Adipex is a brand name diet drug that contains the generic weight loss medication known as Phentermine. This medication also goes by the name Adipex-P with the same active ingredient. The way in which this drug is believed to function is it stimulates the central nervous system in a way that is comparable to an amphetamine. The result is that the heart rate and blood pressure will rise, causing the appetite to shrink. 

Adipex is Prescribed to Treat Obesity

When this is combined with a calorie reduced diet as prescribed by a doctor, Adipex can help to treat obesity among individuals who are at an increased risk of certain weight related conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This effect is complemented by an increase in energy levels, which can make it easier to follow a daily activity routine as recommended by the doctor.

Adipex is among the obesity medications that is the most commonly prescribed in the U.S. However, while it is very effective for certain people, it is not a drug that is appropriate for just anyone who is trying to lose weight.

For example, it is not an acceptable medication for individuals who are looking to achieve only a few pounds of weight loss in order to look better or fit into a smaller clothing size. Instead, it is a serious treatment that doctors may only prescribe to certain patients who have reached a minimum body mass index (BMI) and who are at risk of additional medical conditions as a result of their excessive weight. 

Side Effects are a Possibility for Many Users

Moreover, as effective as Adipex can be, as a prescription drug, it is associated with certain potential side effects. The majority are quite mild, such as a mild headache that subsides after a day or two, or a wired or “jittery” feeling similar to the sensation of having too much coffee. However, they can also be quite strong among some dieters. Severe side effects include tremors, heart palpitations, extremely high blood pressure (hypertension), seizures, or insomnia.

More specifically, the most common side effects experienced by Adipex users include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• More serious but less likely side effects include:
• Mental and/or mood changes (e.g. uncontrolled anger, agitation, nervousness, hallucinations)
• Change in sexual interest
• Uncontrolled muscle movements

If you should experience any side effects, especially those that are persistent or worsen, you should consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately.

It is important to take Adipex precisely as directed by the prescribing doctor. This is because taking too much of it or taking it more frequently than recommended can cause the side effects to become much stronger, though it will not increase its effectiveness.

Adipex and Addiction

Furthermore, taking too much of this medication or taking it for too long may lead to addiction, which often results in withdrawal symptoms that can be highly unpleasant. This can typically be avoided simply by taking this drug as directed.

That being said, phentermine – the active ingredient in Adipex – is a medication that has been around for decades and was first approved for medical use in the United States in 1959. Although it was once believed that taking it long term could lead to addiction, due to it being similar to an amphetamine, more recent studies, which have examined the addiction potential of phentermine prescribed during long-term treatment of obesity, have found that phentermine abuse or addiction (psychological dependence) does not occur in patients treated with phentermine for obesity as it does not induce phentermine drug craving, which is a “hallmark sign of addiction.”

Moreover, research has found that amphetamine-like withdrawal does not occur when treatment is abruptly stopped, even at doses that are much higher than commonly recommended and after durations of several years.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the wind if you have been prescribed Adipex. Simply because some research has found that phentermine may be better tolerated by some people for longer periods of time than the traditional recommended dosage and does not seems to cause withdrawal symptoms, this does not mean that this will be the case for everyone who takes it.

Therefore, if you feel that the dosage you have been prescribed should be altered or that you should no longer take this medication, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Adipex Reviews Are Not Enough – Discuss Your Health with Your Doctor

The reality is that no matter how many Adipex reviews you may read, only you and your doctor can determine if this obesity medication is the right choice for you. Prior to using Adipex you should inform your doctor of your past and present medical history. You may not be an ideal candidate for this medication if you have a history of:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease or heart problems (e.g. chest pain, heart murmur, heart valve problems, etc.)
• Mental/mood problems or disorders (e.g. anxiety disorders, clinical depression, etc.)
• Overactive thyroid
• Kidney disease
• Substance abuse disorder (e.g. overuse of or an addiction to drugs or alcohol)

Additionally, certain medications you may be taking may interact poorly with Adipex, reducing their effects and/or increasing the risk of unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

If you should find that you are not an appropriate candidate for Adipex, your doctor will likely be able to help you find a weight loss strategy that will work for your health and lifestyle, which may or may not include the help of nonprescription diet pills. Be sure to discover all your options.

Is There a Non-Prescription Version Available?

If you’re wondering if there is a non-prescription version of Adipex available, the answer is no. Although some OTC diet supplement brands like to claim that some of the products that they make deliver the same benefits as Adipex, the reality is that no over the counter diet pill product is an official and FDA-approved non-prescription version of this diet drug.

Since this is the case, it is strongly advised that you avoid purchasing or taking any OTC weight management aids that are compared to Adipex or Phentermine. This is false advertising and is a good indication that the company that has created and sells these products does not engage in the best business practices.  It is important to consider only those products that contain clinically researched ingredients, are manufactured in the United States and come with a money-back guarantee.

Therefore, if you would like to take Adipex, but you find out that that you are not the appropriate candidate for this weight loss medication, talk to your doctor about your other options. You may be surprised to find that there are a number of different treatments and weight management strategies available that can help you safely reach your weight loss goals.