Phentermine is an appetite suppressant to help lose weight

Do start a diet without any medication for the first two weeks

Start without any medication for the first two weeks and complete a food diary in order to see when you are hungry and having the most difficulty following a program. You can then decide with your physician which dose of the medication would be most appropriate, if any at all. Other options such as protein powders, soy snacks, low calorie popsicles or fruit might satisfy the hunger cravings and the need for an appetite suppressant may be delayed until later in the program.

Do start with a low dose

It is essential to start with a low dose as appetite suppressants are stimulants and may affect each person differently. If you start with a low dose, eventually you will become accustomed to the medication and it will have less effect, therefore allowing you to increase at different times through your program giving you the benefit for a longer period of time. The initial dose should be 8 mg taken orally 3 times a day thirty minutes before meals as this is a short-acting medication.

Do take between the a.m. and 3 p.m. if you’re using the longer-acting medication

As phentermine 15mg, 30mg, and 37.5mg are long-acting medications, it is best taken once daily, either early in the morning or as late as 3pm, depending on the part of the day that is necessary for the pill to curb your appetite. If taken too late in the day, it may keep you awake at night.

Do work with a physician specializing in weight control

A physician specializing in weight control is better equipped to understand when an appetite suppressant is appropriate. Weight loss is a journey and there is an art in the decision-making of starting an appetite suppressant and which one would be more appropriate. Some drugs will affect phentermine. Tell your doctor of all medications that you use, especially insulin or oral diabetes medication, blood pressure medications, or antidepressants.

Do get emergency help or call a physician if…

Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction to phentermine: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat. Call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of your ankles, confusion or irritability, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness or dangerously high blood pressure, severe headaches, blurred vision or buzzing in your ears. Less serious phentermine side effects include feeling restless, headaches, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, or dry mouth.

Do not take if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, etc

You should not take phentermine if you have a history of heart disease, overactive thyroid, uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, if you’re in an agitated state or if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

Do not use with certain medications

Do not use phentermine if you have used MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days as a dangerous drug interaction could occur leading to serious side effects. Phentermine may impair your thinking or reaction. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects. Do not use phentermine if you’re pregnant as phentermine can pass into the breast milk and harm a nursing baby.

Do not stop suddenly

Don’t stop using phentermine suddenly or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication.