Can taking Phentermine long term cause unwanted side effects and even addiction?
Taking phentermine for too long can cause serious risks to health and can become addictive, so both the dose and duration of treatment can only be assessed safely following a thorough medical consultation.
Length of Treatment Considerations
Doctors will determine the length of treatment based on the patient’s age, weight, medical condition and background. Due to its habit forming nature and potential side effects the length of treatment will vary from person to person.
As it is only prescribed for short term treatment of obesity to mobilize initial weight loss which should then be continued through diet and exercise, the length of treatment cannot exceed 12 weeks.
Typically, phentermine is prescribed for a period of 3-6 weeks, but in some cases just a few days or for the full 12 weeks. During the course the doctor will monitor the effects of the drug on the individual, taking into account how their body reacts and how effective the treatment is and at any time the doctor can alter the course.
Risks of Long Term Use
As phentermine is pharmaceutically similar to amphetamine, long term use can lead to addiction. It is also known that over time the body builds a tolerance to it so its appetite suppressing qualities are only effective over a short period of time.
Taking phentermine for longer periods will not aid further weight loss but just lead to serious health risks. The end of the course needs strict medical control as it is common to experience symptoms of withdrawal when phentermine is stopped due to its habit forming nature.
Common side effects whilst taking the drug and even coming off it include insomnia, diarrhoea and hypertension. Prolonged use can lead to cardiovascular problems as well as life threatening allergies and central nervous system complications.
The Right Dosage
Phentermine is available in 15, 30 and 37.5mg doses, in immediate release formulas which are absorbed quickly into the blood stream, and time release formulas which are typically released more slowly over a period of 8-12 hours.
The dose and form will be assessed by the doctor and prescribed according to the patient’s individual circumstances.
Phentermine can create a 5-10% loss of initial body weight, this can be potentially lifesaving for the medically obese who have been unable to lose weight and whose health is in jeopardy because of it.
Treatment with phentermine can be incredibly successful, but the right dose and course is vital in ensuring weight loss is achieved safely and successfully.