Side Effects of phentermine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Phentermine is an amphetamine derivative that is commonly used for short-term weight management. 2 It is effective in suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss, but it is associated with potential severe cardiovascular side effects, abuse and dependence when used long-term. 2

Phentermine can interact with other drugs, making it important to be cautious when using it long-term. 2 Phentermine is often prescribed long-term and for off-label indications, increasing the risk of adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions. 2

In addition to its appetite-suppressing effects, phentermine can also affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart attacks. 24 It can cause vasoconstriction and narrow coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks. 24

While phentermine can be effective for weight loss, it is important to consider the potential side effects. 15 Side effects can manifest in various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, drug ineffectiveness, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney complications. 15 Furthermore, phentermine can lead to serious consequences such as death, life-threatening events, hospitalization, disability, and the need for intervention. 15 Specifically, when phentermine is combined with topiramate, there have been reports of fatalities. 15 Cardiovascular side effects have been reported with phentermine, liraglutide, and the combination of phentermine with topiramate. 15

Reasons for Side Effects

Phentermine, being an amphetamine derivative, stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters responsible for appetite suppression. 3 However, these neurotransmitters are also involved in the cardiovascular system, which is why phentermine can cause cardiovascular side effects. 3

Common Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting

One of the common side effects of phentermine is nausea and vomiting. 15 This is because phentermine slows down stomach movement and inhibits digestive functions. 15

Dizziness and Headache

Dizziness and headaches are common side effects of phentermine. 15 These symptoms could be caused by phentermine increasing blood pressure. 15

Drug Ineffectiveness

Phentermine can sometimes be ineffective. 15 This could be due to developing a tolerance to phentermine or the body no longer responding to it. 15

Cardiovascular Diseases

Phentermine can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 15 This is because it accelerates heart rate and raises blood pressure. 15 Phentermine can also cause atrial fibrillation. 10

Kidney Complications

Phentermine can lead to kidney complications. 15 This occurs because it can inhibit kidney function. 15

Death

There is a potential risk of death associated with phentermine use. 15 Specifically, when combined with topiramate, there have been reported fatalities. 15

Side Effect Management

Nausea and Vomiting

If you experience nausea or vomiting, try taking phentermine with food or eating several small meals throughout the day. 15

Dizziness and Headache

If you experience dizziness or headaches, stand up slowly after taking phentermine. 15 Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. 15

Cardiovascular Diseases

If you have a high risk of cardiovascular disease, you should avoid taking phentermine. 15 If you do take phentermine, follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular cardiovascular check-ups. 15

Kidney Complications

If you are at high risk for kidney complications, avoid taking phentermine. 15 If you take phentermine, follow your doctor's instructions and have regular kidney check-ups. 15

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Between Studies

Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of phentermine for weight loss. 13 However, it is crucial to note that phentermine is associated with potential side effects. 13

Differences Between Studies

There are variations in the effectiveness and side effects of phentermine reported in different studies. 9 This can be attributed to variations in study participants and research methodologies. 9

Real-Life Application Precautions

It is crucial to take phentermine under the guidance of a doctor and strictly adhere to its appropriate usage. 13 Since phentermine can interact with other drugs, consult your doctor if you are taking any other medication. 13

Limitations of Current Research

There is a lack of sufficient research on the long-term effectiveness and safety of phentermine. 9 Consequently, phentermine is recommended for short-term weight management only. 9

Future Research Directions

Further research on the long-term effects and safety of phentermine is needed. 9 Additionally, research on methods to mitigate phentermine's side effects is required. 9

Conclusion

Phentermine is a drug that can promote weight loss, but it also carries the risk of side effects. 13 It is essential to take phentermine under the guidance of a doctor and adhere to the appropriate usage instructions. 13

Literature analysis of 26 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
6
Negative Content
4
Article Type
1
1
1
6
23
1.

Plasma phentermine levels, weight loss and side-effects.

Author: DouglasA, DouglasJ G, RobertsonC E, MunroJ F

Appetite suppression
Weight loss
Breathlessness
Depressive symptoms
Headache
Hypertension
Irritability
Palpitations

Phentermine resinate is effective for weight loss in women with refractory obesity, but side effects are common.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Novel Anti-obesity Therapies and their Different Effects and Safety Profiles: A Critical Overview.

Author: Telci CakliliOzge, CesurMustafa, MikhailidisDimitri P, RizzoManfredi

Obesity management
Drug side effects

This review explores six anti-obesity drugs: liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, and bupropion/naltrexone. All drugs have been approved by the FDA for weight reduction except tirzepatide which is still under evaluation. These medications offer promising results for managing obesity and reducing associated complications due to their efficacy and tolerable safety profiles.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Positive Regadenoson Stress Test in a Patient on Phentermine With Normal Coronaries.

Author: SendilSelin, GjergjindreajMedeona, LozierMatthew, FernandezRafle

Reduced CV risk
Adverse CV effects
NSTEMI
Palpitations

This case report highlights a potential cardiovascular risk associated with phentermine, even in obese patients. A detailed medical history is crucial for identifying and mitigating potential adverse CV effects in patients with pre-existing conditions.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

8.

