Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

What Is Phentermine 37.5 Mg Used for

Does Adipex-P (phentermine) cause side effects?

Adipex-P (phentermine) is an appetite suppressant prescribed, combined with diet and exercise, for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for heart disease.

Adipex-P should not be combined with other weight loss agents. The combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (FEN-PHEN) is associated with serious heart problems. Fenfluramine is no longer available in the U.S.

Common side effects of Adipex-P include

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • dry mouth,
  • constipation,
  • unpleasant taste,
  • hives,
  • impotence,
  • palpitations,
  • high blood pressure,
  • fast heart rates (palpitations), and
  • central nervous system side effects (hyperactivity, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and dizziness).

Serious side effects of Adipex-P include

  • high pressures in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension) and
  • defects in heart valves (especially when combined with fenfluramine).

Physical and psychological dependence may occur with the long-term use of Adipex-P. Withdrawal reaction may occur after prolonged uses, including

  • excessive drowsiness,
  • fatigue,
  • tremors, and
  • depression.

Drug interactions of Adipex-P include tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may result in high blood pressure and other serious reactions because of elevated serotonin levels in the blood.

Adipex-P should not be used within 14 days after stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

People with diabetes being treated with Adipex-P may require a reduction in their dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drug.

Combining alcohol with Adipex-P may result in an adverse drug reaction.

Use of Adipex-P during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is unknown if Adipex-P is excreted in human breast milk. Since other amphetamines are excreted in breast milk, Adipex-P should not be used while breastfeeding.

What are the important side effects of Adipex-P (phentermine)?

Side effects of phentermine include:

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • dry mouth,
  • constipation,
  • an unpleasant taste,
  • hives,
  • impotence,
  • palpitations,
  • high blood pressure, and
  • fast heart rates (palpitations).

Central nervous system side effects include:

  • hyperactivity,
  • insomnia,
  • restlessness,
  • tremor, and
  • dizziness.

Phentermine, especially when combined with fenfluramine, has been associated with high pressures in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension) and defects in heart valves, both serious complications.

Physical and psychological dependence may occur with the long-term use of phentermine. A withdrawal reaction, which includes excessive drowsiness, fatigue, tremors and depression may occur after prolonged use.

Adipex-P (phentermine) side effects list for healthcare professionals

The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

  • Primary pulmonary hypertension
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Effect on the ability to engage in potentially hazardous tasks
  • Withdrawal effects following prolonged high dosage administration

The following adverse reactions to phentermine have been identified:

Cardiovascular

Primary pulmonary hypertension and/or regurgitant cardiac valvular disease, palpitation, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, ischemic events.

Central Nervous System

Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache, psychosis.

Gastrointestinal

Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Allergic

Urticaria.

Endocrine

Impotence, changes in libido.

What drugs interact with Adipex-P (phentermine)?

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Use of Adipex-P is contraindicated during or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of the risk of hypertensive crisis.

Alcohol

Concomitant use of alcohol with Adipex-P may result in an adverse drug reaction.

Insulin And Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

Requirements may be altered.

Adrenergic Neuron Blocking Drugs

Adipex-P may decrease the hypotensive effect of adrenergic neuron blocking drugs.

Does Adipex-P (phentermine) cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms?

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance

Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Abuse

Phentermine is related chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. Amphetamines and other stimulant drugs have been extensively abused and the possibility of abuse of phentermine should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight reduction program.

Dependence

Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction.

There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage of these drugs to many times that recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG.

Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality changes. A severe manifestation of chronic intoxication is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia.

Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes

  • Surprising Causes of Weight Gain

    Surprising Causes of Weight Gain

    There are many reasons for sudden weight gain when there are no changes in diet or exercise. Learn to identify the cause of your...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Reasons You're Not Losing Belly Fat

    Diet and Weight Loss: Reasons You're Not Losing Belly Fat

    If you're trying to lose belly fat but can't, there's probably a reason.

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Best and Worst Late Night Snacks for Your Health

    Diet and Weight Loss: Best and Worst Late Night Snacks for Your Health

    If you're truly hungry for a bedtime snack, don't ignore your body's signals. It's hard to fall asleep when your tummy's rumbling...

  • The Best Diet Tips: How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way

    The Best Diet Tips: How to Lose Weight the Healthy Way

    Learn to lose weight in a realistic way that works. Find healthy weight loss by eating right, sleeping more, understanding...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Your Best Ways to Beat Belly Fat

    Diet and Weight Loss: Your Best Ways to Beat Belly Fat

    Could your job be to blame for your belly fat? It might be, if it stresses you out. But there are a number of ways to get rid of...

  • Weight Loss: Why Can't I Lose Weight?

    Weight Loss: Why Can't I Lose Weight?

    Finding it difficult to lose weight? It's a hard thing to do, and there are some surprising reasons you may not be losing weight...

  • Fasting: What You Should Know

    Fasting: What You Should Know

    Fasting: It's simple and trending, though it's been around for thousands of years. Find out whether it might be a good option for...

