Fighting Obesity With Phentermine: The Basics
If you are one of the millions of people in this country fighting obesity, having medical support is your best option. Physicians like Dr. Roig can offer resources that are not available to the average dieter such as a drug intervention strategy using phentermine. In clinical trials, patients lost up to 10 percent of their body weight utilizing a plan that included diet, exercise, and phentermine, according to the manufacturer.
To know whether phentermine might be the right choice for your weight loss plan, you need to understand more about this FDA-approved, prescription medication.
What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription-grade appetite suppressant used short-term to encourage weight loss. Physicians that specialize in healthy weight loss prescribe it in conjunction with a nutrition and exercise plan to support a reduced-calorie diet.
Losing weight is a medical necessity for many people. Obesity increases your risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
An appetite suppressant and stimulate like phentermine can help keep you on track and promote changes in behavior.
How Does Phentermine Work?
Like all prescription weight-loss medications, phentermine is only offered as part of a strategy that includes diet and exercise. It usually is prescribed for individuals who qualify as obese and have failed to lose weight with just diet and exercise. It helps to suppress the appetite; decreasing your hunger and making you feel full longer.
After an initial evaluation, the doctor will develop a care plan to guide you towards your weight loss goals that may include the use of this drug along with other tools. The dose will depend on many factors including your level of obesity and overall health. The usual doses offered include:
- 15 mg
- 30 mg
- 37.5 mg
The physician will pick the dosage that best suits your needs. In some cases, you may take a partial tablet to get the correct dose. Following the exact dose prescribed by your doctor is important. Taking too much phentermine can lead to significant medical problems including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Best Ways to Take Phentermine
Phentermine is only recommended for short-term use – it loses its effectiveness over time. It is up to the doctor to decide how much and how long you should take this drug.
Plan to take your dose of phentermine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You should take your tablet before you eat breakfast or possibly an hour or two after. The doctor can help you find the best time based on the type of phentermine prescribed. If you forget to take your dose it in the morning, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at one time trying to catch up, though. That may lead to overdose.
Phentermine is a practical short-term choice for people who struggle to lose weight. The goal is to suppress your appetite and decrease your food intake. If you feel this drug is making you hungrier or is not working effectively, contact your doctor right away.
