People who are overweight or obese and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone are usually given the prescription drug phentermine to help them lose weight. Even though phentermine can help you lose weight, it does have some side effects, some of which may be worse for women than for men. Women who are thinking about taking phentermine or who are already taking it need to fully understand these side effects. There is a lot of information in this article about the phentermine side effects in females, including what to expect and how to deal with possible bad reactions.
How Do You Use Phentermine? What Is It?
Like amphetamines, phentermine is a stimulant that works on the central nervous system to make you feel full. Some people use it for a short time along with a low-calorie diet and exercise to help them lose weight. Phentermine is only meant to be used by adults, and it is often given to overweight people who are health risks. People usually take the medicine once a day, either before breakfast or one to two hours after breakfast, to help them feel full during the day.
What Are Some of the Most Common Side Effects of Phentermine in Women?
There are several side effects that women who take phentermine may experience, with some being more common than others. These can include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, a racing heartbeat, jitters, and trouble going to the bathroom. Both men and women have reported these side effects, but women may feel them differently or more strongly because of differences in their bodies, hormones, and other physiological factors. Women should keep a close eye on these side effects and let their healthcare provider know if they become a problem.
Can Phentermine Change Your Period?
While taking phentermine, some women say their menstrual cycle changes, such as having periods that come and go or having changes in the flow. Even though there isn’t a lot of research on this side effect, the stress of losing weight and the stimulant effects of phentermine may cause hormonal imbalances that can cause menstrual problems. Any woman whose menstrual cycle changes in a big way should talk to her doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying problems.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects for Women Who Take Phentermine?
Phentermine shouldn’t be used for a long time because it can lead to dependence and other bad effects. But some long-term side effects may still be there even after you stop taking the medicine. Some of these effects are high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and mood swings or depression that can happen in the mind. Because of the chance of these long-term side effects happening, it is very important to only take phentermine as your doctor tells you to and closely watch what you do.
How Does Phentermine Affect Getting Pregnant and Having Children?
The FDA has labeled phentermine as a Category X drug, which means that it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy because it could hurt the baby. Phedrine shouldn’t be taken by women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or who are breastfeeding. There isn’t a lot of research on how phentermine affects fertility, but women of childbearing age who are taking it should use effective birth control and talk to their doctor about their family planning goals.
What Can Be Done to Deal with Phentermine’s Side Effects?
To deal with phentermine’s side effects, you need to stay in close contact with your doctor. They can offer advice or make changes to your treatment plan as needed. You can lessen some of the side effects by drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure and heart rate on a regular basis. To effectively manage side effects, it may be necessary to change the dose or stop taking the drug in some cases.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor About the Side Effects of Phentermine?
You need to talk to a doctor right away if you experience any serious or getting worse side effects, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling in your legs or ankles, or big changes in your mood. Also, it’s important to see your doctor regularly while you’re on phentermine to make sure that any problems are quickly dealt with and that your overall health and progress are being tracked. Now you have information about the phentermine side effects in females.