Prescription drugs like phentermine, better known by the brand name Adipex-P, are frequently used to help obese people lose weight. It is an appetite suppressant that is normally prescribed as a temporary fix, usually in combination with dietary and activity modifications. But phentermine’s long-term effects on weight loss and general health are becoming a subject of discussion, particularly for those who want to use it longer. The advantages, dangers, and long-term effects of phentermine use are examined in this article.
The Mechanism of Phentermine
Like amphetamines, phentermine is categorized as a sympathomimetic amine and functions by inducing the release of neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine, in the brain. The “fight or flight” reaction is triggered by this stimulus, which decreases hunger and increases energy expenditure. When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can help people lose weight by reducing their caloric intake.
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have illnesses connected to obesity such type 2 diabetes or hypertension, are usually prescribed phentermine. Because of possible side effects and the drug’s resemblance to amphetamines, which have the potential to be addictive, the medication is often given for short-term usage (up to 12 weeks).
Phentermine’s Immediate Benefits
Short-term weight loss has been demonstrated to be effectively facilitated by phentermine. According to studies, folks using the medication usually lose more weight than those who only follow an exercise and diet plan. The following are the immediate effects:
Phentermine substantially suppresses appetite, which makes it simpler to follow a diet low in calories.
Enhanced Energy:
Phentermine’s stimulant qualities give users an energy boost that can improve their performance during workouts and increase physical activity.
Quick Weight Loss:
People who are having trouble losing weight frequently notice a reduction in weight within the first few weeks, which can be encouraging.
But phentermine’s immediate advantages are only one aspect of the drug’s effects.
Long-Term Effects of Phentermine:
Although less research has been done, using the drug over an extended period of time raises a number of significant concerns about its effects on health and long-term weight loss.
Even though phentermine is only authorized for short-term usage, some people may continue taking it longer as long as they are well monitored by a doctor. For some people, this prolonged use can have long-term benefits in managing their weight, but there are some hazards and concerns as well. The following list includes some known as well as possible long-term effects of phentermine use for weight loss.
Maintaining Your Weight vs. Reaching a Stall
Phentermine aids in rapid weight loss in the near term, but over time, its effects may wear off. After a few months, a lot of people experience a plateau in their weight reduction as their bodies adjust to the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication. According to some research, while phentermine can cause significant weight loss in the short term, sustained lifestyle modifications including a healthy diet and regular exercise are more important for long-term success than the medicine by itself.
When phentermine is stopped, continued usage of the medicine might not prevent weight gain if lifestyle changes are not made. Consequently, rather than serving as a long-term fix, the medication should be seen as a tool to help initiate weight loss.
Possibility of Dependency and Addiction
Because phentermine and amphetamines share comparable chemicals, there is a risk of addiction and dependence. While it is thought to be less addictive than amphetamines, prolonged use in certain people might result in physical and psychological dependence. Over time, users may get tolerant to the point that greater doses are required to have the same appetite-suppressing effect, which raises the possibility of misuse.
Due to the possibility of abuse, doctors are hesitant to prescribe phentermine for longer periods of time. Any prolonged use should be thoroughly supervised by a healthcare provider.
Risks Associated with Cardiology
The possible effects of long-term phentermine use on cardiovascular health are one of the main worries. Phentermine can raise blood pressure and heart rate because it stimulates the central nervous system. Extended usage of the medication has been associated with heightened risks of cardiac issues, such as hypertension, palpitations, and infrequently, damage to the heart valves.
A study on phentermine users who had been taking the medication for more than a year discovered that although they had continued to lose weight, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure had slightly increased. Phentermine should not be taken by anyone who already has a cardiac issue, and even healthy users should have their cardiovascular health checked frequently.
Mood swings and mental health
Long-term usage of phentermine can have an impact on mood and mental health because it alters neurotransmitters in the brain. Mood swings, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are among the negative effects that some users notice. Although they are less frequent, anecdotal reports of sleeplessness and depression symptoms also exist.
Those who have previously had mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, may be more vulnerable to these adverse effects. Anyone using phentermine for an extended length of time should have their mental health closely monitored.
Hormonal and Metabolic Alterations
Long-term phentermine use may cause metabolic changes that make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. According to some research, using appetite suppressants like phentermine for an extended period of time may change metabolism and make it more difficult to lose weight over time.
Furthermore, there is evidence that phentermine may have an impact on hormone levels, especially in women. Long-term users have reported menstruation abnormalities and changes in thyroid function. These changes in hormones may have an effect on attempts to lose weight and general health.
Over Time, Tolerance and Effectiveness
Tolerance building is one of the problems with long-term phentermine use. As the body adjusts to the medicine, its ability to reduce hunger may eventually wear off. People may discover that they no longer feel the same degree of reduction in hunger as a result, which might cause them to become frustrated and, occasionally, overeat.
Some doctors advise using phentermine sporadically, going on and off the drug over several months, in order to avoid tolerance. This method can assist in keeping it effective without needing greater dosages.
Deficiencies in Nutrients
Long-term phentermine use may result in inadequate food intake and vitamin deficits because the medication inhibits appetite. Those who don’t eat a balanced diet may be deficient in important vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D. These deficits have the potential to cause a host of health problems down the road, such as fatigue, immune system dysfunction, and bone loss.
It is imperative that phentermine users prioritize foods high in nutrients and, if needed, take supplements, especially if using the medication for an extended period of time.
Is It Safe to Take Phentermine Long-Term?
When taken as directed, phentermine can be a useful weight-loss aid, especially when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. That being said, there are still questions about its long-term safety. People who use phentermine for prolonged periods of time must be regularly monitored by a doctor due to the risks of addiction, cardiovascular problems, and mood swings.
Long-term use might be suitable for some people, especially if other therapies haven’t worked and obesity poses a serious risk to health. However, a healthcare professional should always be consulted before making this choice as they may weigh the advantages and disadvantages depending on the specifics of each case.
In summary
While phentermine (Adipex-P) is an effective weight loss medication in the short term, there are dangers associated with long-term use that need to be carefully evaluated. Although it can initially assist people in losing a large amount of weight, maintaining these outcomes calls for lifestyle adjustments in addition to the medicine. When using for an extended period of time, it is important to exercise caution and seek medical supervision to reduce the risk of addiction, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic abnormalities. For long-term success, it’s critical to balance the advantages of phentermine use for weight loss against its hazards and investigate alternative viable weight-management options.