Phentermine is a prescription medicine used for weight management. It works in the body as a stimulant and is considered a diet pill. The National Library of Medicine classifies Phentermine in a class of medications called anorectics, which work by decreasing appetite. Because the drug lessens your appetite, Phentermine controls weight loss by making you less hungry or helping to maintain a feeling of being full for longer.

How bad is Phentermine withdrawal? While less severe than withdrawals for methamphetamine, side effects still can occur. In addition, those prone to addiction or substance abuse disorder tend to strongly depend on the medication, which acerbates their withdrawal symptoms. Since Phentermine can lead to mental dependence, it is classified as a controlled substance. Because of the possible dependency on the drug, withdrawal symptoms are common after stopping it. Southeast Addiction Center in Tennessee can help.

Phentermine Withdrawal Symptoms

Phentermine is used most often to treat obesity and is accompanied by an exercise and diet plan. Individuals should be under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor for adverse effects, including changes in blood sugar and heart rate. When prescribing the drug, your doctor can assess and discuss the impact of other underlying conditions that must be considered when taking the medication.

When used for prolonged periods or in higher doses, individuals can develop a dependency on the drug, which means withdrawal symptoms are possible once they are no longer using it. Understanding the effects of Phentermine withdrawal helps individuals prepare for managing symptoms or seeking medical attention.

• Fatigue: Being a stimulant, Phentermine boosts energy levels and causes a person to feel more alert, energetic, and awake. When the drug is no longer in the body, the brain has to relearn how to function without it. As a result of this reboot, individuals tend to feel drowsiness and fatigue.
• Weight gain: Because Phentermine suppresses the appetite, weight gain is typical when stopping the drug. However, the weight gain depends on the individual’s other lifestyle choices, including exercising, maintaining a low-calorie diet plan, and other prescription drugs they might be taking.
• Low mood: Just as fatigue can set in after stopping Phentermine, changes in the individual’s mood are also common. Again, the brain has to work to return to its normal state and previous serotonin levels. During the adjustment period, people tend to experience bouts of sadness, and those with pre-existing mental illnesses, such as depression, may find the depression increases.
• Drug cravings: Mental cravings for Phentermine are common because of the onset of fatigue and low mood. Individuals want to experience bursts of energy and increased happiness that the drug brings.

Even though withdrawal can’t always be avoided when stopping drug use, there are ways to lessen the symptoms. Speaking with a medical professional about the best course of action for gradually stopping the drug is important.

Phentermine Withdrawal Timeline

• 6-24 hours: Individuals begin to notice a drop in energy and, possibly, mood.
• 2-3 days: Irritability, anxiety, low mood, and fatigue start to make the individual feel it’s harder to do the day-to-day activities they were previously doing with ease.
• 5-7 days: All the previous withdrawal symptoms peak and possible weight gain will start.
• 10-12 days: The withdrawal symptoms will taper off as the brain and body adjust to their new normal.
• Years: For some individuals, the craving for Phentermine can last for years each time the brain remembers the elevated mood and energy levels that the drug created.

What are the Symptoms of Phentermine Use?

Phentermine is a prescription drug used to lessen appetite and catalyze weight loss by making individuals less hungry and feel full. You should only take Phentermine if prescribed; it is not meant as a single weight-loss option.

The drug is meant to be paired with positive lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, healthy eating habits, and behavior changes that led to weight gain from the beginning. Typically, medical professionals prescribe Phentermine to people with obesity or who are overweight with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher and who haven’t been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone to improve their health.

Is Phentermine Highly Addictive?

Phentermine works by decreasing appetite; therefore, when individuals first start using Phentermine, it can be easy to get excited about losing weight and the feel-good effects of the increased serotonin and dopamine in the body.

This leads to drug abuse, and when this happens, some people think they can keep the momentum going by increasing the use of the drug or extending the amount of time they take it. However, going this route has adverse effects as it leads to dependency on the drug.

In addition, to the excitement that the weight loss brings, some individuals desire to have the euphoric feeling of the drug faster, which leads to snorting or injecting the drug directly into the bloodstream. Not only does abuse of this drug overwork the body’s central nervous system, but those injecting it will also notice skin bruising and popping, which occurs if they miss a vein or inject directly into the skin or muscle. Injury to veins is also a concern.

Individuals with a personal or family history of substance abuse could be at risk of abusing Phentermine. When individuals have a propensity to addiction, such as overeating, the likelihood of abusing Phentermine exists.

What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with Phentermine?

• MAO inhibitors: Taking Phentermine with MAO inhibitors can lead to a fatal drug interaction. In addition, individuals taking MAO inhibitors should discontinue use at least two weeks before starting Phentermine.
• Other appetite-suppressant drugs: If individuals have taken or are currently taking other appetite-suppressant medicines, even those over-the-counter, this should be communicated to a medical provider before starting Phentermine.
• Other stimulants: When taking Phentermine, it is important to know that other stimulates such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and street drugs, including MDMA and cocaine, should be avoided as the risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular issues will increase.
• Drugs that cause drowsiness: Because Phentermine can cause drowsiness, those taking it should discuss with their doctor the consequences of mixing other drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, and antihistamines.

Phentermine is taken orally and provided in four ways:

• Capsules
• Disintegrating tablets
• Extended-release capsules
• Tablets

What are the Side Effects of Phentermine Abuse?

The National Institute of Health discusses Phentermine’s expected and more severe side effects.

Individuals taking the drug should tell their doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Dry mouth
• Unpleasant taste
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness

Some side effects can be severe:

• Increased blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the legs and ankles
• Difficulty doing exercise that you have been able to do

While this provides a comprehensive list of possible side effects, everyone is different. Always contact a medical professional if you experience unusual symptoms, which could indicate an underlying issue.

Can Phentermine Cause Permanent Damage?

As with other stimulants, long-term use of Phentermine has the potential to cause damage to the cardiovascular system, where the heart and blood vessels suffer. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and other cardiovascular diseases. The impact of the damage will vary for each individual; however, those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should discuss with their doctor whether or not Phentermine is a good option for them.

To minimize the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system, those prescribed Phentermine should use it under the care of a physician and never take the drug for longer than the doctor recommends.

Just as those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should discuss those diseases before beginning, Phentermine, the same is true for people with pre-existing eye conditions. This is important to avoid the acceleration of any eye diseases or conditions.

Contact Southeast Addiction Center in Nashville, Tennessee if Phentermine Withdrawal Symptoms Occur

Our experienced team is here to help you if withdrawal symptoms occur from Phentermine. We’ll start by having a free, consultative phone call with you to ask some pre-admission questions to understand your symptoms and situation better. We’ll help you confirm your insurance and plan for your treatment.

If you or a loved one needs help with this serious addiction, Southeast Addiction Center is here. We’re ready to assist you or your loved one 24/7. Call us at (888) 981-8263 or email us at [email protected].