughout the day. Phentermine has not only helped me lose weight, but also has given me energy. It saved my life and gave me back my confidence. I love it!”
- Brent: “I have always been overweight. The only time I was not overweight I was when I was 19-21 and I lived in Europe and walked everywhere I had to go and I was on the move all day long. Plus I was poor, so needless to say I was eating a lot of beans and rice and lean meat. As soon as I came back from Europe, I fell back into my inactive lifestyle and picked up a problem with binge eating. I’d eat entire pizzas until my stomach hurt. Even worse, I’d hide evidence of that. As I got older, my doctor started pestering me about my weight and insisted on doing blood work once a year. I was still gaining weight, but my blood sugar and cholesterol levels were actually very good. But I did develop sleep apnea. Finally at my last appointment to discuss my blood work (which was 6 months after he initially asked me to get it) I weighed 367 and thought to myself, oh man, I’m on my way to 400 lbs and I just can’t do that. I refused to do that. I immediately asked the doctor what I could do and he prescribed phentermine to me. Since I started I have kept a diary of my food on a couple of fitness tracking websites and I have started an exercise routine, in addition to working out with a trainer once a week. With my doctor’s assistance and weight loss plan management with phentermine, I lost 90 lbs and am still going!”
Phentermine is indeed a weight loss solution that works. If you’re overweight and want to become healthy again, talk to your doctor about a prescription for phentermine.