What is Phentermine Used For?
Phentermine is a prescription medication used primarily for weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese. It is intended to be part of a comprehensive weight-loss plan that includes a low-calorie diet, regular exercise, and behavioral modifications.
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Key Uses
Management of Obesity:
Phentermine is prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions like:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol (dyslipidemia)
How It Helps:
Phentermine acts as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system. This helps reduce hunger and control calorie intake, making it easier for individuals to lose weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
Duration of Use:
Short-term therapy (a few weeks to 12 weeks) is recommended due to potential side effects and the risk of dependence.
Phentermine should only be used under medical supervision, as it may not be safe or suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions like heart disease or a history of substance abuse.
How does Phentermine Work
Sympathomimetic Action
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It works similarly to amphetamines, promoting the release of certain neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine Release
Phentermine stimulates the release of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from nerve terminals and inhibits its reuptake.
Norepinephrine activates receptors in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for regulating appetite and energy balance.
This leads to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness.
Dopamine and Serotonin Effects (Secondary)
Phentermine may also increase the release of dopamine, though this effect is less pronounced than its impact on norepinephrine.
It has minimal effects on serotonin, unlike some other weight-loss medications (e.g., serotonin receptor agonists).
Activation of the Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating hunger signals. By stimulating the paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus, phentermine suppresses appetite.
Potential Thermogenic Effects
Phentermine may slightly increase energy expenditure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, leading to mild thermogenesis (heat production).
This effect is minor compared to its appetite-suppressing properties.
Phentermine suppresses appetite by stimulating the release of norepinephrine in the brain, primarily targeting the hypothalamus. This helps individuals consume fewer calories, making it easier to lose weight when combined with diet and exercise. However, it is intended for short-term use only due to the risks of tolerance, side effects, and dependency.
How to Take Properly
Taking phentermine properly is crucial for its effectiveness and to minimize side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions, as they may adjust your dosage based on your individual needs. Below are general guidelines:
Dosage Instructions
Common Dosage:
Standard tablets (e.g., Adipex-P): Usually 15 mg, 30 mg, or 37.5 mg once daily.
Low-dose tablets (e.g., Lomaira): 8 mg, taken up to three times daily.
Timing:
Take the medication 30-60 minutes before breakfast or 2 hours after breakfast for best results.
If prescribed a lower dose, follow your doctor's instructions for timing (e.g., before meals).
Avoid taking phentermine in the evening to prevent insomnia, as it can act as a stimulant.
How to Take
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water (do not crush, chew, or split it).
For dispersible tablets (e.g., Suprenza), dissolve the tablet on your tongue and swallow without water.
Duration of Use
Phentermine is intended for short-term use only (a few weeks, typically 12 weeks or less).
Do not take phentermine longer than prescribed, as it can lead to dependency or reduced effectiveness.
Lifestyle Modifications
Combine phentermine with a low-calorie diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits for the best results.
Avoid relying solely on the medication for weight loss.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Do not double doses: If you miss a dose, skip it if it’s close to your next scheduled dose.
Avoid alcohol: It can increase the risk of side effects.
Be cautious with caffeine: Phentermine is a stimulant, and combining it with too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness or heart palpitations.
Do not take phentermine with other weight-loss medications unless prescribed.
Contraindications and Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have:
Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or stroke history
Hyperthyroidism or glaucoma
A history of substance abuse
Current or planned pregnancy or breastfeeding
Do not abruptly stop taking phentermine without consulting your doctor.
Monitor for Side Effects
Common side effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, increased heart rate, and nervousness.
Contact your doctor if you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe mood changes.
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Our goal is to provide excellent care to our patients. Our office provides an atmosphere that encourages the establishment and maintenance of the traditional doctor-patient relationship. Our staff endeavors to facilitate your health care experience by providing you with timely appointments, appropriate referrals, and careful follow-up of your condition. We utilize the power of the internet to rapidly provide our patients with timely results of diagnostic tests and consultation reports from specialists via our secure patient portal.
Our patient portal facilitates patient access to lab reports, x-ray, and imaging results as well as consultation notes from specialists.
Our Telehealth option accelerates the patient's access to care by allowing them to initiate a timely medical visit from their home or office. This eliminates the need to drive to the office and endure the obligatory waiting room experience speeding the patient's recovery.
Telehealth is available for
(1) Anything that may concern you in order for you to initiate care as soon as possible
(2) E-therapeutic monitoring of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, depression, obesity/weight loss management
(3) acute common sick visits such as cough, flu-influenza, rashes, and certain medication refill requests.
In addition, our Concierge option allows for direct texting to the physician at any time, private appointments, and more.
