PHENTERMINE-min

PHENTERMINE: IS IT GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH; IS IT EFFECTIVE FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

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Phentermine is a medication administered for weight loss. It was recommended in 1959 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), often used for short-term periods.

In 1990, it was combined with other weight loss drugs to form a Fen-phen.However, the users recorded a significant increase in heart problems forcing, the FDA to pull out the other two drugs. Phentermine is a controlled substance due to its chemical similarities to amphetamine stimulants. It is available for one prescription only.

The doctors may prescribe this drug if you are obese or when your body mass index is higher or equal to 30. It will also be recommended if you have any weight conditions like pressure, high cholesterol, or even diabetes type 2.

How It Works

Phentermine belongs to appetite suppressant drugs. It suppresses appetite, reducing the amount of calories intake. The drug acts by increasing the neurotransmitter levels in our brains.

The neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers. The chemicals include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.  If these chemicals increase, you will start feeling hungry. Sometimes the body may become tolerant to Phentermine after few weeks of taking it. We should not take the drug anymore when our bodies reach such levels.

How is it taken?

Phentermine is usually taken orally once a day, an hour before breakfast. Sometimes your medic can adjust the dose to take a day thrice but in small portions. However, if it is taken later in the day, it may cause insomnia.

 You should take it 10-14 hours before your normal sleeping time if you take it in the form of a capsule without chewing or crushing it. You should ensure your hands are clean and dry before touching them. Then place the capsule on your tongue till it dissolves completely, and then take water.

The length of your medication is determined by your body’s reaction to the treatment. To get better results, take them regularly as prescribed by the doctor.

What dosage should you take?

The dose you take is usually determined by the form and the concentration of the drug.

Phentermine has the following doses; 15, 30, or 37.5 mg. However, the doctors recommend taking the lowest effective dose, i.e., 8 mg, a day thrice.Qsymia- Phentermine and Topiramate have four doses, including 3.75 to 15 mg of Phentermine and 20 tom92mg of Topiramate. After taking its lowest dose for consecutive 14 days, see a doctorcheck your progress. If there is no change after taking them for 12 weeks, stop using them.

What should you do if you miss a dose?

Take the medicines as soon as possible if you didn’t take them at the recommended time. However, you should not take two doses once.

Effects of overdosing the drug

When you overdose, you may suffer fatal conditions, such as weak pulse, extreme hallucinations, slow breathing, or even death.

Is it Effective for Weight Loss?

Several studies have proven that this drug helps in weight loss by burning fats. You can lose up to 5% of your body weight on average. After 12 weeks of taking it, you can reduce it by as high as 12%.

Phentermine works best when combined with Topiramate, a drug used to treat seizures, and appetite-reducing characteristics. When the two drugs are combined, they form Qsymia.

If you decide to take Qsymia, you will likely reduce up to 10kgs in one year. It causes decreased waist circumference, improved insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar control. Thereare also increased effects in the control of triglyceride cholesterol levels.

What are the Side Effects of Phentermine?

When taken for a longer period, it may lead to addiction. You will put yourself at risk of having a substance disorder. Therefore, do not take more than the recommended amount. You might also show withdrawal symptoms such as depression or severe tiredness when you stop using them. It mostly happens to someone who has taken it for a long period.Your doctor should start lowering your dosage slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The following are some of the symptoms:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Fatigue
  • Panic attacks
  • High or blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Psychosis
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Comma
  • Convulsions
  • Chest pains
  • Unpleasant tastes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in the legs and uncles
  • Dry mouth
  • Restlessness
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Vomiting
  • Increased blood pressure

Sometimes it may be difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machines. Therefore,it is advisable to seek the doctor’s advice before using it.

Which conditions can prevent you from Using Phentermine?

  • ·         If you have a history of drug abuse
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • History of any cardiovascular diseases
  • If you’ve been using antidepressants or serotonin inhibitors
  • If you are a breastfeeding woman, you should avoid the drug
  • If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, the doctor should monitor you. You will also be required to reduce your insulin intake.
  • Moreover, if you are an alcoholic person, you are supposed to avoid all alcoholic drinks.                                                     

Final Verdict

Phentermine is an appetite-suppressant and weight loss pill approved for short time use. When combining Phentermine and Topiramate, you will get more effective results than using Phentermine alone. However, it is characterized by undesirable symptoms. This blog has comprehensively discussed the benefits and the likely side effects of Phentermine. What do you think?

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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