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Adipex Prescription Diet

Aug 23, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

If you are significantly overweight and cannot lose it on your own, you can talk to your doctor about the prescription appetite suppressant Adipex-P. But this diet drug option is not an easy way to avoid a diet; you must follow healthy eating and exercise guidelines to lose weight and keep it off. Also, you cannot safely use Adipex-P or similar drugs for more than 12 weeks at a time. Doctors usually prescribe Adipex-P for only a few weeks due to its habit-forming potential.

Adipex Basics

The amphetamine-like drug phentermine comprises Adipex-P and is the most commonly prescribed diet drug in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you do not change your eating habits, you risk regaining any weight lost once you stop taking phentermine. Also, you may experience unpleasant side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, nervousness and sleeping problems.

Diet Recommendations

You should eat a healthy and balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins while taking Adipex-P. Attempting to restrict your food intake severely or limit the types of foods you eat will likely thwart your weight-loss efforts, warns the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Women who weigh less than 165 lbs. should consume between 1,000 and 1,200 calories daily, while heavier women and men should eat between 1,200 and 1,600 calories daily.

Contraindictions

You cannot safely take any type of phentermine if you are over the age of 65, have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or high blood pressure, warns PubMed Health. You should also avoid the drug if you have diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma or thyroid problems. Pregnant and nursing women cannot take Adipex; if you become pregnant while taking the drug, immediately contact your healthcare professional.

Getting Additional Help

Some people need emotional support to follow a diet successfully, even if they are taking diet pills such as Adipex. You can consult with a dietitian for weight loss tips or join a support group such as Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous. If you are suffering depression or undergoing a lot of stress that is contributing to your weight troubles, you should talk to your doctor or a counselor.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: Aug 23, 2011

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