Can I Get Addicted to Phentermine?

Phentermine is a generic pharmaceutical medication. Physicians prescribe phentermine to help overweight and obese patients lose weight. The drug is classified as an anorectic, and it’s FDA-approved for weight loss. It is only available by prescription.

Does Phentermine Burn Fat or Just Suppress Appetite?

Besides being energizing, phentermine helps to control appetite so that you don’t feel so hungry all the time. Phentermine, in and of itself, does not cause your body to burn fat, and it does not affect your metabolism.

Phentermine has a chemical structure similar to that of amphetamine. Under the brand name Adderall, amphetamine is a commonly prescribed stimulant drug with FDA approval to treat ADHD symptoms. Adderall is also prescribed for weight loss.

According to the FDA, treatment with phentermine should not exceed three months. Limiting the length of treatment is thought to reduce the risk of addiction. Phentermine should be viewed as a temporary measure rather than as a long-term solution for controlling excess weight.

How Is Obesity Treated

Obesity is caused by an energy imbalance in which a person’s energy intake exceeds their energy output. The excess energy is stored in the body as fat. When this state of affairs goes on for a long time, gaining weight is inevitable.

Excess weight on the body takes an ongoing toll on the health. People who are overweight are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Obesity is increasing globally, and it has become a serious public health problem.

How Does Phentermine Work?

Numerous studies clearly reveal that phentermine is an effective weight loss treatment. Researchers don’t yet know if it’s because your appetite is gone so you’re eating less food, or you’re burning more fat because you’re energized and moving around.

We do know that the more energy we have, the more likely we are to feel positive, motivated and active. The more active we are, the more fat we’ll burn. The problem is that when the amphetamine or phentermine are discontinued, many people lose their motivation and enthusiasm for weight loss, regain the weight they lost and put on even more.

Researcher Phillippa Lally, a health psychology researcher at University College London, found that, on average, it takes 66 days to form a new habit. Losing a significant amount of weight can be a daunting task, even with the help of phentermine. But when the phentermine is discontinued after three months, it may not be long enough for a new habit to develop.

Extending the length of treatment would give clients additional time to implement a new lifestyle. Reducing the dosage gradually can help to reduce any withdrawal symptoms like exhaustion and depression. Stepping up the workouts will increase the level of feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. On the other hand, taking phentermine for longer than three months can increase the potential for tolerance, dependence and addiction. The longer you use it, the harder it will be to stop.

How Long Does Phentermine Stay in Your System?

This medication can be detected in the urine within four or five days after the last dose. It’s present in the blood for about 48 hours and in the hair for up to three months.

Is Phentermine Addictive?

The current thinking is that phentermine is not addictive when the patient is monitored, and the drug is used as directed by a qualified medical professional. There is a risk of addiction if treatment is continued for more than 12 weeks or if the patient takes more than the prescribed daily dose.

Amphetamine has a mechanism of action that’s similar to that of phentermine. The only difference is that amphetamine also interacts with dopamine and serotonin receptors in the pleasure center of the brain, thereby giving it a high addiction potential.

Because phentermine does not interact with dopamine or serotonin receptors in the brain’s pleasure centers, it is considered less addictive than amphetamine.

Is Phentermine Dangerous?

Although phentermine is considered safe when used as directed, it can provoke dangerous reactions in some patients. Researchers have uncovered a possible connection between pulmonary hypertension and phentermine therapy. For that reason, an individual should always be screened by a medical professional before starting phentermine treatment.

There is also the question of risk versus benefit. If a person is at risk for an adverse reaction to phentermine, it might still benefit that person to use phentermine if not using it would result in even more serious health risks.

For example, patients with diabetes or high cholesterol, for whom phentermine might trigger an adverse reaction, may be placed on phentermine anyway if not losing weight would cause more serious health risks than not taking phentermine.

The Phen-Fen Connection

In combination with a drug called fenfluramine, phentermine was previously marketed in the 1990s as a weight loss medication called Phen-Fen. Fenfluramine is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain that make users feel a peaceful sense of well-being.

Phen-Fen was removed from the market after it was shown that fenfluramine damaged heart valves in one-third of the patients who used it. Phentermine did not cause the valvular issues and, as such, it is still used as an appetite suppressant.

Does Phentermine Have Side Effects?

For clients with hypertension, vasoconstriction and vasculopathy, phentermine can cause serious health issues and a slew of side effects ranging from moderate to mild:

• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Headaches
• Breathlessness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Confusion
• Chest pain

Drinking alcohol while taking phentermine can increase the intensity of the side effects. Patients may feel sleepy and unable to focus, making it unwise to drive a motor vehicle.

How Is Amphetamine Different Than Phentermine?

The effects of phentermine are similar to but milder than those of amphetamine. Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance that can, in some cases, lead to abuse and dependence. Phentermine is FDA-approved for short-term use only, and only for those who are obese or significantly overweight.

It may also be prescribed for other conditions for which it is not FDA-approved. That is called prescribing off-label. In such cases, phentermine may be taken for longer than three months every day or intermittently.

Adderall is the brand name for amphetamine. Unlike phentermine, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug. Schedule II drugs have high abuse potential, and patients can develop both a physical and psychological dependence if not monitored carefully.

Amphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the concentration of certain chemicals in the brain. The chemicals make users feel more alert and more focused with improved concentration.

The drug is primarily used to treat ADHD in combination with other healing measures like education, therapy and changes in lifestyle. Amphetamine abuse can result in severe heart problems or even sudden death.

Who Should Not Take Adderall or Phentermine

While both drugs are generally safe if used judiciously and under close supervision of a healthcare provider, there are some people who should not take either drug for any reason. Anyone with a history of the following conditions should avoid these medications no matter what:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart rhythm irregularities
• Hypertension
• Overactive thyroid
• Glaucoma
• Pregnant or nursing moms
• Allergies to any of the ingredients in either drug
• History of substance use disorder
• Presently taking or a history of taking MAO inhibitor drugs

Is Phentermine An Effective Weight Loss Treatment?

Unfortunately, 97% of all dieters regain the weight they lose within three years. Many gain more than they lose. This sad statistic applies to almost any weight loss. It’s bad enough to feel like you’ve lost control of your body. It’s even worse if you develop an addiction to phentermine, too.

Twelve-step programs like Overeaters Anonymous help people to make lifestyle changes that support the development of new habits and the maintenance of a healthy weight.

According to a confidential survey conducted by OA members, the average reported weight loss for all survey participants was 21.8. Ninety percent of the respondents reported some, much or very much improvement in their emotional, social, spiritual and professional lives.

Are you worried that you might be addicted to prescription drugs for weight loss? Take action and get some help. At Illinois Recovery Center, we provide care that’s customized just for you. Call us day or night to speak confidentially with a member of our recovery team. We can help. All you have to do is ask.

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