Withdrawal Effects of Phentermine

Phentermine is a drug that comes in both tablet and capsule form to help patients lose weight. Doctors prescribe phentermine along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to help individuals who have trouble losing weight with diet and exercise alone. It is also prescribed for patients who are at increased medical risk due to their weight and need stronger suppressants. Because of this increased strength, there is the possibility of withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

History

• Phentermine was introduced in 1959 as a drug to help suppress appetite. In 1990, phentermine was combined with another drug, fenfluramine, to become Fen-Phen, which was marketed as an anti-obesity drug. The combined Fen-Phen and one of its root compounds, fenfluramine, were removed from the market when use was found to damage valves in the heart. Phentermine was not removed from the market and is still in use in the United States and around the world.

How It Works

• In simplest terms, phentermine works by making users think they are less hungry. The drug works by elevating blood pressure to stimulate the nervous system and then the hypothalamus into releasing neurotransmitters that decrease appetite. It also works outside the brain to release adrenaline to cause fat cells to break down the stored fat in the body.

Withdrawal Effects

• Phentermine is known to cause withdrawal symptoms, especially when used in high doses for a prolonged period of time. In most cases, these effects take the form of depression or severe fatigue and will occur suddenly once the medication is stopped. In rare cases, addiction can form and lead to self-medication and ever-increasing doses. Patients who feel the drug is no longer working or are concerned they are addicted are instructed to stop use of the drug and speak to a medical professional immediately.

Warnings

• Individuals should not take phentermine if they have allergies to any components in the drug, have high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, heart disease, glaucoma or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Phentermine should not be taken with any other diet drug, herbal supplement or antacid product. Users should also be careful when driving, operating machinery or doing anything hazardous that requires extra concentration due to the risk of the stimulant nature of the drug concealing excessive fatigue.

Conclusion

• Due to the strength of phentermine, it is possible to go through withdrawal symptoms if it's used regularly and then stopped suddenly. Doctors can prescribe lower and lower dosages to slowly wean users off the drug to help reduce this threat.