Phentermine, better known by brand names such as Adipex-P and Obenix, is a stimulant that works on the central nervous system to help suppress the appetite and aid weight-loss efforts. Typically prescribed for severely overweight people, phentermine carries with it a host of adverse side effects that should be taken into consideration before taking this drug.
Common Side Effects of Phentermine
Phentermine produces both common and less frequent side effects. Its common side effects are generally not a risk to your health and may subside over time. These side effects include but are not limited to insomnia, restlessness, unusual feelings of euphoria (happiness) and unusual feelings of dysphoria (unpleasant feelings). You may notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth, suffer from constipation or become hyperactive. Dizziness and diarrhea may plague you as well. If these side effects do not subside, contact your doctor.
Sexual Side Effects
Phentermine is linked to both a change in sex drive for both men and women, and impotence in men. According to eMedTV.com, the reported changes in sex drive have not been clarified as being an increase or decrease.
As for impotence, which is the inability to either achieve or sustain an erection, the percentage of men suffering from this condition as a result of taking phentermine is not known. However, a direct link has been made between the two, according to eMedTV.com.
Report These Immediately
Certain side effects of phentermine are serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. If you begin to experience any of these, report them immediately to your doctor. These side effects include feeling more outgoing or aggressive than usual, hallucinating and feeling agitated or restless. You may also suffer from a rapid heart rate or from heart palpitations (rapid, pounding heartbeats). Additionally, if you begin to feel as though you need to take more medication than is prescribed, you may be forming an addiction to phentermine. If this occurs, contact your doctor at once.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension is considered to be a life-threatening side effect of phentermine and needs to be treated as soon as symptoms are recognized. These symptoms include finding it difficult to breathe, experiencing fatigue or weakness, unexplained swelling of your ankles and chest pain. Feeling dizzy or fainting, and lips or skin that are turning blue are also indications of this condition.
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