Phentermine is a prescription medicine used for weight management. It works in the body as a stimulant and is considered a diet pill. The National Library of Medicine classifies Phentermine in a class of medications called anorectics, which work by decreasing appetite. Because the drug lessens your appetite, Phentermine controls weight loss by making you less hungry or helping to maintain a feeling of being full for longer.
How bad is Phentermine withdrawal? While less severe than withdrawals for methamphetamine, side effects still can occur. In addition, those prone to addiction or substance abuse disorder tend to strongly depend on the medication, which acerbates their withdrawal symptoms. Since Phentermine can lead to mental dependence, it is classified as a controlled substance. Because of the possible dependency on the drug, withdrawal symptoms are common after stopping it. Southeast Addiction Center in Tennessee can help.
Phentermine is used most often to treat obesity and is accompanied by an exercise and diet plan. Individuals should be under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor for adverse effects, including changes in blood sugar and heart rate. When prescribing the drug, your doctor can assess and discuss the impact of other underlying conditions that must be considered when taking the medication.
When used for prolonged periods or in higher doses, individuals can develop a dependency on the drug, which means withdrawal symptoms are possible once they are no longer using it. Understanding the effects of Phentermine withdrawal helps individuals prepare for managing symptoms or seeking medical attention.
Even though withdrawal can’t always be avoided when stopping drug use, there are ways to lessen the symptoms. Speaking with a medical professional about the best course of action for gradually stopping the drug is important.
Phentermine is a popular prescription weight loss medication. It is approved for short-term use, typically 12 weeks or less. This helps minimize the risks of dependence and addiction associated with the drug. However, some people still wonder – can I stop taking phentermine cold turkey? Or do I need to taper off it slowly?
Going “cold turkey” means stopping a medication abruptly instead of tapering the dosage down gradually before quitting. Quitting phentermine cold turkey is generally not recommended However, the research on phentermine withdrawal and the need for tapering is mixed
How Phentermine Works
Phentermine is a stimulant drug that suppresses appetite. It is similar in structure and effects to amphetamine. Phentermine activates the sympathomimetic system, which releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline. This provides an energy boost while decreasing hunger and cravings.
The intended use of phentermine is as an adjunct or addition to lifestyle changes for weight loss. These changes include adopting a reduced-calorie diet increasing physical activity, and implementing new health behaviors.
Why Is Phentermine Prescribed Short-Term?
Phentermine is only FDA-approved for short-term use of 12 weeks or less. There are a few key reasons behind this limitation:
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Lack of research on long-term use – The longest clinical trials on phentermine lasted 52 weeks or less. There is insufficient data on the safety and efficacy of use beyond one year.
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Risk of dependence – With long-term use people may develop tolerance to phentermine. This means they require higher doses to get the same effect. There is also a risk of addiction.
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Side effects – Potential side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure are more likely with extended use. Limiting duration minimizes risks.
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Weight loss plateau – Many people find phentermine becomes less effective over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Restricting treatment periods helps maximize weight loss.
Is Phentermine Addictive?
Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. The DEA defines Schedule IV drugs as having a low potential for abuse relative to drugs in more restrictive schedules.
Studies show phentermine has a lower abuse potential compared to other stimulant medications. Addiction rates are very low when phentermine is used clinically at recommended doses. However, there is always a risk of developing psychological dependence on appetite suppressants.
Does Phentermine Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
Since phentermine affects dopamine and other neurotransmitters, some people do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Possible phentermine withdrawal side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite and cravings
- Depression or irritability
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
However, the research on phentermine withdrawal is inconsistent. Some studies find no significant withdrawal symptoms in subjects who abruptly stopped long-term phentermine use. Other reports note withdrawal effects following short-term use.
In general, withdrawal severity depends on factors like:
- Length of use – Longer use increases withdrawal risk
- Dosage amount – Higher doses make withdrawal more likely
- Individual variation – People metabolize drugs differently
Should You Taper Off Phentermine?
The phentermine prescribing information states withdrawal can occur when treatment stops abruptly after prolonged administration. Based on this, most experts recommend tapering phentermine dosage at the end of the 12-week course instead of quitting cold turkey.
