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4% of U.S. adults are currently taking weight loss medications to combat obesity.[1] While some of these medications are safe, others come with a host of dangerous side effects. For example, phentermine is a weight loss medication that can lead to addiction if misused.
Phentermine is a stimulant. It speeds up activity in your central nervous system. It has the potential to cause mind-altering effects if taken in certain dosages, however, it is considered generally safe when used for weight loss management.[2]
When you misuse phentermine, you are likely to develop an addiction. Phentermine addiction causes your brain and body to believe it needs the substance to function properly. As a result, you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it.
Phentermine withdrawal can begin as early as 6 hours after your last dose and continue for up to 2 weeks. You might deal with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, depression, intense cravings, and more. Thankfully, medical detox centers can provide you with medications to lessen your symptoms and help you overcome withdrawal safely.
In this article, you will learn:
- What symptoms does phentermine withdrawal cause?
- What is the timeline for phentermine withdrawal?
- How can a detox center treat phentermine withdrawal?
What are the Symptoms of Phentermine Withdrawal?
Phentermine can assist you in losing weight because it is a stimulant. Stimulants work as appetite suppressants when you use them at the correct dosage.[3] They can also lead to adverse effects like high blood pressure, increased energy levels, and changes in heart rate.
If you have been taking phentermine long-term to treat obesity, you might be dependent on it. This means stopping phentermine suddenly will lead to withdrawal symptoms. You will also experience withdrawal if you’ve developed an addiction to phentermine.
The common side effects of phentermine withdrawal include:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Bouts of sadness or low mood
- Increased mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety
- Intense cravings to abuse phentermine
While the symptoms of phentermine withdrawal are not life-threatening, they can be difficult to cope with. Individuals who were taking high doses of phentermine might experience more intense symptoms. If you use it for weight management, healthcare professionals can help you find alternative treatment methods like a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
How Long Does Phentermine Withdrawal Last?
Phentermine withdrawal is most common among those who were misusing the substance. Substance abuse is usually characterized by taking a substance in higher doses than you are prescribed to experience mind-altering effects. Because phentermine is habit-forming, this can lead to addiction.
If you or a loved one suffers from phentermine addiction, you might be wondering how long withdrawal lasts. While the timeline can vary from person to person, most people have a similar experience.
The phentermine withdrawal timeline is as follows:
6 to 24 Hours
The initial symptoms of withdrawal will begin within 6 to 24 hours. How quickly you notice symptoms will depend on how frequently you were abusing phentermine. That said, the early symptoms of withdrawal are usually mild.
You might experience sleepiness, fatigue, or a slightly lower mood than usual during this time. It is also common to feel like you need to take a dose of phentermine.
2 to 3 Days
After 2 to 3 days, your symptoms will begin to intensify. You might feel extremely tired, depressed, anxious, and have strong cravings for phentermine. During this period of withdrawal, you should be receiving professional support from a medical detox center.
5 to 7 Days
Around 5 to 7 days, your symptoms will peak. This means they will be at their most intense. You will experience symptoms like extreme drowsiness, lack of motivation, fatigue, an inability to experience pleasure, depression, and intense cravings for phentermine.
1 to 2 Weeks
Around 1 to 2 weeks after your last dose of phentermine, your symptoms will begin to subside. You will begin to have more energy, your appetite will slightly lessen, and you will feel a bit more positive. If your withdrawal symptoms were a result of phentermine addiction, you might continue to experience cravings for the drug.
How is Phentermine Withdrawal Treated?
Phentermine withdrawal should always be treated in a medical detox facility. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, that indicates that you were addicted to the medication. Medical detox facilities are the first step in recovery from addiction.
In a medical detox program, you will be provided with medication to manage your withdrawal symptoms. While there is not a specific medication approved to treat phentermine withdrawal, doctors can prescribe something to manage the specific side effects you are dealing with. For example, antidepressant medications can be used to combat low mood, depression, and anxiety.
During detox, your vital signs will be monitored consistently. This ensures that you do not experience medical emergencies during the course of withdrawal. You will also have access to a mental health professional 24/7, allowing you to receive support when you need it.
Find Help for Phentermine Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from phentermine addiction, it’s time to seek help. A drug and alcohol rehab center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery.
Contact the Mandala Healing Center today for more information on our phentermine rehab program.
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