Is Phentermine Dangerous to Take for Fat Loss? ( Everything You Need To Know)

Phentermine, while effective in helping with weight loss, comes with a myriad of potential adverse effects that should not be taken lightly.

Users should be aware of the risks associated with its usage, including heart diseases, brain injuries, psychological issues, and the danger it poses to pregnant women and their children.

As this article highlights, there is a need to monitor closely any potential side effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

FDA reports are concerning, with the possibility of death from Phentermine usage.

Thankfully, there are safer alternatives available that can provide similar results without compromising health and safety.

Is taking Phentermine dangerous?

Phentermine is a prescription medication that has been deemed safe for use when taken as directed.

However, it is important to note that certain underlying health conditions can lead to harmful consequences.

For instance, pregnant women should avoid taking phentermine due to its negative impact on pregnancy outcomes, according to FDA category X.

Common side effects include thirst, nausea, headache, constipation, dry mouth, urticaria, insomnia, and palpitations.

While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they typically do not pose a serious risk to your health.

However, more serious consequences, such as brain and heart disorders, can occur in some cases.

Is Phentermine dangerous during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the mother’s body undergoes many changes to accommodate the growth and development of her unborn baby. Unfortunately, carrying a developing fetus can also take its toll on the mother’s health.

Effects on pregnant women

1. Diabetes During Pregnancy

It has been found that women who take phentermine or fenfluramine during the first trimester of pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

This condition can lead to several long-term health problems for both the mother and child.

In fact, children born to mothers with GDM are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and impaired pancreatic secretions than those born to mothers who did not experience GDM.

It is essential for women considering taking these medications to weigh the potential risks carefully with their healthcare provider before making any decisions that could potentially negatively impact their pregnancy and their child’s long-term health.

2. Sleeplessness

Phentermine can cause insomnia in its users, leading to a reduced quality of life. For women who are trying to conceive, poor rest can make conception more challenging.

Even after conception, insomnia can lead to challenging pregnancies, longer labor, higher labor pain, and increased chances of C-sections and premature deliveries.

Furthermore, research suggests that sleeplessness may be linked to preterm births and postpartum depression. 

Harmful effects on the unborn baby

The use of phentermine during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both mother and baby.

One of these consequences is the development of cephalic anomalies, such as large head circumference and cysts.

This was seen in a reported case of a 24-year-old female who delivered a baby with bilateral porenchephallic cysts suspected to have been caused by Phentermine use during pregnancy.

Additionally, research has confirmed that anorexic drugs used during conception can result in structural abnormalities in offspring, including neural tube defects.

Is Phentermine bad for your heart?

Phentermine, a popular weight-loss drug, is known for its ability to increase heart rate and cause palpitations.

According to FDA reports, this is an intended effect of the drug in order to promote weight loss.

However, case studies have shown that there may be other negative impacts on the heart and circulatory system that are more rare.

While it may seem like a quick fix for shedding some pounds, it’s important to weigh the potential risks to your heart and overall health before deciding to take phentermine.

1. Heart valve disease

The phentermine-fenfluramine combination has been linked to valvular heart disease, a finding that has raised concern among the medical community.

What is particularly alarming is that this effect appears to be more prevalent in women without preexisting heart issues.

Upon examination of valvular cardiac tissues, a plaque-like encasement was discovered, indicating potential damage to the heart’s structure.

These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring patients who are prescribed this combination drug, and exploring alternative treatment options where appropriate.

2. Hypertension of the lungs

Phentermine can potentially have unfavorable effects on blood pressure. Its intake increases blood pressure, which, in turn, compels the heart to function harder, potentially leading to damage of cardiac tissues.

High blood pressure also reduces the flexibility of coronary arteries, increasing the risk of dangerous cardiac events like angina or cardiac arrest.

Although effective in promoting weight loss, individuals with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease should exercise caution and consult their physician before starting Phentermine.

3. Ventricular tachycardia

The case of a 70-year-old woman experiencing ventricular fibrillation after taking Phentermine highlights the importance of closely monitoring any drug’s potential side effects, especially in individuals with underlying cardiac conditions.

In combination with Phentermine’s hypertensive effects, the woman’s coronary artery vasospasm increased the risk of arrhythmias in the lower heart chambers.

However, once the woman discontinued the dosage, her symptoms were eliminated, confirming the association between Phentermine and the disease.

What are Phentermine’s effects on the brain?