Tapering means gradually reducing the dosage over a period of 1-2 weeks. This gives the body more time to adjust to lower phentermine levels. Tapering may minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Here is an example phentermine taper schedule:
- Week 1: Take full dosage
- Week 2: Take 2/3 of full dosage
- Week 3: Take 1/3 of full dosage
- Week 4: Discontinue phentermine
Talk to your doctor about the best tapering plan for you. Slowly reducing phentermine exposure can help you transition off the medication more comfortably.
Seeking Help for Withdrawal Symptoms
If you experience severe or persisting withdrawal reactions after stopping phentermine, contact your doctor right away. They can provide guidance on managing symptoms or adjusting your taper schedule.
Counseling and support groups can also help some people cope with phentermine withdrawal. Consider reaching out to resources like:
- SAMHSA National Helpline – Free, confidential support for mental health and substance use issues. Available 24/7.
- Therapy – Working with a counselor provides strategies for withdrawal and behavior change.
- Support groups – 12-step programs and peer support provide community and shared experiences.
Maintaining Weight Loss After Phentermine
The key challenge after stopping phentermine is keeping weight off long-term. Research shows nearly 80% of people regain weight within 2 years after major weight loss.
To improve your chances of sustaining results, focus on implementing healthy lifestyle habits during phentermine treatment. Actions like regular exercise, stress management, proper sleep, and mindful eating will support you through the transition off phentermine.
Consider other medications or weight loss tools if you need help managing appetite and cravings after discontinuing phentermine. Options include prescription medications like Qsymia or over-the-counter supplements like Phen Caps.
The Bottom Line
While phentermine is only approved for short-term use, some people do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Tapering off phentermine over 1-2 weeks can minimize these effects. Proper support and building healthy habits are key to maintaining weight loss after discontinuing phentermine. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about stopping phentermine use.
What are the Side Effects of Phentermine Abuse?
The National Institute of Health discusses Phentermine’s expected and more severe side effects.
Individuals taking the drug should tell their doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be severe:
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Tremor
- Insomnia
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the legs and ankles
- Difficulty doing exercise that you have been able to do
While this provides a comprehensive list of possible side effects, everyone is different. Always contact a medical professional if you experience unusual symptoms, which could indicate an underlying issue.
Is Phentermine Highly Addictive?
Phentermine works by decreasing appetite; therefore, when individuals first start using Phentermine, it can be easy to get excited about losing weight and the feel-good effects of the increased serotonin and dopamine in the body.
This leads to drug abuse, and when this happens, some people think they can keep the momentum going by increasing the use of the drug or extending the amount of time they take it. However, going this route has adverse effects as it leads to dependency on the drug.
In addition, to the excitement that the weight loss brings, some individuals desire to have the euphoric feeling of the drug faster, which leads to snorting or injecting the drug directly into the bloodstream. Not only does abuse of this drug overwork the body’s central nervous system, but those injecting it will also notice skin bruising and popping, which occurs if they miss a vein or inject directly into the skin or muscle. Injury to veins is also a concern.
Individuals with a personal or family history of substance abuse could be at risk of abusing Phentermine. When individuals have a propensity to addiction, such as overeating, the likelihood of abusing Phentermine exists.
What happens to your body when you stop taking weight-loss drugs l GMA
How do I stop taking phentermine?
Take care of your diet, sleep routine and exercise to feel better. Meditation, yoga, the support of friends and family are some things you can count on for a successful transition. Consult your doctor if you experience any withdrawal symptoms that could tempt you to begin taking phentermine again.
What happens if you stop taking phentermine ‘cold turkey’?
If possible, do not stop phentermine “cold turkey,” or very suddenly ( 2 ). Read more here: Stopping Phentermine Phentermine withdrawal symptoms are similar to those associated with other stimulants. Common reactions include fatigue, depression/mood changes, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset and trembling ( 3 ).
Should I taper phentermine dosage?
For some patients, it’s also beneficial to taper phentermine dosage in the final weeks of treatment. A taper allows the body to gradually adjust to a lower level of stimulant, which helps reduce the risk of phentermine withdrawal. If possible, do not stop phentermine “cold turkey,” or very suddenly ( 2 ). Read more here: Stopping Phentermine
Can phentermine cause withdrawal?
Phentermine, a common diet drug that has been on the U.S. market since 1959, is pharmacologically similar to amphetamine. It’s often prescribed long-term to help patients lose weight. Given its similarity to the stimulant amphetamine, some researchers have suspected that phentermine may also lead to withdrawal once it’s stopped.