By Introduction
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for a long and healthy life. Gaining weight can lead to various health issues, and obesity only exacerbates their negative effects. However, following a proper exercise and diet plan can be extremely challenging, and it’s not always clear if these methods will help you achieve a healthy weight. If you’re struggling to lose weight through traditional approaches, phentermine might be worth considering. Phentermine is a prescription medication that can assist in weight loss by stimulating certain chemicals in the central nervous system, helping to suppress appetite.
One of the most often prescribed weight-loss medications in the world today is phentermine, and it is effective. Let’s discuss how does phentermine work and the reasons for the recognition of diet pills.
What is phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to assist in weight loss for individuals struggling with obesity. Typically used as a short-term treatment, phentermine is often prescribed for up to three months alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. It is usually recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Classified as a stimulant, phentermine works by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, making it easier to control calorie intake. This effect is achieved by influencing the brain’s appetite-regulating center. Phentermine is available under brand names such as Lomaira and Adipex-P, but it can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Although effective, phentermine is not recommended for long-term use due to the potential risk of dependence and other side effects.
How Does Phentermine Work?
Phentermine is an anorectic medication, meaning it works to suppress appetite. It does so by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The increased levels of these neurotransmitters help reduce your appetite, making you feel fuller and, in turn, eat less. This can lead to weight loss, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
How Long Does Phentermine Take to Work?
When taken orally, phentermine is absorbed by the digestive system. It typically takes about 3 to 4.4 hours to reach its peak levels in the bloodstream. The medication’s half-life is approximately 25 hours, meaning it takes this amount of time for the liver to metabolize half of the dose or for the substance to be excreted unchanged through urine.
What Does Phentermine Do? Common Effects on the Body
Numerous clinical studies have shown that phentermine helps with weight loss. Additionally, it can indirectly lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar (A1C), and decrease the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
The reduction in weight is the primary factor in controlling weight-related health issues, rather than the direct effect of phentermine itself. Weight loss can significantly lower risk factors, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. It also leads to improvements in lipid profiles, particularly increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing triglycerides.
Furthermore, phentermine has been shown to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in some patients. While weight loss can help lower blood pressure, phentermine users may experience an increase in heart rate.
Who Can or Can’t Take Phentermine?
People who are obese or overweight and also have other medical conditions may be able to use phentermine to aid in weight loss, especially if they haven’t experienced improvements with diet plan and exercise alone.
Phentermine should not be taken if you have a history of:
- Heart conditions
- High thyroid levels
- Glaucoma
- Dependency on a substance disorder
- Phentermine may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a family of medications. Avoid taking it within 14 days of starting MAOI treatment.
- Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take phentermine.
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Common Phentermine Side Effects
Side effects are more common in elderly individuals, especially when phentermine is combined with other medications. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using phentermine, and it’s essential to understand how phentermine works before considering it. To ensure your safety and an effective experience with the medication, consult your doctor to confirm its suitability based on your age, lifestyle, and any pre-existing medical conditions or medications.
In some cases, phentermine side effects can be severe. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Even with minimal effort, one experiences breathing difficulties.
- You have chest pain and feel like you might pass out.
- Swelling of the feet or ankles.
- Shivering, anxiety, and difficulty falling asleep.
- There are unexpected changes in behavior or attitude.
- The symptoms include high blood pressure, a painful headache, nausea, vomiting, ear or neck pain, anxiety, and bleeding from the nose.
The following are common side effects of phentermine:
- Itching
- Dizziness headache
- Dry mouth
- Unpleasant taste
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
How to Use Phentermine Safely for Best Results
Understanding how phentermine works for weight loss and its effects on your health is essential. Consuming low calories can help reduce sugar cravings and prevent overeating. Phentermine may also help increase energy levels, making physical activities easier. To use phentermine safely, inform your doctor about any existing health issues, as they can affect how the medication works. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol while taking phentermine to prevent undesirable side effects like nausea.
Phentermine may also impact your blood sugar levels, which can be harmful for diabetics. People with an overactive thyroid might experience worsening symptoms. When using phentermine, it might be difficult to drive or perform dangerous tasks. It’s crucial to observe how the medication affects you before engaging in any demanding activities.
Final Thoughts
Phentermine is a prescription medication that helps people lose weight by stimulating specific molecules in the central nervous system that suppress appetite. While weight loss medications can be effective, adopting a healthy lifestyle can accelerate weight loss. Consider improving your diet or increasing physical activity.
For safe and sustainable weight management, work with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) to create a tailored meal plan. If you are taking phentermine and experiencing no side effects, consult your doctor to assess does phentermine work effectively for you?
FAQs
How does phentermine work?
Phentermine works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals are involved in regulating appetite, and by stimulating their release, phentermine helps to reduce hunger, which leads to weight loss. However, the exact mechanism by which phentermine reduces body weight is not fully understood.
How does phentermine work in the body?
After taking it, phentermine remains in your body for around 4 days. Half of the medicine takes around 20 hours to exit your system. The time it takes for a medicine to exit your system depends on some factors. These include your age, nutrition, liver and kidney function and other variables.
How can I take phentermine for the best results?
As prescribed by your physician, take phentermine. People often consume it before breakfast in the morning. You can also take it 1-2 hours after breakfast. People often avoid using phentermine at night because it might cause sleeplessness.
Can I take phentermine while pregnant?
Avoid using phentermine when pregnant. Because it causes weight loss, it may be harmful to the fetus.
Can I drink alcohol while taking phentermine?
Serious side effects, including nausea, headaches, irregular heartbeat, and other negative effects, might arise from drinking alcohol while taking phentermine. Alcohol may add to the negative effects of phentermine.
