Phentermine is a prescribed medicine used to lessen appetite. It can aid in weight loss by making you less hungry, or it may help you to feel full longer. It is among one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications.
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is a central nervous stimulant that is a prescribed medication to lower your appetite. It is a capsule that is used to help adults who are obese or overweight, and who struggle losing weight and keeping the weight from being gained back. It is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk due to their weight. It works by causing your body to feel more full after eating, and it decreases your appetite throughout the day. Your doctor will probably start you on a lower dose of the medicine, and then typically increase the dose after 14 days if it is all going smoothly.
Experts still are not exactly sure how the medication works; but it has been shown to have multiple effects, such as stimulating neurons to release dopamine and norepinephrine which are the neurotransmitters. It has been shown that Phentermine increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, and it is possible that it also raises leptin levels. Leptin is the hormone that tells us that we feel full. The initial weeks of taking Phentermine you will see the most weight loss occurring. Below you will read everything you need to know about phentermine:
Phentermine is meant to be used as part of a short-term plan while on a low calorie diet to reduce one’s weight. It is typically used in obese patients who have tried to lose weight with exercise and diet alone, but have not been successful. This medication belongs to the group of medicine known as appetite suppressants.
This medication will be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken once a day, about 1 to 2 hours before eating breakfast. If it is needed, the doctor may up the dose to taking smaller doses up to 3 times a day. Be sure to listen to your doctors instructions because taking the medication late at night may cause trouble sleeping.
There are two ways the medicine may be taken, one being extended release capsules. It is important to make sure to take the medication whole and not crush it up or chew it. By swallowing it whole, the body is able to have it slowly released into the system. If you were to crush it up or chew it, the risk of side effects may become higher. The second way is that there are tablets designed to dissolve right in your mouth. Place the Phentermine tablet on top of your tongue, and wait for it to dissolve. Once it is dissolved, swallow with or without water.
You should not take phentermine if you are currently pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. You should also not take phentermine if you have an overactive thyroid, severe heart problems, high blood pressure that is not under control, glaucoma, agitation, or a previous history of drug abuse.
You should drink extra fluids during the time of taking your treatment. If you happen to miss a dose, you should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Just skip the missed dose and take your normal one the following morning. If your body becomes tolerant to the medication, the effects may begin to lessen and not work as well.
If at some point you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression or extreme tiredness. In order to avoid this, your doctor may slowly lower the dose, as opposed to just cutting it out right away. Withdrawal is much more likely if you have been on it for a while, or taking it at very high dosage. Be sure to tell your doctor right away if this occurs.
As with taking any drug, addiction is always a possibility. According to WebMD, the risk of addiction to Phentermine may be higher if you have previous substance abuse disorder, such as overuse of drugs or alcohol. Do not up the dose or take it more often unless directed to do so by your doctor. Some other common side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, head ache, increased or pacing heart rate, or primary pulmonary hypertension. These are not likely, but they are the most common side effects. Please be sure to contact your doctor if any of this becomes unbearable.
If you happen to miss a dose of phentermine, it’s important not to double up on your next dose to make up for the missed one. Instead, simply skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule the following morning. Missing an occasional dose should not have a significant impact, but be aware that it may slightly affect the medication’s effectiveness in helping you control your appetite and manage your weight. However, it’s crucial not to make a habit of missing doses, as doing so may lead to decreased effectiveness over time. If you have concerns or questions about missed doses and their potential consequences, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed.
When taking Phentermine, it should be used along with proper diet and exercise. It should not taken with any other weight loss medications. It is important to limit your alcohol intake, as consuming alcohol could increase the risk of side effects and impair your vision. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are considering becoming pregnant in the near future, because Phentermine may not be suitable for you. Keep your medication away and secured, as it could be fatal to pets or young children.
Phentermine is a great way to aid in losing extra weight. Studies have shown that this drug can help people lose about one extra pound per week. Looking to have Phentermine prescribed to you for weight loss purposes? Contact Skin + Sculpt today to get a consultation to see if you Phentermine may be a good fit for you.
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