In the pursuit of weight loss, many individuals turn to FDA-approved drugs for assistance.
Among the options are Saxenda (liraglutide) and phentermine (e.g., Adipex-P, Suprenza, and Lomaira), both of which have been shown to have a limit of 5–8% weight loss.
While Saxenda tends to be more expensive than phentermine, costing around $10 more, it remains a popular choice for those striving to shed pounds.
Conflicting studies surround the effectiveness of each drug, leaving room for interpretation.
No matter what, it’s clear that both Saxenda and phentermine can help people lose weight when traditional methods don’t work.
Saxenda And Phentermine Overview
Two prescription drugs that have received U.S. approval are Saxenda and Phentermine.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as weight-loss aids for adults who are struggling with obesity or weight-related medical problems.
With their ability to act as appetite suppressants, they are effective at helping people lose weight, but it is important to note that they have different classifications.
While one medication is approved for use in teens between the ages of 12 and 17, the other is not recommended for this age group.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda, a brand of the drug liraglutide, is a medication that has been FDA-approved for long-term weight management in adults.
It is a higher dose of the diabetes drug Victoza. It works as an incretin mimetic, which stimulates the release of insulin in response to glucose and helps lower glucose levels.
Additionally, it has been approved for use in adolescents ages 12 to 17. This medicine has been shown to reduce hunger, making it a popular choice for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way.
Overall, Saxenda has shown to be a good choice for people who want to lose weight and keep it off for a long time.
What is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription medication that belongs to the category of anorectics, which work by suppressing appetite.
The drug causes the brain to make more neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which send signals to the brain to make you feel full. This makes you feel less hungry.
In addition to making you feel less hungry, phentermine turns on adrenaline, a neurotransmitter that makes you stronger and gives you more energy.
No wonder people resort to more intense workouts while using the drug.
Phentermine has been in use since its approval by the FDA in 1959, and, recently, two more forms, Suprenza and Qsymia, were granted FDA approval in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Side Effects Of Saxenda vs. Phentermine
Saxenda Side Effects
Saxenda has been known to cause a variety of side effects in patients.
These side effects include:
- Changes in enzyme levels
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
Even though these side effects can be very bad, they are usually easy to deal with and don’t mean you have to stop taking the medicine.
But parents should know that children or teens who take Saxenda may get a fever and a stomach illness called gastroenteritis.
Although Saxenda can be an effective weight loss aid, it’s important to be aware of the potential serious side effects it can cause.
These include:
- Increased heart rate
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Serious allergic reaction
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney problems or failure
- Depression or mental health issues
- Thyroid tumors
When taking Saxenda, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels often to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia, which can occur when blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL, can lead to insulin shock, loss of consciousness, and even coma.
Phentermine Side Effects
Phentermine is a medication used to help with weight loss, but like any medication, it comes with side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of phentermine include:
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth/eyes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- HeadacheS
- Reduced interest in sex
- Restlessness and insomnia
While these side effects may be uncomfortable, they are generally not life-threatening.
However, pregnant women should avoid phentermine due to potential risks such as:
- Gestational
- Diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects
It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions regarding the use of phentermine.
When taking phentermine, it’s important to be aware of potential emergency signs and serious side effects.
Mood changes can occur while using this medication, and low blood sugar may manifest as shaking, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, sweating, confusion, and hunger.
It’s also possible to experience allergic reactions, which may include rash, hives, wheezing, itching, red or swollen skin, tightness in your throat or chest, trouble breathing or swallowing, and swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.
High blood pressure can present with symptoms such as dizziness, passing out, migraine headaches, or changes in eyesight.
Finally, if you experience a fast or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, fatigue, trouble breathing, or shakiness, along with swelling in your arms or legs, seek medical attention immediately.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
The Key Differences Between Phentermine and Saxenda
As FDA-approved weight-loss drugs, both Saxenda and phentermine offer potential benefits, but the differences between these drugs should be noted.
Saxenda is administered through injection and can cost around $1,000, while phentermine is taken orally and is much cheaper at around $10.
But for some people, the price may not be the most important thing, since Saxenda may be covered by insurance while phentermine usually isn’t.
Additionally, both drugs have their own risks and side effects. Saxenda has the potential to cause low blood sugar, kidney damage, and even thyroid cancer.
Phentermine, on the other hand, may lead to abuse and tolerance and can worsen heart disease. It is important to note that while Saxenda is approved for use in teens aged 12–17, phentermine is not recommended for this age range.
Can You Combine Saxenda and Phentermine?
Saxenda and phentermine have been shown to have a moderate interaction, indicating that it is safe to use them together.
The combination of these drugs has been linked to an increase in weight loss, with some patients reporting a 25.6% reduction over 30 months.
Also, a new study from 2019 suggests that the combination can help control hunger and cravings better than liraglutide alone, which can be hard to do.
However, it is important to note that individual characteristics and prior weight loss may influence the results of using this drug combination.
In any case, it’s always essential to consult with a medical professional before starting any new medication regime.
Which Is Better: Saxenda vs Phentermine?
Saxenda and Phentermine both serve the same purpose when it comes to obesity treatment. Saxenda is an injection that is FDA-approved for patients between the ages of 12 and 17.
Although the cost of this injection may be up to $1,000, insurance might pay for it. Phentermine is an oral pill that costs around $10 but can potentially be habit-forming.
Common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth and fatigue. While these treatments cost different amounts and come in different forms, they both work towards helping individuals overcome obesity.
When considering medication options, it’s important to be mindful of potential side effects.
Both options we are presenting have a range of possible side effects, from changes in blood enzyme levels to constipation, dizziness, and even low blood sugar.
However, serious side effects such as pancreatitis and allergic reactions are rare. It’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of each medication and to always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
In some cases, an alternative medication such as PhenQ may be a better option. Remember, making informed decisions about your health is key to achieving optimal outcomes.
What’s A Better Alternative To Phentermine and Saxenda?
When it comes to weight loss, it can be challenging to find a safe and effective solution that works for you.
Many prescription medications can come with harmful side effects or require a doctor’s approval. However, there is a better alternative to consider: PhenQ.
This diet pill is made with natural ingredients and does not require a prescription. Plus, all of the ingredients in PhenQ are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
With the help of a-LACYS RESET, L-carnitine fumarate, chromium picolinate, caffeine, capsimax powder, and Nopal cactus fiber, PhenQ can assist in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Best of all, it can be stopped at any time without known withdrawal effects. Consider turning to PhenQ as a safer alternative to prescription medications for weight loss.
Conclusion
Obesity and health problems related to weight can be scary, but there are ways to help people who are dealing with these problems.
Saxenda, for instance, is an effective choice for people dealing with obesity as it helps to regulate insulin levels and reduce hunger.
On the other hand, Phentermine is considered the best overall weight loss pill, but it does come with some potential side effects.
PhenQ is a good choice for people who want a natural alternative to Phentermine that doesn’t have any side effects and comes with a money-back guarantee.
Regardless of which choice you make, it’s important to approach weight loss and health with patience and consistency.
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.
