What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a medication in the amphetamine class that is used for weight loss. It was approved by the FDA in 1959 and has been used by millions of patients since then. A 2008 survey revealed that 98% of weight loss specialists prescribe appetite suppressants, and of those 97% prescribed Phentermine most often.
How does Phentermine work?
Proper diet and exercise are the keys to weight loss. You must take in fewer calories than you burn for a few weeks or months to lose weight. Phentermine helps you with this by decreasing your appetite and increasing your energy level. This gives you a “kick-start” on a weight loss program in which you learn new habits – eating “lean and green” and exercising regularly.
How do I take Phentermine?
Most patients take one Phentermine 37.5 mg tablet daily once in the morning. There are also a few other options available: 15 mg and 30 mg capsules. Orally dissolving Phentermine is available in all three dosages as brand name Suprenza. Adipex is a brand name 37.5 mg tablet but most patients opt for the much cheaper generic tablets. Some patients do not need a full 37.5 mg dosage, and they will take ½ tablet daily. Some patients prefer to extend the effect to later in the day, taking ½ tablet before breakfast and the other ½ tablet before lunch. It is not advisable for most patients to take it before dinner, because the stimulant effect might prevent sleep later that night.
What are the side effects of Phentermine?
By far the most common side effect is insomnia, although many patients say this wanes quickly, not bothering them after a few days or a week. Some patients don’t experience insomnia at all. If you do get insomnia, we can treat you with generic Ambien (zolpidem). Dry mouth or constipation can be an issue for some, but drinking lots of water usually solves this. Tremors or rapid heart rate usually fade after using the medication for a short time, but taking just ½ tab of Phentermine for a while can lessen it.
Does Phentermine have addiction potential?
In short, very little. Phentermine is a controlled substance, but it is a class 4, not nearly as strong as the amphetamine-like medications used for ADHD, such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse, which are DEA class 2, the legal medications with the highest risk for abuse. We rarely see any addiction problems. The drugs of abuse you hear about in the news are usually hydrocodone (class 2) and heroin (class 1 – illegal). After 58 years of use, there is no evidence in the medical literature that Phentermine has significant abuse potential.
Who should NOT take Phentermine?
You should not take Phentermine if you are pregnant or nursing. We prescribe Phentermine for adults 18-64 years old, and 16 and 17-year- olds can be treated with a parent’s permission. Do not take Phentermine with another stimulant type drug, such as ADHD medications. Phentermine should not be taken within two weeks of taking MAO inhibitors (an old and now rarely used class of antidepressants). You should avoid Phentermine if you’ve ever had an addiction to it or any other stimulant drug. People with a history of stroke or significant heart disease (angina, bypass surgery, heart attack, congestive heart failure) cannot take Phentermine. Murmurs are often not indicators of significant heart disease, but you may need an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to be sure before Phentermine is prescribed. Patients with hypertension can be treated if their hypertension is controlled; your blood pressure will be carefully screened at our clinic, and you will be asked to see your primary care practitioner (PCP) if yours is too high.
Where can I get Phentermine?
Any pharmacy carries it, and some general practitioners will prescribe it. At Cordova Medical Clinic, we have a physician and nurse practitioners who specialize in treating overweight and obese patients. You will be screened and examined and you will have a chance to discuss any questions you have with the professional. We have been doing this for over 16 years, and we can get you in and out quickly as a walk-in patient. For your convenience, we have Phentermine tablets in the clinic, so you can fill your prescription with us or take it with you.
Making the commitment to lose weight is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health, confidence, and vitality. Since 2000, Cordova Medical Clinic has helped the Memphis area reach their weight loss goals. Our physician-supervised weight loss programs combine safe, effective and proven medical weight loss solutions with one-on-one counseling to assist you with your weight loss success.
Experience body-transforming results safely, quickly and affordably. Call us today at 901-888-1000!