Dominic Stone
Phentermine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat obesity in both children and adults. It is available by prescription only and is intended for children aged 12 and above with a body mass index (BMI) of 95% or higher, as well as adults who are medically diagnosed as obese. While phentermine is not known to directly cause muscle pain, it can lead to a range of side effects, including muscle tension or tightening, muscle tremors, and joint pain. In rare cases, it has been associated with rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving the breakdown of muscle fibers. If you experience any adverse effects while taking phentermine, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for advice and guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Phentermine? | A central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat obesity in both children and adults. |
| How does it work? | Phentermine helps reduce your appetite and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. |
| Who is it for? | Phentermine is intended for children aged 12 years and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 95% or higher based on their age and gender. It is also for adults who are diagnosed as obese and are experiencing medical complications as a result of their weight. |
| Side effects | Muscle pain or cramps, nausea, muscle tremors, fast breathing, problems eating, fast heartbeat, restlessness, and abdominal or stomach pain. |
| Other side effects | Sweating less, high body temperature, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, trouble thinking or speaking, blurred vision, eye pain, pounding or racing heartbeat, fever, rash, hives, unusual thirst, dry mouth, difficulty focusing, gastrointestinal issues, excessive fatigue, decreased ability to taste food, painful menstrual cycle, back pain, belly pain, blood in urine, metabolic acidosis, kidney stones, bone problems, growth problems in children, and increased risk of low blood pressure. |
| Precautions | Do not stop taking phentermine suddenly without first checking with your doctor. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause seizures. |
| Overdose | Phentermine overdose may lead to multiorgan failure and rhabdomyolysis. |
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine and Topiramate
While phentermine and topiramate are generally well-tolerated, they can cause several side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, paresthesia, insomnia, irritability, and altered taste sensation. These side effects typically occur in less than 20% of patients, even at the highest dose. Other possible side effects include metabolic acidosis, decreased bone density, eye problems, and an increased risk of kidney stones, especially in children and those with kidney problems. Patients with high blood sugar or high blood pressure should be cautious when taking this medication, as it may affect these conditions.
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Adrenaline release
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to a stressful, exciting, dangerous, or threatening situation. This release triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which helps to cope with the situation by increasing alertness and vigilance. Adrenaline causes the blood vessels to contract and directs blood towards major muscle groups, including the heart and muscles, to provide them with more oxygen and energy. This results in an increased heart rate and breathing rate, as well as a boost of energy to the muscles.
The release of adrenaline can also lead to a decrease in the body's ability to perceive pain temporarily. This is because the sympathetic nervous system overrides the pain response during an adrenaline rush. However, once the stress or danger has passed, the effects of adrenaline can last for up to an hour, and the extra boost of energy can leave some people feeling restless and irritable.
Adrenaline plays a crucial role in preparing the body to face challenging situations. It increases blood flow to the brain and muscles, stimulates sugar production for fuel, and enhances physical strength and speed. These physiological changes enable individuals to react more quickly and effectively to threats or exciting situations.
In certain cases, adrenaline can also be administered as a medication. Synthetic epinephrine is used to treat cardiac arrest or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It stimulates the heart and can help open airways, making it valuable in treating anaphylaxis and asthma. However, when used as a medication, adrenaline can have side effects, including allergic reactions, chest pain, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, nervousness, and palpitations.
While adrenaline is essential for our survival and can enhance our physical capabilities, it can also have some negative implications. The release of adrenaline in non-threatening situations, such as during panic attacks or due to everyday stress, can lead to increased anxiety and restlessness. Additionally, the excess energy provided by adrenaline may result in difficulty sleeping.
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Rhabdomyolysis
The symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, and confusion. In some cases, there may be tea-coloured urine or an irregular heartbeat. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of kidney failure. Milder forms may not cause any muscle symptoms, while more severe cases are characterised by muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, and swelling of the affected muscles.
The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is based on abnormal blood tests, particularly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, which indicate muscle injury. Treatment focuses on managing the airway, breathing, and circulation, as well as preserving renal function through vigorous rehydration and, in some cases, kidney dialysis.
Phentermine has been associated with rhabdomyolysis in at least one case report. A 32-year-old man who had been taking twice the recommended dosage of phentermine hydrochloride for about a week experienced significant back, shoulder, and radiating inguinal pain. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis of several muscle groups and secondary acute renal failure.
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Metabolic acidosis
Phentermine/topiramate may cause muscle pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, decreased urine, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, increased thirst, loss of appetite, mood changes, and restlessness. These symptoms may be indicative of metabolic acidosis, which is a condition characterised by too much acid in the blood. Metabolic acidosis can be caused by various factors, including increased acid production, decreased acid excretion, acid ingestion, and renal or gastrointestinal bicarbonate losses.
The treatment for metabolic acidosis focuses on addressing the underlying health problem causing the condition. In some cases, sodium bicarbonate may be administered to reduce blood acidity, and patients may receive intravenous fluids. While many cases respond well to treatment, the outlook depends on the underlying cause. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying disorder to minimise the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with metabolic acidosis.
Overall, metabolic acidosis is a serious condition that requires medical attention. It is often a symptom of another disorder, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential health complications and adverse outcomes.
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Phentermine overdose
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used in conjunction with diet and exercise to treat obesity. It is one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals for weight loss in the United States.
Phentermine is a habit-forming medication. Misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. An overdose of phentermine can be fatal, and symptoms may include confusion, panic, hallucinations, extreme restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, depression, irregular heartbeats, weak pulse, seizures, or slow breathing (which may stop). If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
There is limited data available on non-fatal and fatal phentermine overdoses. However, a study from Tennessee reported 51 phentermine-positive cases in fatal drug overdoses, with phentermine listed as the cause of death in 20 cases. Another study reported a case of multiorgan failure in an elderly male due to a phentermine self-overdose. The patient had a history of epilepsy, major depressive disorder, prior methamphetamine abuse, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and cerebrovascular accident. He presented to the emergency department with excessive muscle twitching and spastic movements after intentionally overdosing on approximately 750 mg of phentermine.
In addition to overdose, phentermine has been associated with several other side effects. These include metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood), decreased bone density, slow growth in children, eye problems, kidney stones, and increased body temperature. Patients taking phentermine may also experience increased thoughts or actions of suicide, and those with a history of amphetamine abuse and psychiatric disorders may be at higher risk of phentermine abuse. It is important to consult a doctor before taking phentermine, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat obesity in both children and adults. It is available through a prescription from a medical professional.
While muscle pain is not a direct side effect of phentermine, it can cause muscle tension or tightening. It also causes the release of adrenaline from the brain, which can lead to a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, resulting in pain.
If you experience muscle pain or any other side effects while taking phentermine, it is important to consult your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication without first checking with your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can have adverse effects.
