Phentermine's Long-Term Effects

Overeating is a common cause of obesity in adults. Whether the reason for overeating is stress, boredom or depression, there are ways to combat it. Phentermine is a new weight-loss aid that suppresses the appetite. But there are long-term side effects associated with its use.

Anorexia

• Phentermine stimulates the adrenaline function of the body, temporarily shutting down the digestive tract. When this happens, the stomach thinks it's full and there is no appetite, or anorexia, not to be confused with anorexia nervosa.

Dependence

• Phentermine has a similar chemical structure to amphetamines, which are highly addictive. Because of this, Phentermine can be addictive as well in the long term. Withdrawal can cause heart problems.

Mood Disorders

• Because Phentermine is addictive in the long term, withdrawal from it can cause mental problems as well as physical. Most commonly, schizophrenia is a symptom brought on my prolonged use of and withdrawal from Phentermine.

Sleep Deprivation

• Because of the adrenaline response provoked by Phentermine, it causes changes in body chemistry as though an actual situation had occurred. One of these effects is trouble sleeping. If Phentermine is taken on a regular basis, long-term sleep deprivation or insomnia can result.

Heart Palpitations

• Another response that Phentermine provokes via adrenaline is an increased heart rate. Like everything else in the body, heart rate is controlled by hormones. Over time, the body's heart rate can become unbalanced, leading to heart palpitations or murmur.