Phentermine, a stimulant used for weight loss, can sometimes cause feelings of the blues.
Even though it works like amphetamines and antidepressants, phentermine specifically targets dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
By counteracting their deficiency, the drug can uplift the mood and improve overall energy levels.
However, it’s important to note that while phentermine can be helpful for weight loss, it should always be taken under the guidance of a medical professional due to its potential side effects.
In this post, we will look at how phentermine can affect how you feel during the day and whether you should take it if you have anxiety or depression.
Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about phentermine and how it affects one’s mood.
Can Phentermine change your mood?
Phentermine is an effective medication for weight loss, but its impact on mood regulation is a matter of debate.
While it has been reported that this drug can have a positive effect on mood, such as making individuals feel more motivated, a large number of users experience mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
In some extreme cases, it manifests as “phentermine rage,” a term used to describe anger or aggressive behaviors resulting from the use of phentermine.
How phentermine affects mood is not well understood.
The drug’s ability to suppress appetite is due to its ability to increase the production and release of norepinephrine and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that regulate hunger and satiety.
It also stimulates the release of epinephrine, a hormone that prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response.
Also, it is thought that phentermine has an indirect effect on serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps control mood.
Even though phentermine has these effects, it is still not clear how it affects mood. More research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Phentermine’s positive effect on mood
Phentermine has been found to have a positive effect on mood as it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which is similar to the effects of anti-depressants such as bupropion.
This can lead to an improvement in mental well-being, especially for those who struggle with depression or anxiety.
However, it’s important to note that phentermine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors, a powerful class of antidepressants.
Also, phentermine affects the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls hunger, and this can make you feel less hungry.
Evidence suggests that an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine may contribute to depression.
Hence, the use of phentermine is recommended, as it helps in normalizing these neurotransmitter levels, resulting in an uplifting mood.
In addition, research has found that high levels of dopamine can positively impact concentration, motivation, and feelings of euphoria.
On the other hand, low levels of norepinephrine have been linked to depression and ADHD.
Although an interesting point of note is that a comparative study on rats showed that phentermine increases levels of dopamine, it does not affect serotonin.
As experts in the field, we need to know how phentermine affects neurotransmitter levels so we can help our clients deal with their mental health problems in the best way possible.
Phentermine’s negative impact on mood
Researchers have found that its use is linked to depression, anxiety, and psychosis, among other mood disorders.
Studies show that phentermine can make people feel bad, and more bad effects of the drug have been reported than good ones.
In fact, one study showed that 7 out of 34 women developed side effects, including depression, after taking phentermine.
Many individuals who use phentermine to control their weight experience negative mood changes.
Research shows that people who have a history of an affective disorder in their family or who have been diagnosed with depression before are more likely to have their symptoms get worse when they take the medicine.
Moreover, discontinuing the prescription often resolves the symptoms experienced by users. This means that phentermine has a direct effect on the brain and can cause mood changes in people who are vulnerable to them.
Also, because of how it affects the sympathetic nervous system, phentermine may make anxiety symptoms worse.
Because of this, people who already have an anxiety disorder should not take phentermine or any other sympathomimetic amines.
Does phentermine cause depression?
Phentermine has been linked to various side effects, including depression. Four people who took phentermine and then got depressed were mentioned in a study that came out in 2011.
Even though the number of cases was small, they showed that phentermine could cause or worsen depressive symptoms.
In another study, a phase IV clinical trial, researchers found that depression was more frequent in 40-49-year-old women who had been taking phentermine for over a month.
Even though the study didn’t find out exactly what causes depression, it did show that long-term use of phentermine could make it more likely for some people to get depressive symptoms, especially if they are in certain groups.
Some people have also said that when they stop taking phentermine, they have withdrawal symptoms like depression, paranoia, and panic attacks.
Therefore, phentermine should only be used short-term and under the guidance of a medical professional.
Is it safe to take phentermine if you have anxiety?
People with anxiety shouldn’t take phentermine because it can make their anxiety worse by affecting the sympathetic nervous system.
Anxiety is a mental health problem that causes people to feel worried, scared, and uneasy.
Studies have shown that phentermine can increase the risk of anxiety and depression, which can lead to a worsened quality of life.
Additionally, it can also cause other side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.
Before taking phentermine, you should talk to a doctor or other medical professional, especially if you already have an anxiety disorder or any other health problems.
On the other hand, PhenQ is a safe and effective alternative to phentermine. It is an all-natural weight loss supplement that contains a blend of natural ingredients that work together to help you lose weight, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
It contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can help you feel more alert and focused, but the amount is much lower than that found in other weight loss supplements.
It also has other natural ingredients like Capsimax powder, which helps to speed up the metabolism, and Nopal, which is a natural appetite suppressant.
Overall, PhenQ is a safe and natural alternative to phentermine that can help you lose weight without the risks associated with prescription medications.
Conclusion
Phentermine has been known to cause changes in mood among its users. Some people have good feelings, like being more motivated, but others have bad feelings, like being irritable or nervous.
The drug may cause these different effects because it can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
Despite this, evidence on the overall impact of phentermine on mood remains insufficient.
What is clear, however, is that individuals with a history of affective disorders or those with family members who have such conditions should avoid phentermine, as it may worsen anxiety and depression.
Before using phentermine to treat obesity, it’s important to talk to a doctor about any mental health problems you’ve had in the past.
I'm Jacob Foxx, a proud native of the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois. I was enamored with the expansive Star Trek universe and its promise of cutting-edge technology and space travel from a young age. This early fascination with science fiction sparked my imagination and laid the foundation for my writing career. Alongside my love for the cosmos, I developed a passion for fitness in my formative years.
This dual interest in the world of tomorrow and the pursuit of physical health has greatly informed my writing, allowing me to explore themes of human potential and the future of our species. As an author, I strive to blend these passions into compelling narratives that inspire readers to dream and to push their own boundaries.