Phentermine Side Effects: What to Know About Them

Almost all medicines can cause side effects. Phentermine is no exception. However, the side effects of Phentermine are often mild, not to mention that side effects of Phentermine can only attack once taken inappropriately.

One of the main reasons why Phentermine is prescribed for short-term basis is because it can bring in side effects due to prolonged use. Hence, physicians are strict about using Phentermine for a short period of time only. Besides prolonged usage, Phentermine side effects can take effect when the patient is given a dosage that is too high. Since this drug is chemically-related to amphetamine, it can cause similar side effects, which are subtle and tolerable if taken with the right dosage.

Common Side Effects of Phentermine

Commonly, Phentermine can give mild side effects only. More often than not, patients can tolerate these side effects and so are not taken as a major threat to the health. Some of the minor side effects this drug can offer are the following:

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Hyperactivity
• Restlessness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Clumsiness
• Increased thirst
• Nausea

Less common side effects of Phentermine include hallucinations, panic, stomach cramps, shaking, overactive reflexes, aggressive behavior, impotence, and psychosis. Severe allergic reactions are often less common side effects as well. Allergic reactions can be characterized by itching, rash, hives, face swelling, redness, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

Given the number of mild side effects of Phentermine, there may be serious risks and complications that this drug can offer. Though they are known risks, they do not frequently occur. Some of these side effects that rarely occur when taking Phentermine include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, ankle or feet swelling, pulmonary hypertension, high or low blood pressure, cardiac valvular disease, seizure, and palpitations.

How to Counter Side Effects of Phentermine

The side effects of Phentermine do not say that it is a dangerous drug. What everyone must know is that the side effects of Phentermine can be countered if the patient is knowledgeable about the proper dosage and intake of a drug like this.

Now that you are familiar with the side effects of Phentermine, it will be a good point to take note of these side effects and monitor yourself while taking the drug. If you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects as well as other suspicious symptoms, it is best to seek the help of your doctor right away. Your doctor can help you deal with the symptoms as well as evaluate your body’s response to Phentermine so the dosage can be changed for your advantage.

Moreover, it can be a practical idea that before you take Phentermine, you discuss with your doctor the possibilities of experiencing side effects. He can educate you on how to deal with the side effect at hand so you don’t get surprised once you experience one already.

Furthermore, avoiding side effects of Phentermine is possible. Even if you can counter the side effects of Phentermine, prevention is still the better answer to the problem. One way to avoid the side effects that can be thrown to you by Phentermine is to follow the prescription as provided by your doctor. Make sure you take the right dosage, take it at the right time, and stop it once ordered.

Take note that the side effects of Phentermine can more often be experienced if it is taken wrongly. Taking more than the prescribed dosage for a long period of time can even give birth to the life-threatening complications and side effects of the drug.

The side effects of Phentermine can start from mild to serious ones. Take note that like any other medications, the side effects can be avoided given the right usage of the drug. Partnered with the right knowledge on Phentermine and its risks, safely taking advantage of this drug is more than possible.