Phentermine is a prescription diet pill that has been available for many years to those who are obese, and to those who are overweight with health problems that resulted from their excess weight. Like all diet pills, though, there are pros and cons that come with the use of this product. While it has helped a lot of people shed some pounds and get healthier, there are certain phentermine health risks that you should be aware of if you are considering talking to your doctor about taking this product to slim down.
To learn more about phentermine health risks, continue reading.
Phentermine Health Risks: The Potential for Side Effects
Before taking any prescription, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects. Those who take phentermine should keep an eye out for side effects, such as the following:
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Tingling in the feet or hands
- Nervousness
- Sleeplessness
- Rapid heart rate
Let Your Doctor Know If You’ve Been Diagnosed with These Conditions
Even though many people are very successful at losing weight using phentermine, making it the most popular weight loss drug in the country, it remains a serious medication that isn’t for everyone. This is because, as with every medication, there is the potential for interactions with existing health conditions and other drugs that could pose serious health risks.
If you have any health condition at all of which you are aware, don’t forget to mention it to your health care provider whether or not it is mentioned in the list below.
Furthermore, don’t forget to mention if you’ve ever had an adverse reaction to any phentermine hydrochloride products or any other medications that have been designed to stimulate the nervous system. If you’ve ever had an allergic or conflict reaction to drugs before, don’t forget to mention that to your doctor before taking phentermine.
Primarily, it is not recommended that you take phentermine if you have the following health conditions, as the phentermine health risks would be too high:
- blood vessel or heart disease (or symptoms of them)
- hardened arteries
- high blood pressure
- glaucoma
- overactive thyroid gland
- constricting chest pains
- abnormal heart rhythm
- vertigo or feelings of faintness
- type 1 diabetes mellitus
- mental disorders
- alcoholism
Also, if you have taken MAO inhibitors or any other antidepressant drugs, such as tranylcypromine sulfate or phenelzine sulfate, within the last past 14 days, you should not take phentermine.
These conditions may or may not mean that you will be able to successfully use phentermine, but it is extremely important that they be discussed with your doctor before taking the drug. It may mean that you will need to work on a different kind of weight loss program that will still include the exercise and nutritious diet that is required when taking phentermine. You may or may not be able to take another kind of weight loss drug, or you may simply have to use natural weight loss without the assistance of medications.
Be sure to discuss your conditions carefully with your doctor so that you can decide together on the best course of action to take off the extra pounds. You may also find that some of the conditions from which you suffer will reduce after you begin losing weight. Your doctor is the only one qualified to assess your potential for phentermine health risks to make sure this is a safe weight loss medication for you to take.
A Few Other Facts to Know About Phentermine Health Risks
Before taking any prescription, including a diet pill, it is a good idea to look up its history, read reviews from people who have already tried it, and see if it has been in the news. Phentermine has had its fair share of headlines, both good and bad.
In terms of phentermine health risks, here are a couple of other things that you should keep in mind about this prescription diet pill, according to SingleCare:
- Do you remember phen-fen? Well, phentermine was half of that combination, along with fenfluramine. This product took the weight loss market by storm, but in the late 1990s, the FDA concluded that the product was causing severe heart problems.
- Phentermine is similar to amphetamines, so it is classified as a Schedule IV drug by the FDA. This means that it is a federally controlled substance. There is the potential that you can become addicted or dependent on these pills, so it is imperative that you take them only as directed.
Always Get Advice from Your Physician!
Remember, only your doctor can prescribe phentermine to you, and he or she will do so after discussing the pros and cons with you, and after evaluating your health and weight. Let your doctor know about any health conditions that you have been diagnosed with, and any medications and supplements that you are taking. That way, he or she can make the most informed decision regarding the potential for phentermine health risks.
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