A Rare Case of Phentermine-Induced Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Author: DamaniDevanshi, HassanMariam, MahapatraSwati, PrakashSwathi, AlhaririSara, BiesJared, TrivediBhavi, EdwardsBrian P

Heart failure
Phentermine use

This case report highlights the potential for phentermine to precipitate heart failure, even in a young, relatively healthy person.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

9.

FDA-Approved Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss Over the Last Decade.

Author: IdreesZarwa, CancarevicIvan, HuangLi

Weight loss
Obesity complications

This review examines the safety and efficacy of five FDA-approved medications for obesity treatment: orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, liraglutide, and semaglutide. While all medications were found to be effective in inducing weight loss, semaglutide may have superior efficacy. However, long-term safety and efficacy data are still lacking.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Phentermine-Associated Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Author: ManasrahNouraldeen, HerathChandima J, Al SbihiAli, AlqasemSarah, KaoAndrew S, ChaudharyAhmed J, IsmailRana

Phentermine efficacy
Atrial fibrillation
Palpitations

Phentermine is a medication used for short-term obesity treatment. While palpitations are a common side effect, atrial fibrillation (AF) is rarely reported. This case report describes a healthy woman who developed new-onset AF after starting phentermine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Phentermine-topiramate extended release for the dual treatment of obesity and sleep-related eating disorder: a case report.

Author: GrunvaldEduardo, DeCondeJennifer

Weight reduction
Sleep-related eating disorder

This review explores the challenges of treating obesity and eating disorders together, specifically focusing on the use of phentermine-topiramate extended release for weight reduction and the management of sleep-related eating disorder.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Effectiveness of anti-obesity medications approved for long-term use in a multidisciplinary weight management program: a multi-center clinical experience.

Author: CalderonGerardo, Gonzalez-IzundeguiDaniel, ShanKuangda L, Garcia-ValenciaOscar A, CifuentesLizeth, CamposAlejandro, Collazo-ClavellMaria L, ShahMeera, HurleyDaniel L, Abu LebdehHaitham S, SharmaMayank, SchmitzKristine, ClarkMatthew M, GrotheKaren, MundiManpreet S, CamilleriMichael, Abu DayyehBarham K, Hurtado AndradeMaria D, MokademMohamad A, AcostaAndres

Obesity treatment
Side effects

The effectiveness and side effects of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are being evaluated in real-world multidisciplinary clinical practice settings to assess their applicability beyond controlled clinical trials.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

13.

The best drug supplement for obesity treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Author: SalariNader, JafariSamira, DarvishiNiloofar, ValipourElahe, MohammadiMasoud, MansouriKamran, ShohaimiShamarina

Anti-obesity drugs
Obesity treatment

This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared different anti-obesity medications to identify the most effective drug. While the review found that various medications demonstrated significant weight loss compared to placebo, the analysis concluded that further research is needed to definitively determine the most effective treatment option for obesity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Retracted PublicationCases where a publication has been formally withdrawn due to the discovery of serious errors or misconduct.

Language : English

16.

Long-term effects of weight-reducing drugs in people with hypertension.

Author: SiebenhoferAndrea, WinterholerSebastian, JeitlerKlaus, HorvathKarl, BergholdAndrea, KrennCornelia, SemlitschThomas

Reduced blood pressure
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Gastrointestinal side effects
Increased adverse events
Paraesthesia

This review found that orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, and naltrexone/bupropion reduced body weight in people with elevated blood pressure, with the greatest effect seen with phentermine/topiramate. Orlistat and phentermine/topiramate also reduced blood pressure, while naltrexone/bupropion did not. One RCT of naltrexone/bupropion versus placebo showed no differences in all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality or morbidity after two years.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

The cardiovascular safety of antiobesity drugs-analysis of signals in the FDA Adverse Event Report System Database.

Author: GorelikEinat, GorelikBoris, MasarwaReem, PerlmanAmichai, Hirsh-RaccahBruria, MatokIlan

Valvular disorders

Lorcaserin was associated with a significantly greater proportion of reports of valvular disorders. No safety signal was detected for valvulopathy, pulmonary hypertension, or other cardiovascular events with recently approved antiobesity drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of phentermine-topiramate ER in patients with binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.

Author: SaferDebra L, AdlerSarah, DalaiShebani Sethi, BentleyJason P, ToyamaHannah, PajaritoSarah, NajarianThomas

Binge eating treatment

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of phentermine/topiramate ER (PHEN/TPM-ER) for binge eating disorder (BED) or bulimia nervosa (BN) in a crossover randomized controlled trial.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

21.

Pharmacotherapy for obesity: What you need to know.

Author: BersouxSophie, ByunTina H, ChalikiSwarna S, PooleKenneth G

obesity management

This article reviews the available weight-loss drugs, their efficacy and side effects, and their best clinical use. It discusses the role of these drugs in obesity management and provides insights for physicians to consider when prescribing them.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

22.

Combination therapy for obesity.

Author: WildingJohn Ph

Obesity treatment

This study discusses the potential of combination therapy for obesity, including current and promising options, and aims to achieve efficacy comparable to bariatric surgery.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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