How does the diet pill adipex work

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For them, the risks outweigh the potential benefits. In this article, we look at what the current research says about phentermine, if it helps with weight loss, recommended dosages, and how to use it. The National Library of Medicine note that people should only use the drug for a few weeks. Phentermine stimulates certain brain chemicals that tell the body it is full. This may curb appetite sooner and help a person eat less. It is a complementary therapy for people who find it hard to lose weight after they make the diet and lifestyle changes to support a moderate weight.

In many cases, phentermine helps people lose weight. Since its approval in , it remains one of the most popular prescription weight loss drugs, either alone or as part of a combination therapy. The exact mechanism of how phentermine helps suppress appetite is unclear.

Researchers suggest the drug increases neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which decreases hunger. This includes regular exercise, calorie restriction, and a healthful diet.

These changes alone are often enough to cause weight loss, though phentermine may enhance these effects. For example, a study in Obesity notes that phentermine may boost the efforts of some diet programs. This research notes that people who replaced one meal per day to reduce their calorie intake lost weight. And those who added phentermine to their program lost more weight and had fewer cravings. Phentermine is for people with obesity or those unable to lose weight with a balanced diet and exercise alone.

They should have a BMI over 30 , or over 27 with a weight-related condition. Importantly, a person should still make dietary and lifestyle changes to support their weight loss for the drug to work correctly. Phentermine is also a short-term drug. Some studies report the safety of phentermine in long-term use, but it is still intended for a few weeks of use.

There are risks with phentermine, and a doctor will discuss them before they prescribe the drug for weight loss. Phentermine alone or in combination with other drugs, such as topiramate , may have their own risk of side effects, including:. In some cases, these drugs may also make someone unable to drive or operate heavy machinery. Doctors recommend that people take time away from work when they first start the drug, to gauge any side effects. These include :. Doctors will monitor people with diabetes or hypoglycemia who take phentermine.

They may need to reduce their insulin or other medications when they take the drug. Phentermine could also interact with alcohol, so a person on the drug should try to avoid alcoholic drinks. Phentermine is chemically related to amphetamine drugs, such as methamphetamine , a stimulant with a history of abuse. As such, there is potential for abuse and dependence when someone takes phentermine.

Some people may become tolerant to the drug, and want more to feel the same effects. Keep in mind that if you are using the drug as prescribed by your doctor, it is not a problem for Adipex to show up on a drug test. Phentermine has stimulant properties and can impact neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This is very similar to amphetamines.

For this reason, prescriptions are tightly regulated and often only allowed for short periods of time. It is not recommended for people with a history of stimulant use disorder. Some of the serious side effects of Adipex include increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, restlessness, dizziness, tremor, insomnia, shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling of the legs and ankles. Adipex overdose symptoms, on the other hand, may include:.

If you think someone has overdosed on any phentermine medication, call the poison control center at If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call immediately.

It is important that you discuss all of your medications and supplements with your doctor to avoid drug interactions.

Drugs of special concern include those used to treat depression and similar conditions, including:. Your doctor should also be made aware of any previous heart conditions, including high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, or if you have hyperthyroidism. It's also best to avoid using alcohol while taking Adipex as the combination can intensify the effects.

Withdrawal symptoms from Adipex use tend to peak within the first couple of days and diminish over the next week. Common withdrawal symptoms from Adipex include:. If you are taking Adipex regularly at a high dose and stop taking it too soon, you can be at risk for more serious problems, including:.

Adipex and other phentermine-containing medications may be available by prescription and can help with your weight loss goals. However, it is important to realize that there are potential risks involved, including developing a dependence and even a stimulant use disorder.

It could become difficult for you to concentrate without taking Adipex. You could enter into unhealthy cycles of taking more and less of the drug that put dangerous strain on your cardiovascular system. Cravings for Adipex that end up interfering with your everyday life are cause for speaking with a mental health professional. Counseling or group therapy can help you understand the reasons for your Adipex use and develop alternatives and strategies to slowly stop using.

Harm reduction psychotherapy and abstinence-based programs are both available depending on what you feel is best for you. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Adipex addiction, help is available.

Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. One hundred false-positive amphetamine specimens characterized by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. J Anal Toxicol. National Library of Medicine. Phentermine Hydrochloride.

Updated October 19, American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Drug abuse testing. Updated November 20,