If you are taking phentermine and it works for 3 weeks but then you stop losing weight and start having more cravings should you stop or continue using phentermine?

Answer 1

Phentermine is the generic name for an amphetamine- and phenythylamine-class drug prescribed to enhance weight loss in obese patients. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it's believed to stimulate a part of the brain called the hypothalamus to release the chemical neurotransmitter neurepinephrine. This is a natural stimulant that causes the body to undergo a fight-or-flight reaction, which includes appetite suppression.

According to the FDA, phentermine is only intended for short-term use (up to 12 weeks), to help jump-start a program of behavior modification, diet and exercise. Patients usually develop tolerance to phentermine after just a few weeks, resulting in a plateau in weight loss and increasing appetite.

When this occurs, doctors recommend discontinuing the medication, rather than increasing dosage in an attempt to improve response.

Patients should never discontinue phentermine abruptly unless advised by a physician. The safest way to stop this drug is by decreasing your dose a little each day, allowing your brain to gradually resume normal production of neurepinephrine. Tapering reduces the potential for withdrawal symptoms like depression, suicidal ideation, and extreme fatigue.

Phentermine, like all amphetamines, is a drug of abuse. It is possible to become addicted to this medication, and prolonged use can cause permanent, undesirable changes to the brain. Craving phentermine is a sign that a person's body has habituated to (learned to tolerate) the therapeutic dose, and requires a higher dose to avoid withdrawal. This is one hallmark of addiction.

Anyone who experiences cravings or other symptoms of addiction should consult a doctor immediately for supervised treatment.