  • How to Lose Weight Without Dieting: 24 Fast Facts

    How to Lose Weight Without Dieting: 24 Fast Facts

    Get surprising weight loss tips to help you slim down without starving or following a complicated diet. Lose weight without...

  • How to Lose Weight Fast: Easy Weight Loss Tips

    How to Lose Weight Fast: Easy Weight Loss Tips

    Here are the best ways to lose weight. From calories to fitness, learn these weight loss tips and win your battle with losing...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: What's a Ketogenic Diet?

    Diet and Weight Loss: What's a Ketogenic Diet?

    These are low-carb diets -- the basic idea is to get most of your calories from protein and fat. There are some benefits, but you...

  • 10 Metabolism Boosting Facts and Myths

    10 Metabolism Boosting Facts and Myths

    Losing weight by increasing your metabolism is challenging. There are many metabolism myths and only a few surefire tricks to get...

  • Weight Loss Surgery Quiz

    Weight Loss Surgery Quiz

    What happens after weight loss surgery? What should you eat? Take this quiz to learn about bariatric surgery. Are you a candidate?

  • Weight Loss Quiz: Test Your Weight Control IQ

    Weight Loss Quiz: Test Your Weight Control IQ

    Are you trying to lose weight? Take this quiz to see what you can add to routine to get on the right track for results!

  • Childhood Obesity Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

    Childhood Obesity Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

    Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Take the Childhood Obesity Quiz to test your knowledge of the facts and...

  • Weight Loss Surgery: What to Expect

    Weight Loss Surgery: What to Expect

    Are you considering weight loss (bariatic) surgery? WebMD helps you know what makes you a good candidate and the pros and cons of...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: How to Cut Calories From Your Day

    Diet and Weight Loss: How to Cut Calories From Your Day

    When you want to lose weight, you'll probably need to find a way to eat fewer calories. Try these tips to trim them from your...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: 14 Ways to Shed Pounds After 40

    Diet and Weight Loss: 14 Ways to Shed Pounds After 40

    Losing weight after 40 can be hard, especially if you don't have a lot of time to exercise and eat right. But some simple...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: The 80-20 (or Weekend) Diet

    Diet and Weight Loss: The 80-20 (or Weekend) Diet

    The idea here is that you get to splurge a bit if you eat healthy most of the time. Find out more about this approach and what it...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Healthy Fat Foods

    Diet and Weight Loss: Healthy Fat Foods

    From fish to avocados, nuts to beans, WebMD shows you what tasty foods have healthy fats. See the benefits of adding omega 3s and...

  • Weight Management: Medical Conditions That Can Cause Weight Gain

    Weight Management: Medical Conditions That Can Cause Weight Gain

    Could a medical condition be the reason for your recent weight gain? Find out some possible causes and how best to manage them.

  • Bad Foods That Are Good for Weight Loss in Pictures

    Bad Foods That Are Good for Weight Loss in Pictures

    Are you avoiding foods you could be enjoying as you try to lose weight? Get the skinny on "bad" foods like potatoes, cheese, and...

  • Pictures of 10 Muscle-Building Exercises for Diabetes

    Pictures of 10 Muscle-Building Exercises for Diabetes

    Watch this slideshow on Diabetes and Exercise. If you have diabetes, see how strengthening your muscles with these 10 weight...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: What's an Elimination Diet?

    Diet and Weight Loss: What's an Elimination Diet?

    Ever wonder if a certain food causes your headaches or makes you tired or uncomfortable? You might try to find out with an...

  • Healthy Living: 15 Numbers That Matter as Much as Your Weight

    Healthy Living: 15 Numbers That Matter as Much as Your Weight

    Instead of focusing just on the scale when you're trying to lose weight and improve your health, there are other numbers you...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Why Are You Always Hungry?

    Diet and Weight Loss: Why Are You Always Hungry?

    What are the causes of hunger? There are more reasons you get hungry than just an empty stomach. Food cravings, pregnancy, blood...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Which Has More Sugar?

    Diet and Weight Loss: Which Has More Sugar?

    Trying to eat less sugar? Find out where it may be hiding in your diet.

  • Portion Control: Plate Photos to Lose Weight, Maintain Diet

    Portion Control: Plate Photos to Lose Weight, Maintain Diet

    Portion control can help with weight loss. The right plate amount can help you stick to a healthy diet. Learn to lose weight with...

  • Skinny Sipping: Best and Worst Drinks for Losing Weight

    Skinny Sipping: Best and Worst Drinks for Losing Weight

    From coffee to cocktails, learn which beverages can help or hinder a healthy lifestyle. See the best and worst drinks for weight...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: Best and Worst Salads for Your Health

    Diet and Weight Loss: Best and Worst Salads for Your Health

    Some salads are loaded with nutrition, while others serve up more fat than a cheeseburger. Learn which ones you should choose --...

  • Diet and Weight Loss: The Best and Worst Thai Dishes for Your Health

    Diet and Weight Loss: The Best and Worst Thai Dishes for Your Health

    Thai cuisine is loaded with fresh veggies and spices. But some dishes are packed with calories and fat. Learn what foods you...

