Phentermine basics

How does phentermine work?

You feel hungry when your stomach tells your brain it is empty. It is like checking your car to see whether there is enough gas in the tank. The sensors in your stomach register how much food is left to provide energy for the next few hours of heart beating, lungs taking in oxygen, and so on. When the levels get low, a chemical message is sent to the brain for more food. Phentermine changes the way in which the chemistry of this messaging system works. It delays the arrival of the message so you do not feel hungry.

Is phentermine for everyone?

No. You should discuss whether to take this drug with your regular doctor. In general, it should not be given to anyone below the age of sixteen and it should not be taken during or immediately after a pregnancy. If you take other drugs at the same time, there can be interactions causing unpleasant side effects. Further, it is not the “right” drug if you have any of the following conditions:

• any allergy to the benzodiazepines;
• glaucoma or any more serious eye problem;
• diabetes;
• any disease affecting the arteries or the heart (including high blood pressure);
• an overactive thyroid;
• a seizure disorder;
• your mood is excitable or aggressive, you are excessively anxious or panic; or
• you have had problems with alcoholism or drug abuse.

How does phentermine work?

You should follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist as to dosage. Do not change the amount of phentermine you take nor the length of time you take it. This drug can be habit-forming, so it is important to take it at the lowest possible dosage for short periods of time.

Phentermine Dosages

You feel hungry when your stomach tells your brain it is empty. It is like checking your car to see whether there is enough gas in the tank. The sensors in your stomach register how much food is left to provide energy for the next few hours of heart beating, lungs taking in oxygen, and so on. When the levels get low, a chemical message is sent to the brain for more food. Phentermine changes the way in which the chemistry of this messaging system works. It delays the arrival of the message so you do not feel hungry.

How phentermine is taken?

The ideal is to take phentermine on an empty stomach before you eat breakfast. If you delay taking the pill, it can disrupt your sleep. Never chew or crush the pill. Simply swallow it with a full glass of water.

What are main side effects?

With phentermine, the problems are controllable if you follow the dosage instructions and avoid taking any other drugs that may interact. Some feel a little anxious or nervous. This can be associated with a headache or a slight trembling in the hands, and disturb the sleeping pattern. Occasionally, people may have diarrhea or become constipated. More serious, but less common, are sudden changes in mood. You may feel confused and restless. In some cases there can also be quite dramatic physical effects with an uneven heart beat, shortness of breath, severe headache, vision and hearing affected and, rarely, a seizure. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to the drug.

Phentermine should be used in combination with a healthy diet and physical exercise

The only effect of this drug is to suppress your appetite. This means you actually lose weight by starting and maintaining a net-loss calorie diet. Adding physical exercise burns the fat away more quickly.