Is Phentermine Addictive? | Abuse Potential, Signs, & Effects Of Long-Term Use

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used for weight loss in overweight or obese people that can be addictive.

Brand names include Adipex-P and Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate). It’s available by prescription only and is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Doctors typically prescribe phentermine for short-term use (12 weeks or less). This time frame is intended to help you get down to a healthy weight without becoming dependent on the drug. However, some people abuse phentermine and become addicted to it.

Phentermine Abuse Potential

Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its abuse potential. 

As a stimulant drug, phentermine speeds up the central nervous system. It triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that increases alertness and heart rate. It also helps the brain produce more serotonin and dopamine, hormones that make you feel good and reinforce drug-taking.

Phentermine helps with weight management because it decreases your appetite. It also gives you energy and may make you feel more awake and confident.

People who struggle with obesity often lack confidence. A weight loss drug like phentermine can boost their self esteem by making it easier to lose weight and keep it off. 

But more than that, the way the drug affects brain chemicals makes the addiction potential of phentermine a significant risk. 

Is Phentermine Addictive?

When you take a drug long-term, your brain gets used to its effects. The brain doesn’t work as hard to keep you awake and alert because the drug does it for you (this is called psychological dependence).

So if you stop taking it, you may have withdrawal symptoms—like cravings—and feel more tired and bloated than ever. That makes it hard to quit.

Taking phentermine just to look good is a dangerous choice. It’s only recommended in cases where you’re unable to lose enough weight to be at a healthy BMI (body mass index) through diet and exercise alone. 

Phentermine Side Effects

Phentermine can cause side effects similar to amphetamines or other stimulant drugs. 

Side effects of phentermine include:

• sleeplessness
• nervousness
• restlessness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• unpleasant taste
• rapid heart rate
• shortness of breath
• constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• raised blood pressure

If you take too much phentermine or combine it with other stimulants, you could become over-stimulated or overdose. 

Phentermine overdose symptoms are:

• dangerously high or low blood pressure
• irregular or racing heartbeat
• chest pain
• headaches
• stomach cramps
• rapid breathing
• tremors
• aggression
• anxiety
• panic
• paranoia
• hallucinations

People who overdose on stimulants may have seizures and go into a coma. Stimulant overdose may be fatal. It’s vital to follow your healthcare provider’s prescription to avoid complications.

Drinking alcohol or taking depressant drugs while using phentermine can also cause an overdose. The opposing effects of each substance are hard on your body and make it difficult to tell when you’ve had too much.

Signs Of Phentermine Abuse

Most people only take phentermine for three to six weeks. Morbidly obese people may need to stay on it longer to get down to a healthy weight. But there’s a difference between taking it as recommended and not being able to live without it.

Signs of phentermine abuse include: 

• rapid weight loss
• needing the drug to function
• taking phentermine long-term (if not prescribed)
• multiple prescriptions from different doctors
• losing too much weight
• purposely staying at a just-overweight level
• unnaturally high energy levels
• restlessness
• sleeplessness
• exhaustion

Long-Term Effects Of Phentermine Use

When you take phentermine long-term, it doesn’t tend to work as well. You build a tolerance to it, meaning your body needs more of the drug to have the same effect as before.

A small 2014 study of 269 adults found that long-term use of phentermine does not lead to addiction, but that isn’t the case for everyone. 

A large-scale 2019 study reports that long-term phentermine treatment resulted in greater weight loss without increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or death. 

However, people with existing medical conditions like heart disease or glaucoma aren’t advised to take phentermine (or any stimulant) at all, much less long-term.

Taking phentermine for a prolonged period can disrupt natural body functions and negatively affect your appetite. It can lead to sleep deficiency and malnutrition. 

Research also shows that phentermine can induce psychosis, with symptoms like:

• hallucinations
• delusions
• paranoia
• bizarre violent behavior

Phentermine Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you’re not alone. At Ark Behavioral Health, we know how difficult it is to break free of addiction or even ask for help. We’re always here to answer your questions with a free and confidential phone call.

Our rehab programs are personalized to your needs. We don’t just work on the symptoms of addiction, we look at the root problem. We offer support as you build a positive body image and healthy habits to replace misuse of a weight-loss drug. 

Phentermine addiction treatment should include a blend of therapies for physical and mental health, such as:

• exercise
• yoga
• meditation
• behavioral therapy
• support groups
• family therapy

To learn more about phentermine treatment options and start your recovery journey, connect with an Ark Behavioral Health specialist today.

FAQ

Can You Snort Phentermine?

Phentermine (brand names Adipex-P, Ionamin) is a stimulant medication which can be snorted, creating feelings of euphoria and causing side effects which can prove to be hazardous to one’s health.

Learn more about Snorting Phentermine