Is phentermine a good choice for weight loss?

Answer From Meera Shah, M.D.

Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is a prescription medicine used to lessen appetite. It can help weight loss by making you less hungry. Or it can help you feel full longer.

Phentermine also is offered combined with topiramate for weight loss (Qsymia). The combined drug is approved for long-term use. Phentermine is approved for use for up to 12 weeks. But weight management can take time. So some health care providers might order it for longer use.

Like other weight-loss medicines ordered by providers, phentermine is meant to be only part of a weight-loss plan. For example, it can be be used with healthy eating, physical activity and behavior change. Phentermine is for people with obesity or overweight who haven't been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone to improve their health.

Phentermine is a Schedule 4 drug. This is a label given to drugs that can be misused. But the rate of misuse seems to be low.

Common side effects of phentermine include:

  • Faster heart rate
  • Sleeplessness
  • Nervousness
  • Constipation

Phentermine is one of the most prescribed weight-loss medicines. But it isn't a good choice for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or glaucoma. It also isn't for people who are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

With

Meera Shah, M.D.

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Nov. 02, 2022 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Alli weight-loss pill
  2. Apple cider vinegar
  3. Bariatric surgery
  4. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
  5. Dietary supplements for weight loss
  6. Endoscopic intragastric balloon
  7. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
  8. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (Gastric Sleeve)
  9. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
  10. Weight-loss surgery
  11. Intragastric balloon
  12. Prescription weight-loss drugs
  13. Protein shakes
  14. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
  15. Vitamin B-12 injections
  16. Natural diuretics
  17. Weight-loss surgery