Phentermine

Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine medication that mimics the neurotransmitter norepinephrine’s effects, including reduced hunger and increased fullness.

Phentermine is used short-term, as a companion to diet and exercise, for weight management in people with obesity or overweight who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s taken under close medical supervision.

While effective in promoting modest weight loss over a short period, it is not recommended for long-term use due to potential risks and diminishing efficacy over time.

Some common side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, dry mouth, and nervousness. Due to its stimulant properties, phentermine carries a risk of misuse and dependence, especially in people with a history of substance use disorders.

Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is indicated:

• As a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m², or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m² in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)

Sympathomimetic amine anorectic

Adverse events have been reported in the following systems:

• Cardiovascular

• Central nervous system

• Gastrointestinal

• Allergic

• Endocrine

The cost of phentermine varies depending on factors such as the dosage, form, your insurance plan, and where you buy it. The cost of phentermine without insurance is about $40 for a month’s supply of 37.5 milligram (mg) tablets, but coupons may bring down the price to as low as about $10. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

• History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)

• During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors

• Hyperthyroidism

• Glaucoma

• Agitated states

• History of drug abuse

• Pregnancy

• Nursing

• Known hypersensitivity, or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines

• Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, alcohol, insulin and oral hypoglycemics, adrenergic neuron blocking drugs

• Coadministration with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended

• Rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension have been reported

• Rare cases of serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease have been reported

• Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks

• Adipex-P may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle

• Risk of abuse and dependence

• Concomitant alcohol use may result in an adverse drug reaction

• Use caution in patients with even mild high blood pressure

• A reduction in dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication may be required in some patients

• Breastfeeding: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother

*This information is from the label for brand name Adipex-P^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Phentermine, the active ingredient in Adipex-P, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient phentermine.