Phentermine Side Effects

Phentermine is a drug that is used to treat obesity. It is prescribed to a patient who needs to suppress his appetite mostly for health reasons. It can only be taken for a shortened period because the effects of the drug tend to decrease after a few weeks.

Doctors prescribe phentermine to help a patient learn to adjust to less food intake. In layman’s terms, this drug will help you control your appetite. The usual procedure is for patients to start an exercise program while taking this drug as you learn to eat healthier.

This prescription drug comes in oral form. Available in the U.S. and Canada, the branded names are:

1. Benzphetamine - tablet
2. Phendimetrazine - tablet and as a time release capsule
3. Phentermine - available in tablet, resin capsules, and capsules
4. Diethylproprion - tablets and extended release tablets
5. Mazindol - tablets

There are several side effects to taking this drug. You will have to consult your doctor to know your personal risks.

If you are a nursing mother, Benzphetamine and Diethylproprion can be passed to your baby. As much as possible, you should avoid taking any drug, even over the counter medicine, when you are nursing. It has yet to be determined what the effects of Phentermine can be when it is consumed by a bay through breast milk.

Similarly, if you are pregnant, this drug can cause birth defects, especially if you take it in high doses.

For the simple reason that it has not been tested yet, this drug should not be ingested by children 16 years old and younger.

If you experience rashes, difficulty in breathing or other allergic reaction, tell your doctor immediately. You may be allergic to the drug or to elements found in the drug.

This drug can also elevate your blood pressure, cause dizziness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, nausea, and mental depression.

In some cases, this drug cannot be taken with certain medicines like asthma medicine, amphetamines, medicine for colds or sinus, anti depressants, or even other appetite suppressants. It is important that you inform your doctor of your medicine intakes for the past 6 months, or regular basis because combined with Phentermine, you could experience insomnia, irritability, tremors, or nervousness.

On the other hand, you will also need to inform your doctor if you have a family medical history of alcoholic abuse, drug abuse, diabetes, mental illness, high blood pressure, epilepsy, kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma.

For this drug to be effective and safe for you , the following procedures must be seriously understood:

1. One dose a day is normally sufficient
2. Follow the doctor’s instruction to the letter
3. Do not crush or break down the pill
4. If you miss taking it for one day, do not double dose the next day
5. Check expiration date regularly
6. At all times, keep away from the reach of young children
7. Never self-prescribe changes in the dosage

Sometimes, the side effects are only temporary as your body adjusts to less food intake and the effects of the drug. It is possible that they will disappear once you have adjusted to the drug. In any case, let your doctor know any changes, because only he can decide what would be the best course of action.