Phentermine is employed in conjunction with a physician-approved regimen encompassing exercise, behavioral modifications, and a calorie-restricted diet to facilitate weight loss. This medication is prescribed for individuals facing weight-related challenges, including those grappling with obesity or obesity-related health issues. Achieving weight loss and maintaining it can mitigate numerous health hazards correlated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a potentially shortened lifespan.

The precise mechanism by which this medication aids in weight loss remains unclear. It may function by diminishing appetite, heightening the body’s energy expenditure, or influencing specific areas of the brain. Phentermine acts as an appetite suppressant and belongs to a pharmaceutical category known as sympathomimetic amines.

Phentermine Usage Guidelines

Follow these instructions for the proper use of phentermine:

1. Dosage and Timing: Take this medication orally as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once a day. Ideally, it should be taken either 1 hour before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. If necessary, your doctor may adjust your dosage, allowing you to take a smaller dose up to three times daily. Be diligent in adhering to your doctor’s guidance. Taking phentermine late in the day may lead to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.
2. Slow-Release Capsules: For individuals using slow-release capsules, the standard practice is to take the dose once daily before breakfast or at least 10 to 14 hours prior to bedtime. Ingest the capsule whole; do not crush or chew extended-release capsules. Crushing them may result in the sudden release of the entire dose, increasing the risk of side effects.
3. Dissolvable Tablets: If you are using tablets designed to dissolve in the mouth, take the dose once daily in the morning, with or without food. Prior to handling the tablet, ensure your hands are clean. Place the dose on the top of your tongue and allow it to dissolve, then swallow it with or without water.
4. Dosage Adjustment: The appropriate dosage depends on your medical condition and how you respond to the therapy. Your healthcare provider will fine-tune the dosage to determine the most effective level for your needs. Consistently use this medication exactly as prescribed to maximize its benefits. To aid in remembering, take it at the same time each day.

Key Considerations for Taking Phentermine

When your doctor prescribes phentermine, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

1. Food Intake: Phentermine can be taken with or without food.
2. Timing: Take phentermine once daily in the morning. Avoid taking it late in the day to prevent sleep disturbances.
3. Oral Capsules: Do not cut or crush the oral capsule; ingest it whole.

Phentermine in Eating Disorders:

Phentermine, in combination with topiramate, may offer benefits for individuals dealing with certain eating disorders:

Binge Eating Disorder (BED): This disorder involves recurrent episodes of overeating. The combination of phentermine and topiramate has shown promise in reducing overeating episodes in people with BED.

Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder shares binge eating characteristics with BED but also includes behaviors like self-induced vomiting to counteract the effects of binge eating.

In a 12-week study involving obese or overweight individuals with BED, the combination of phentermine and topiramate resulted in significant reductions in weight, BMI, and binge eating.

Another 12-week study included people with BED or bulimia nervosa who were randomly assigned to receive the drug combination or a placebo. Over 28 days, treatment with the phentermine-topiramate combination reduced the number of binge eating days from 16.2 to 4.2, while the placebo group did not exhibit the same results.

By curbing the frequency of binge eating episodes, this drug combination may assist 40-80% of overweight or obese individuals with BED or bulimia nervosa in achieving weight loss, enhancing mood, and gaining a greater sense of control over their food intake.

Precautions for Phentermine Use

It’s essential to observe specific precautions when considering phentermine as a treatment option:

1. Short-Term Usage: Phentermine is primarily intended for short-term use, as there is a lack of long-term safety studies.
2. Combination Approval: The FDA has sanctioned the long-term use of phentermine in combination with topiramate due to lower dosages of the two components compared to their individual maximum doses.
3. Common Side Effects: While phentermine is generally well-tolerated, it may cause common side effects. However, certain individuals with specific medical conditions, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, should avoid phentermine.
4. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Phentermine should not be prescribed in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a medication class employed in treating depression.
5. Doctor’s Assessment: Your healthcare provider will assess whether phentermine is suitable for you and ensure its safety based on your individual circumstances.

Always consult with your healthcare professional to determine the appropriateness of phentermine for your specific needs and to ensure its safe usage.