Phentermine is prescribed as an appetite suppressant in dosages, including 30 mg, and was originally developed and marketed as a replacement for amphetamines. Phentermine, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is the most widely prescribed and most frequently encountered diet pill on the market. According to sources such as Rx List, several different classes of side effects can be caused by taking Phentermine 30 mg, and these should be reviewed with your doctor before beginning this medication.
Cardiovascular
Taking Phentermine can result in some cardiovascular problems, even if you have never experienced any related issues before taking this drug. Palpitations or a feeling of forceful heart beating can occur, as can tachycardia or rapid heart rhythms more than 100 beats per minute. If you experience palpitations, you should speak to your doctor, however, in most cases heart disease is not common and treatment is not required. If the problem persists, or becomes unbearable, you should consider decreasing your medication amount.
Central nervous system
This medication has been noted to cause abnormalities in the central nervous system. Some symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, tremors, over-stimulation, and insomnia.
The most frequent complaint is insomnia, meaning the patient is having difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, and in some cases both. The best advice for individuals suffering from insomnia while taking Phentermine is to adjust their daily medication schedule.
This weight loss aid, stimulates the nervous system, and should be taken before breakfast or within two hours of eating your first meal. You will want to ensure that there is a space of at least 10 hours between the time you ingest the pill, and when you go to sleep. If you are still having trouble with insomnia, talk to your physician about combining this upper with a nighttime sleeping aid
Gastrointestinal
A frequent list of related complaints from patients taking Phentermine include xerostomia or dryness of the mouth, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and constipation, which can mean hard or infrequent stools with the difficulty passing.
It is still unknown the exact reason Phentermine causes cotton mouth, other than the fact that it is an anorectic, and drugs in this class are commonly known to cause xerostomia. Doctors and patients alike agree that dry mouth, while annoying, could be a beneficial side effect of this medication because it reminds and forces patients to drink more water.
Drinking water before meals and throughout the day can decrease your hunger level, along with this prescription, and is also helpful in digestion. If your body is hydrated, it is less likely that you will be constipated. If constipation persists, evaluate your diet to ensure you are consuming enough fruits and vegetables, or try supplementing with fiber pills.
Allergic reactions
Urticaria, or hives, can occasionally occur in patients taking Phentermine. The symptoms seen in an allergic reaction can consist of itching eyes or skin, swelling, redness and welts.
If you find that you are having respiratory problems, or swelling in your throat, it is important to call your doctor immediately, as this can be harmful in some circumstances. The treatment for itching and hives can include over-the-counter anti-itch medication, oatmeal baths or discontinuation of the medicine.
Endocrine
Phentermine has been associated with some endocrine problems, such as impotence and low libido.
For men taking this drug, impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, can occur. Impotence is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity, according to Medicine Net, Inc. Erectile dysfunction can be treated with additional prescribed medication, or by discontinuing the use of Phentermine.
In women, some taking Phentermine will experience a decrease in the libido, or sex drive. Lacking sexual appetite is unfortunately common in many women, especially those who have had children, had a hysterectomy, are taking anti-depressants, or are menopausal. If your sexual desire or frequency seems to be on a downhill slide, and this is unusual for you, then you may need to talk to your gynecologist. Medications can be prescribed for women who need a little jump start, as well as a new market of stimulating over-the-counter products.
