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Phentermine is a medication commonly used to aid weight loss in overweight or obese individuals. While it can be effective, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. These include dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, tremors, changes in behaviour, gastrointestinal issues, sexual side effects, and effects on the heart. Phentermine may also cause an individual to sweat less, leading to an increase in body temperature. This can result in overheating during exercise or hot weather, which may lead to heat stroke. In addition, phentermine may cause muscle pain or cramps, which could be indicative of hypokalemia or low potassium levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to lose weight, especially for overweight people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease |
| Dosage | Adults and children 12 years or older: 3.75mg of phentermine and 23mg of topiramate once a day for 14 days, followed by a gradual increase in dosage |
| Side Effects | Dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, tremors, changes in behavior, gastrointestinal issues, sexual side effects, effects on the heart, and heart and lung disease |
| Precautions | Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, do not drink alcohol, carefully follow doctor's instructions about diet and exercise, do not stop taking the medication suddenly |
| Risks | Low potassium levels, urinary tract infection, fast or abnormal heartbeat, confusion, memory problems, eye problems, severe skin reactions, metabolic acidosis, growth problems in children, increased body temperature, seizures |
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine and topiramate side effects
Phentermine and topiramate is a combination appetite suppressant/stimulant and seizure medication. It is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to treat obesity in people aged 12 and older, especially those with diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Phentermine and topiramate may cause serious side effects. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away:
- Signs of too much acid in the blood: loss of appetite, tiredness, thinking problems, irregular heartbeats
- Mood changes, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, thoughts about hurting yourself
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Serious eye symptoms: sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
- Serious heart symptoms: fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
- Decreased urine, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, increased thirst, loss of appetite, mood changes, muscle pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- Seizures, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness
- Serious skin reactions: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red irritated eyes, red skin lesions, often with a purple centre
Common side effects of phentermine and topiramate include sensations of pricking, burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin; dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, indigestion, urinary tract infections (UTIs), headache, nausea, back pain, taste disturbances, constipation, and dry mouth.
This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while taking this medicine. Overheating may result in heat stroke.
Additionally, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose.
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Phentermine overdose symptoms
Phentermine is a prescription drug used to treat obesity and is typically combined with a reduced-calorie diet and proper exercise to aid weight loss. It is one of the most prescribed anorexiants in the United States.
Phentermine overdose can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Abdominal cramps
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Seizure
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Mood changes
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling of the legs and ankles
- Bluish color to lips and skin
In rare cases, phentermine overdose can lead to multiorgan failure and even death. One case study described an elderly male with a history of epilepsy, major depressive disorder, prior methamphetamine abuse, schizophrenia, and suicidal ideation who presented to the emergency department following an intentional overdose of approximately 750 mg of phentermine. The patient experienced excessive muscle twitching and spastic movements.
If you suspect a phentermine overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or local poison control center, and if symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Precautions and interactions
Phentermine and topiramate is a medication used to aid weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese. It is often used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. While it can be effective in promoting weight loss, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and precautions associated with its use. Here are some precautions and interactions to consider:
Precautions:
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery: Phentermine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and altered mental states. It may also affect your ability to think or speak clearly. Therefore, it is important to refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol can enhance the side effects of phentermine, including drowsiness and confusion. It can also negatively impact your weight loss journey.
- Heat stroke risk: Phentermine may cause you to sweat less, leading to an increase in body temperature. This can increase the risk of heat stroke, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Take extra care to avoid overheating and stay properly hydrated.
- Serious skin reactions: In rare cases, phentermine may cause severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red or irritated eyes, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
- Eye problems: Phentermine may cause eye issues, including blurred vision and eye pain. Left untreated, these issues can lead to lasting eyesight loss. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening eye symptoms.
- Kidney stones: Phentermine may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Stay properly hydrated and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as back pain, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine.
- Allergic reactions: If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to phentermine, topiramate, or any other medication, inform your doctor before starting this treatment.
- Geriatric considerations: Elderly patients may be more susceptible to kidney, liver, or heart problems while taking phentermine. Dose adjustments may be necessary for this population.
- Breastfeeding: There is limited information on the risks of taking phentermine while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before considering this medication.
Interactions:
- Acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, methazolamide, and zonisamide: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications, as they may interact with phentermine.
- Sleep-inducing substances: Phentermine may interact with substances that cause sleepiness, such as allergy medications, narcotic pain medications, or alcohol. Inform your doctor about any such substances you are taking.
- Valproic acid: Co-administration of valproic acid with topiramate has been associated with an increased risk of hyperammonemia.
- Diet considerations: A ketogenic diet may increase the risk of developing metabolic acidosis while taking phentermine. Discuss your diet plan with your doctor before starting this medication.
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Phentermine withdrawal symptoms
Phentermine is the most widely used anti-obesity drug in the United States. It is typically prescribed for short periods (up to 12 weeks) alongside a low-calorie diet and exercise regime.
Phentermine is a controlled substance, and while it is not considered highly addictive, it does hold the possibility of being misused and leading to addiction in certain individuals. Physical dependence may develop when the medication is used beyond the recommended duration or in excessive amounts. This can result in withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped abruptly.
Withdrawal symptoms from phentermine include:
- Fatigue and drowsiness: As phentermine is a stimulant, when the drug is no longer in the body, the brain has to relearn how to function without it, leading to feelings of tiredness.
- Weight gain: Phentermine suppresses appetite, so weight gain is common when stopping the drug. However, this depends on the individual's lifestyle choices, including exercise and diet.
- Low mood: Individuals may experience periods of sadness and irritability. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression, may see an increase in their symptoms.
- Cravings: Mental cravings for phentermine may occur due to the onset of fatigue and low mood. Individuals may desire the increased energy and happiness that the drug provides.
It is important to consult a medical professional when stopping phentermine to gradually reduce the dosage and lessen the impact of withdrawal symptoms.
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Phentermine for weight loss
Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss pill for people aged 17 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater, and at least one other weight-related condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. It is a sympathomimetic (stimulant) and appetite suppressant that works by lowering your appetite and causing you to feel less hungry. It is typically taken by mouth once daily, in the morning.
Phentermine is often combined with topiramate, another weight-loss medication, and is available only under a special restricted distribution program called Qsymia® REMS. The dosage of the combination medication is adjusted over time by a doctor, starting with 3.75mg of phentermine and 23mg of topiramate once a day for 14 days, and increasing to a maximum of 15mg of phentermine and 92mg of topiramate.
It is important to note that phentermine may cause some unwanted side effects. It may interact with other medications, such as acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, and methazolamide, and it should not be taken with other weight-loss medications without consulting a doctor. It should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it can cause serious harm to unborn and nursing babies. Some common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headaches. More seriously, it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and trouble thinking or speaking, and it may increase body temperature and the risk of heat stroke. It is important to consult a doctor before taking phentermine and to not stop taking it suddenly, as this may cause seizures.
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Frequently asked questions
Common side effects of taking Phentermine include dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, tremors, changes in behaviour, gastrointestinal issues, sexual side effects, effects on the heart, and heart and lung disease.
While Phentermine is not directly linked to muscle spasms, it can cause muscle pain and cramps, which may be symptoms of hypokalemia or low potassium levels.
Other symptoms of low potassium levels include muscle weakness, a heartbeat that doesn't feel normal, and numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips.
If you experience muscle spasms or any other side effects after taking Phentermine, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Yes, Phentermine can also cause eye problems, skin reactions, and changes in mental health such as mood changes, panic attacks, or hallucinations. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms.
