If you’ve looked into weight loss options that are available to you today, you’ve likely seen a lot of mention of Phentermine. Although Phentermine is not for everyone, it is still considered safer than weight loss surgery and more effective than just dieting on your own with diet changes and exercise. Since it’s introduction as a weight loss medication back in the 1970′s, Phentermine has become one of the best medications proven to help patients lose weight.
What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a drug that is prescribed along with exercise and diet in order to help treat obesity. In particular, it is mostly prescribed for patients who are struggling with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is a stimulant drug which functions in a way that is similar to amphetamines by affecting the nervous system to suppress the appetite.
Phentermine is a prescription drug, so it is legally available only with a doctor’s permission, and should be taken only according to the prescribing doctor’s directions, as will be printed on the bottle for the pills. This medication works most effectively when it’s taken on an empty stomach ahead of eating breakfast, or at least within two hours of having already eaten breakfast. As this is a stimulant, it can lead to sleep difficulties. In order to combat this effect, it is important that the drug be taken no later than 6:00pm every evening.
Should you feel that your medication is not working properly, or if hunger should increase instead of being suppressed, it is important to speak to your doctor. It is important to note that taking more of this drug does not increase its efficacy, but will make the risk of potentially dangerous side effects. Never change the dosage of this medication without first talking to a doctor.
Phentermine is a drug that is designed to be taken only for a short period of time. This usually consists of a month and a half. It allows the dieter to learn the proper habits for weight loss without having to experience as many of the unpleasant symptoms associated with that effort, before they continue without the assistance of the drug. Over time, the effectiveness of Phentermine will decrease. It is vital not to continue taking Phentermine any longer than has been prescribed as unpleasant side effects can result, as can addiction. That said, the use of Phentermine should also not be stopped suddenly without the direction of a doctor, to ensure that withdrawal symptoms do not occur.
A missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered, but if the next dose is approaching, the missed one should be skipped altogether. The dose should never be doubled to make up for a missed one.
It is important to avoid the consumption of alcohol while using Phentermine because it will worsen the effect of the alcohol – impairing your judgment and thinking – and will increase some of the side effects of the drug.