Related Disease Conditions

  • Obesity and Overweight

    Obesity and Overweight

    Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20% over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.

  • Weight Cycling

    Weight Cycling

    Second Source article from WebMD

  • Weight Loss - The Basics

    Weight Loss - The Basics

    There are lots of reasons for people who are overweight or obese to lose weight. To be healthier. To look better. To feel better. To have more energy.

  • Childhood Obesity

    Childhood Obesity

    Fast-food consumption and lack of exercise are just a couple of causes of childhood obesity. Health effects of childhood obesity include type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, gallstones, fatty liver disease, GERD, depression, and eating disorders.

  • Weight Control and Smoking Cessation

    Weight Control and Smoking Cessation

    One concern smokers have when considering quitting smoking is weight gain. Not everyone will gain weight when they stop smoking. There are lifestyle changes that can be made to avoid weight gain during smoking cessation. Lifestyle changes include regular exercise, proper nutrition, limiting snacking and alcohol, medication, and weight management counseling.

Treatment & Diagnosis

    • Childhood Obesity Overweight FAQs
    • Weight Loss FAQs
    • Weight Loss Surgery FAQs
    • Alli OTC Weight Loss Medication
    • Does Depression Cause Obesity or Does Obesity Cause Depression?
    • Childhood and Obesity
    • Plate Size Might Influence Weight Gain
    • Being Overweight Doesn't Mean You're Unhealthy!
    • Weight Control and Aspartame
    • Overweight And Obesity Guidelines
    • Exercise (Not Diet) Best for Overweight Teens
    • Obesity Drug - Xenical...Online
    • Cough, Cold, Weight Loss Drug Dangerous - Warning
    • Weight Control After Pregnancy
    • Obesity: Body Fat, the Silent Killer
    • Can You Still Retain Symptoms Of PCOD (Acne, Obesity, Etc.) After Hysterectomy?
    • Does Fiber Help You Lose Weight?
    • Does Folic Acid Prevent Leukemia?
    • How Do You Lose Weight if You're on Thyroid Hormones?
    • What Are the Risks of Childhood Obesity?
    • How Do You Prevent Childhood Obesity?
    • What Is the Proper Form for Weightlifting?
    • Can You Target Specific Body Parts for Weight Loss?
    • Does PCOS Cause Weight Gain?
    • How Do I Prevent Stretch Marks from Weightlifting?
    • What's a Healthy Way to Gain Weight?
    • Can I Lift Weights with High Blood Pressure?
    • Does Dairy Cause Weight Gain?
    • Is Weight Loss Caused by Diabetes Dangerous?
    • 7 Ways to Measure Health and Fitness
    • 7 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
    • Weight Gain, Obesity & Cancer Risk
    • Weight Management - Maintain a Healthy Weight
    • Hoodia, The New Weight Loss Miracle?
    • Food Synergy Secrets for Weight Loss
    • Lose Weight While Eating More
    • Avoiding Vacation Weight Gain
    • Weight Lifting in Weight Loss (Audio Podcast)
    • Holiday Weight Control: Secrets of Slender Chefs
    • Ask the Experts - Childhood Obesity
    • Weight Loss Come to a Halt? Get Unstuck
    • Weight Gain: Watch What You Drink
    • Weight Control Secret: Calorie Balance
    • Weight Loss Tips to Start Your Diet off Right
    • Motivation Along The Weight Loss Path
    • Weight Loss Goals: Is Your Goal Realistic?
    • Holiday Weight Gain: Forget Weight Loss--Maintain
    • Dieter Makeovers: Look Great During Weight Loss
    • Weight Loss Wonders & Nutrition Nightmares
    • Weight Loss: No diet approach - Audio Newsletter
    • Taste Buds, Trick Them To Lose Weight
    • Women's Health: Lose Weight, Be Healthy
    • Men vs. Women: Weight Loss Wars
    • Weight Loss While On Vacation
    • Eating and Weight Control: Mindful Eating
    • Weight Loss Style, What's Yours?
    • Obesity in America
    • Obstacles To Weight Loss: What Gets In The Way?
    • Weight Management: Keeping Weight Off Forever
    • Protein For Health and Weight Loss
    • Weight Loss Program, Almost-Instant Gratification
    • Stress & Body Shape: Stress Affects on Body Weight
    • Energy Boost: Eat for Energy & Weight Loss
    • Resolved to Lose Weight? Tips to Make it Work.
    • Attitude Makeover: Believe You Can Lose Weight
    • Positive Attitude Key to Weight Loss Success
    • Calcium Intake Can Enhance Weight Loss
    • Weight Loss: Break the Late-Night Eating Habit
    • Weight Loss: Plateau No More
    • Childhood Obesity: A Growing Problem
    • Obesity: How to Win the War Against Obesity

Medications & Supplements

Medically Reviewed on 7/22/2020

References

FDA Prescribing Information

Professional side effects, drug interactions, and addiction sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What Is Phentermine 37.5 Mg Used for

Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/side_effects_of_adipex_p_phentermine/side-effects.htm