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What is Phentermine and How Does It Work for Weight Loss?

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In addition to diet and exercise, the prescription phentermine, also known by its chemical name, phenyl-tertiary-butylamine, is used to treat obesity. As a result of its resemblance to amphetamine, it is a prohibited substance that can only be obtained with a prescription.

This medication, which has grown to be among the most well-liked weight-loss medications worldwide, was certified for medical use in the United States in 1959. The number of prescriptions written each year exceeds 7 million. The brand names Lomaira, Adipex-P, Suprenza, etc. are some of the current phentermine products that are offered.

Several brain chemicals that signal fullness to the body are stimulated by phentermine. This might assist someone in eating less by reducing appetite more quickly. After making the necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications to support a moderate weight, it is a supplemental therapy for people who still struggle to lose weight.

How it Works

An appetite suppressant, phentermine is a type of anorectic medication. The medication causes the brain’s neurotransmitters to be released more quickly. The levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are raised by this medication. You feel full and eat less as a result of the rise in these chemicals in your brain. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, this can eventually result in weight loss.

Effects of Phentermine on the Body

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of phentermine in reducing body weight and, indirectly, blood pressure, blood sugar, and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (measured by the reduction in A1C). It has been established that weight loss, not the effects of phentermine, is the primary factor in the management of diseases associated with excess weight. In addition to improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure, losing weight also lowers other risk factors for health.

Lipid profiles also demonstrate improvement, particularly in triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Additionally, it has demonstrated a notable decline in a patient’s development of Type 2 diabetes. While the effects of weight loss lower blood pressure, phentermine users may experience an increase in heart rate.

Its Dosage

Phentermine is typically recommended for up to 12 weeks at a time to aid with weight loss. There were only 3 levels of extended-release phentermine available up to 2016: 15mg, 30mg, and 37.5mg. The FDA most recently authorized an 8mg dose in tablet form that can be taken three times per day. You can take phentermine as a pill or an extended-release capsule. Typically, one 30 mg capsule or one 37.5 mg tablet is given in the morning, one to two hours before breakfast. 30 minutes before a meal, the 8 mg pill may be taken up to three times a day. Higher doses can be required for improved appetite suppression.

Usually, crushing the extended-release capsule will accelerate the drug’s absorption, which will undermine the drug’s intended effects and increase the risk of serious adverse effects.

How Phentermine Helps With Weight Loss

You can lose up to 5% of your whole body weight using phentermine. According to research, you can lose up to 10% of your body weight over the course of 12 weeks. It is referred to as a “sympathomimetic” medication or “stimulant” because it stimulates your sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system.

People who use phentermine tend to eat less since it may help reduce appetite. By burning more calories than you are consuming, this can result in an energy deficit and possible weight reduction. Phentermine may be a possibility for you if you have obesity (or are overweight with health concerns) and rigorous lifestyle adjustments haven’t assisted you in losing weight.

The choice to begin taking phentermine is a personal one, and you should have a detailed conversation about it with your healthcare professional because there are hazards involved. People who use phentermine should be aware of these side effects and treat them seriously. Due to the possibility of abuse and negative effects, phentermine use should always be moderated. 

Bottom Line

In order to aid with weight loss, phentermine is commonly used across the globe. However, due to its potential for abuse, phentermine use is carefully regulated and comes with a number of undesirable side effects. The usage of phentermine alone is limited to brief periods of time (less than 12 weeks). However, there are new combinations of phentermine and other drugs that might be safe to take for a longer duration. Speak to your pharmacist or a healthcare professional if you have any queries regarding phentermine.

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