When lifestyle adjustments alone just aren't enough to combat obesity, physicians may decide to prescribe the appetite suppressant drug phentermine, sold under the trade name Adipex-P by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Although phentermine can be of great benefit for losing unhealthy excess weight, it's not a magic pill. If your doctor has prescribed phentermine, keep a few tips in mind in order to use the medication to its full potential.
Using Phentermine
Since phentermine is a stimulant medication similar to amphetamines, it is crucial to follow your dosing schedule exactly as your physician has ordered. According to the National Library of Medicine, phentermine is usually meant to be taken in the morning before breakfast or within an hour or two after breakfast. Keep records of when you take your morning dose by placing a datebook, calendar or notepad near your medication. This will keep you from missing your daily dose so phentermine can work as prescribed to help you lose weight. Keeping track of your dose will also prevent accidentally taking extra phentermine in those often-foggy morning hours.
Healthy Eating Choices
Since phentermine acts as an appetite suppressant, it will more than likely make you feel substantially less hungry throughout the day than you have been used to. This is not the time to skip meals and hence lose valuable nutrition in your diet; rather, you can use the appetite-suppressing properties of phentermine to eat smaller portions of healthier foods. Healthy eating choices that will keep you energized throughout your day while promoting weight loss include whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and low fat protein sources such as lean red meat, baked fish, and lentil beans.
Physical Activity
The National Institutes of Health report that phentermine is indicated in conjunction not only with diet, but with exercise as well. Although it may seem difficult at first, starting a program of regular physical activity may prove a lot easier than you think once you've begun. You don't have to take up triathlons or get a gym membership and personal trainer -- activities such as brisk walking, light jogging and body resistance exercises such as push ups and sit ups are simple, free options for helping phentermine melt off the pounds. Start with what you can manage, but work towards a goal of five days a week of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise.
Fluid Intake
Drink plenty of fluids while you're taking phentermine. As a stimulant, phentermine has diuretic properties, meaning that it can cause frequent urination. Avoid sugary beverages that contain caffeine, another stimulant -- replace them with fruit juice, herbal teas, and nature's very own weight-loss beverage: water. Get a reusable water bottle that you can take with you to work as well as when you exercise. Staying hydrated is essential not only for weight loss while you are on phentermine, but vital to your overall health.
Consulting with Your Doctor
Take any questions or concerns you have about phentermine to your prescribing physician. If you experience any side effects such as nervousness, insomnia, or anxiety, it is crucial to bring these symptoms to your doctor immediately.
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