As a methylated amphetamine, phentermine is a potent appetite suppressant, affecting dopamine release in the brain.

The stimulation of the reward center in the brain can lead to cognitive excitability, providing individuals with the motivation and energy to meet their demanding daily responsibilities.

However, long-term usage of this drug can lead to severe consequences, such as physical brain injuries, stroke, and psychological disturbances, including depression and anxiety. 

The impact of phentermine on the brain may produce the following health problems:

1. Stroke

The news of two women with mild cerebrovascular risk developed an acute stroke after taking diet pills containing phentermine has raised concerns about the safety of such pills.

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs due to a blockage or bursting of cerebral arteries, leading to a sudden stop in the supply of oxygen to the brain.

Researchers believe that phentermine intake could result in a surge of dopamine, leading to an increase in blood pressure and stroke risk.

To better understand the relationship between phentermine and stroke development, further research is needed.

The findings of such research may have a significant impact on the way diet pills are formulated and prescribed.

2. Psychosis

Phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine, is a stimulant drug that is popularly used for weight loss purposes.

However, excessive and prolonged use of this drug may lead to negative side effects such as mental delusions, stress, and anxiety.

Such was the case of a 25-year-old woman on a weight loss program who suffered from psychotic episodes following the abuse of Phentermine.

Her social behavior and work functionalities were temporarily impaired, and the psychotic episodes were recurrent.

3. Dyskinesia

Drug-induced movement disorders can occur as a result of artificially triggered neurotransmitters that stimulate neural activity.

This is particularly problematic with phentermine, a drug known for its stimulatory properties, which have been linked to the onset of tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism.

The potential dangers of this drug were highlighted when a 56-year-old man reported experiencing tongue thrusting and tremors, potentially due to his use of stimulants and a family history of Parkinson’s disease. 

Is it harmful to use expired Phentermine?

As with any medication, it is important to pay attention to expiration dates when taking Phentermine.

While there is no evidence that this drug becomes toxic after the expiration date, it is still recommended to discard any medication that is past its prime.

Outdated pills may not be as effective when it comes to appetite suppression, which is the main reason people take Phentermine in the first place.

If you are unsure about the safety or efficacy of expired medication, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

For more information on this topic, be sure to check out our informative blog post.

How long can you safely take Phentermine?

Phentermine is a medication that is designed for short-term use, typically lasting only a few weeks.

It is important to note that prolonged usage of this drug should not exceed three months, and it is only recommended under the prescription of a doctor.

Dosage should always be taken according to the prescription, as an overdose can potentially cause harmful side effects.

Is it possible to die from taking too much Phentermine?

Pulmonary hypertension associated with phentermine is a dangerous condition that can potentially lead to death.

This risk is even higher for those who have pre-existing heart conditions and may experience adverse effects from overdosing on the drug.

Studies have shown that there is a 0.3% death rate amongst participants taking phentermine for weight loss therapy.

As a result, the FDA has listed phentermine and its combination drug Qsymia as potential factors for sudden death when abused.

Safe Over-the-Counter Alternative to Phentermine

PhenQ is a series of dietary supplements that provide safe weight-loss pills and nutritious meal-replacement shakes.

Manufactured by Wolfson Brands, these supplements are made with natural ingredients such as L-carnitine fumarate, α-Lacys reset, nopal, capsimax powder, caffeine, and herbal extracts.

L-carnitine fumarate acts as an appetite suppressant and has anti-obesity properties to aid in weight loss.

α-Lacys reset effectively burns body fat without producing any harmful effects, while Nopal prevents the absorption of fat into the bloodstream.

Caffeine and herbal extracts provide energy and metabolism-boosting properties. According to research and reviews, users have lost up to 44 lbs. in only three months while using PhenQ.

The supplement is available on their official website in packages starting at $69.95, and numerous discounts are available.

Conclusion

Anorexiant compounds like Phentermine and amphetamines can be effective in shedding unwanted pounds, but they come with substantial health risks.

These potential issues include problems with the heart, damage to the central nervous system, mental instability, and complications during pregnancy that can negatively impact fetal development.

Even worse, the risk of sudden death is a genuine possibility.

Therefore, it is critical to seek the guidance of a medical professional when taking such medications and to follow their advice closely.

For those seeking a safer alternative to weight loss, PhenQ provides a risk-free option that can help individuals achieve their goals without compromising their health.