How Does Adipex-P Affect the Body?

Adipex-P is a type of appetite suppressant your doctor may prescribe for weight loss. This drug is only meant to be used short-term for those with a body mass index above 30kg/m2. If your weight is causing health issues, your doctor may also recommend this drug, short-term, even if you are slightly under a body mass index of 30kg/m2.

Before you agree to take Adipex-P, it is important to understand how this drug will affect your body and how it works to promote weight loss.

How Adipex-P Works on the Body

Adipex-P is a name brand of phentermine and works similarly to an amphetamine in how it affects your body. It is classified as a sympathomimetic amines. This drug works by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters and stimulating the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a part of your brain that, along with other functions, works to control hunger. The neurotransmitters stimulated by this drug are known as catecholamines. These work to cause the fight or flight response in the body, which helps suppress your appetite by overpowering hunger messages. This drug must be taken exactly as prescribed for the maximum benefit.

How Long Can I Take Adipex-P?

Those using this drug tend to build up a tolerance to it over the course of a few weeks, so the appetite-suppressing benefits do not last forever. This is a short-term drug that your doctor will generally prescribe over the course of about three to six weeks. This drug is also potentially addictive, so long-term use is not advised because of this. Once your doctor determines it is time to stop taking the drug, he will help you taper off of the drug so you can avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

This drug will be prescribed along with an exercise, reduced-calorie diet and behavior change program approved by your doctor.

Will Adipex-P Negatively Affect Me?

There is always a chance that this drug will not be for you or you will experience side effects. Side effects may include anxiousness or nervousness, tremors, trouble sleeping, constipation, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth or itching. Other side effects are also possible. There is also the risk of this drug adversely interacting with a medication you are taking. The interaction could cause dangerous symptoms. Because of this, you must be sure to tell your doctor about everything else you take, including over-the-counter, prescription and natural remedies (this includes supplements and vitamins).

Resources

WebMD: Adipex-P Oral