Phentermine vs. Other Weight Loss Medications

Overview of Phentermine and its Mechanism of Action

Phentermine is the most famous weight loss drug that is taken along with daily exercise and a healthy diet. The class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines includes the pharmaceutical drug phentermine.

Phentermine reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness by promoting the release of specific brain chemicals that affect appetite.

Phentermine’s exact mechanism of action is unknown, although it is thought to raise the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that alerts the body to a “fight-or-flight” reaction. Phentermine helps to lessen food cravings and regulate appetite by increasing norepinephrine levels in the body.

Phentermine is one of the best and most effective weight loss medications. If you are about to purchase this drug, you should buy it under the guidance of an experienced healthcare professional who will monitor its efficacy and handle any potential adverse reactions. It’s essential to discuss current medicines or clinical conditions with a healthcare expert before starting Phentermine to ensure its appropriate and safe usage. 

Comparison of Phentermine with other weight loss medications

When comparing Phentermine to other weight loss drugs, it’s essential to keep in mind that everyone’s reaction to medicine will be unique. Therefore, it’s necessary to get personalized guidance from a healthcare provider. Here is a broad comparison of Phentermine with a few other drugs for weight loss though:

Meridia

Meridia has demonstrated long-term weight management effectiveness. According to studies, Meridia may help people lose more weight than a placebo and may also keep the weight loss for a longer period. For a few weeks to a few months, it is often taken as a short-term treatment for obesity. It is frequently prescribed to those with high BMI (body mass index) or those with weight-related issues. 

Meridia Usage

It is generally prescribed for long-term usage in people who are overweight or obese and have other weight-related health issues such as high cholesterol or diabetes. 

Other weight loss drugs

Qsymia

Qsymia is a combination drug that contains Topiramate and Phentermine, an antiepileptic medicine. Phentermine inhibits appetite, while topiramate can help with weight loss by raising feelings of fullness and changing taste sensations. Qsymia is approved for long-term usage and is generally prescribed for those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher. 

Orlistat

Orlistat functions by preventing the intestines from absorbing dietary fats. Unlike Phentermine, it doesn’t affect appetite. Orlistat is obtainable OTC (Alli) or as a prescription drug (Xenical). It is commonly recommended for long-term usage and might result in modest weight loss. 

Contrave

Contrave is a combination drug that consists of naltrexone, a medication mainly used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction, and bupropion, an antidepressant. 

It lessens cravings and appetite. For long-term weight management, Contrave is suggested to be combined with low-calorie meals and increased physical exercise. It is one of the most popular weight loss pills. 

Effectiveness of Phentermine in weight loss

Phentermine is well known for its short-term effectiveness in decreasing appetite and promoting weight loss. Due to its potential for abuse & dependence (addiction), Phentermine is usually only prescribed for a few weeks to a few months. If you are about to buy this drug online, you should take it under the guidance of an experienced healthcare expert. 

Side effects and safety concerns of Phentermine

As mentioned above, Phentermine is a highly prescribed and best weight-loss medicine. Along with its required effects, this drug can cause undesired adverse reactions. You should contact your healthcare expert immediately if you notice any of them. 

Common side effects of Phentermine:

• Unpleasant taste, itching
• Dry mouth, stomach ache
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Decreased or increased interest in sex

Severe side effects of Phentermine:

• Heart issues, increased BP (blood pressure)
• Pulmonary hypertension, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue
• Psychiatric effects such as agitation, anxiety, restlessness
• itching, rash, or swelling of the body parts

Along with these adverse reactions, there are specific safety concerns associated with this drug, such as:

Withdrawal and dependency

Phentermine is categorized as a controlled substance because of its potential for dependency and abuse. Withdrawal symptoms could result from continued use or abrupt stopping. 

Interactions with other drugs

Phentermine may interact with other drugs, including specific antidepressants, resulting in severe adverse reactions. It’s essential to inform your healthcare expert about all the medicines you are using. 

Allergic reactions

Few people might experience allergic reactions to this drug, characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, rash, swelling, itching, or issues breathing. If you notice any of them, you should get urgent clinical attention. 

Breastfeeding and pregnancy

Phentermine is unsuitable for pregnant ladies. You should also avoid breastfeeding. It can cause undesired withdrawal symptoms and adverse reactions in a newborn. 

CNS (central nervous system) effects

Phentermine may cause CNS adverse reactions, such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and mood swings. If you have a painful experience with mental health issues, you should take it under the guidance of an experienced healthcare expert. 

Before starting the drug, you should discuss the potential risks and safety concerns associated with Phentermine with your healthcare expert. 

Alternatives to Phentermine for weight loss

Here are a few alternatives to Phentermine for weight loss:

• PhenQ
• Phen24
• PrimeShred
• Leanbean
• PhenGold
• PhenAprin

Pros and cons of using other weight loss medications

Increased weight loss

When you take weight loss medication in combination with exercise and healthy meals, you can lose your weight effectively. 

They might increase metabolism, suppress appetite, or inhibit the absorption of fat, leading to greater weight loss compared to exercise and diet alone. 

Improved health outcomes

For some people, weight loss drugs might lead to improvements in numerous health parameters associated with access to weight, such as blood sugar control, BP, and cholesterol levels. It might have positive effects on overall health and lower the risk of weight-related health issues. 

Cons

Adverse reactions

Weight loss drugs might come with various adverse reactions, such as constipation, nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, and increased heart rate. The frequency and severity of adverse reactions vary depending on the particular drug. 

Price

Weight loss medications might be expensive. Some people may find it financially difficult to pay for their drug, as well as any required doctor visits and follow-ups. 

 If you want to buy weight loss medication, you should purchase it from a reputable pharmacy store. 

Conclusion: Which medication is best for you?

In the above section, we have mentioned Phentermine and other weight loss medications. They all are FDA-approved to lose weight, and you can try them as instructed by your healthcare expert. We highly recommend Phentermine over other medicines. Among all weight-loss medications, it is one of the best.

This drug is generally prescribed for short-term usage (a few weeks to a few months). Short-term use might also lower the potential for developing dependence or tolerance to the drug.