Phentermine is a medication sometimes used for the promotion of weight loss in overweight people already using diet and exercise to drop extra pounds. It is potentially addictive, and for this reason, doctors typically prescribe it for a limited amount of time. Phentermine use can trigger a wide array of minor and serious health effects.
Side Effects
The U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus website lists a number of relatively minor potential phentermine-related side effects. They include diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, unpleasant taste and vomiting. More serious potential side effects of phentermine use include dizziness, tremors, heart flutters or palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath and insomnia. Additional potentially serious side effects include blood pressure increases, restlessness, unusual difficulty performing routine exercises and swelling in the legs or ankles. In some cases, people may also develop other phentermine-related side effects.
Drug Interactions
If you take medications from a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOs, be aware that using phentermine within two weeks of your last dose can trigger a life-threatening chemical interaction. If you take phentermine in combination with weight-loss medications such as dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine, you put yourself at high risk for the development of a potentially lethal disorder called pulmonary hypertension. If you abruptly discontinue phentermine use, you also put yourself at risk for the development of significant withdrawal symptoms.
Additional Health Factors
Phentermine use can also endanger your health in specific ways if you have uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure, heart disease, hardening of your arteries, glaucoma or an overactive thyroid gland. You can also develop certain problems if you have abused drugs or alcohol in the past or if you have allergies to phentermine, cold medications, amphetamines, stimulants or other weight-loss medications. If you're nursing, be aware that phentermine circulating in your system can pass through your breast milk and damage your child's health.
Considerations
If minor phentermine side effects increase in severity or don't fade, contact your doctor for advice. If serious phentermine side effects appear in any degree, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Be aware that phentermine is classified as a controlled substance; do not share your supply of the medication with anyone and actively restrict access at all times. While taking phentermine, update your doctor regularly about any changes in other substances you take, including prescription or nonprescription medications and dietary supplements such as minerals and vitamins. Consult your doctor for more information on potential problems and safety guidelines while using this medication.
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