Phentermine and Alcohol

Phentermine and alcohol use could spring disastrous for those seeking a quick fix for short-term weight loss. Phentermine can come in capsule form, typically prescribed for up to 12 weeks. Phentermine is a Scheduled IV drug with a relatively low cost (at $24.04). Phentermine is recognized as a monoamine alkaloid derivative.

Originating in 1959, Phentermine is not an over-the-counter medication. Phentermine is classified as anorectic. The lowest dosage that phentermine can be administered is 3.75mg, while 15mg can be prescribed if there is no weight loss after 12 weeks. Your doctor will be the one to advise your dosage and use throughout the weeks.

Phentermine is common in obesity cases. Since 1975, obesity cases have tripled. However, obesity is treatable. Obesity is best described as the build of excessive fat that may affect the function of the body. According to the WHO, obesity affected approximately 38.2 million children under the age of 5 in 2019.

Phentermine and the Obstacles Against Obesity

The core cause of obesity is an imbalance of energy between calories consumed and calories burned. Stimulants such as phentermine are a common practice for short-term weight loss. Increased consumption of high fat, processed and sugary foods can lead to this, coupled with minimal physical activity. 

A change in environment can help reduce the risks of these factors, including a balanced diet and consistent exercise. Obesity can increase the risk factors for:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Certain cancers
• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis

How Does Alcohol Abuse Disorder Affect Me?

Alcohol abuse disorder is a growing issue globally. Alcohol is the second most commonly abused addictive substance, especially in polydrug use. Severe alcohol addiction can have devastating effects on the body, with long-term health complications such as liver and brain damage. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol slows down the pathways in the brain, which manipulates your mood, learning, and memory processing. 

Alcohol is recognized for its social drug status, from birthday bashes to wedding celebrations. Alcohol can produce feelings of euphoria, motor imbalance, and increased sociability.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is best described as a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Phentermine activates similarly to an amphetamine. Phentermine is prescribed to treat obesity, which is considered when a person’s BMI is over 30. 

Some common brand names you’d expect from phentermine are Adipex-B, Obenix, and Ionamin. The recommended use of phentermine is through a low-calorie diet and plenty of physical activity such as biking. Phentermine has potential for tolerance build-up, but no psychological dependence or cravings when taken accordingly.

Phentermine should not be mixed with other substances, for the risk of tampering with other side effects. For example, you must advise your doctor if you’re pregnant before taking phentermine due to possible birth defects such as cleft lip. Phentermine has been detected in breastmilk, which can pose health risks to the baby.

Treatment of more than a few weeks of phentermine poses an increased chance of developing an addiction. Tolerance can build up the effects of appetite messengers in the brain. Phentermine can be crushed and snorted for an immediate effect. Phentermine in high doses can produce wakefulness for a few hours.

How Does Phentermine Work?

Those who use phentermine have reported losing a pound a week. Phentermine functions similarly to an amphetamine drug by decreasing appetite or extending the “full’ feeling after a meal.

Despite the mystery, experts point out that phentermine stimulates the neurons in the brain, causing a release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Phentermine has been noted for increasing leptin levels; a neurotransmitter designed to regulate eating and energy regulation. These chemical messengers have a direct effect on the reward system in the brain and other functions of the central nervous system.

What Does Phentermine Addiction Look Like?

A sign of phentermine abuse may present itself in the person losing an excessive amount of weight in a short time. “Doctor shopping” is a common technique for prescription drug abuse. 

The person struggling with phentermine addiction could be going to different doctors and pharmacies. Additionally, this person may be finding illicit ways to obtain phentermine.

The person could feel helpless in the grip of phentermine, believing that it is the only way to maintain weight loss. If that person is not overweight and still uses phentermine, that would be considered phentermine abuse. This could be a sign of an eating disorder. Phentermine has the possibility of overdose.

Phentermine addiction treatment is possible through a prescription drug addiction program. A person recovering from phentermine is less likely to have long-term cravings. The root cause could be due to underlying emotional issues and poor coping skills. An intervention would be the first phase in this process.

What Are Some Common Side Effects of Phentermine?

Although considered a safe prescription drug, phentermine might cause certain side effects such as:

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Tingling in hands or feet
• Insomnia
• Hyperactivity
• Headache
• Constipation
• Blurred vision

Withdrawal symptoms from phentermine can begin within 48 hours of last use. These withdrawals may last up to a week, depending on the amount used and frequency. Phentermine creates unpredictable outcomes with polydrug use.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Phentermine? 

While it is possible to drink while on phentermine, it is not recommended to mix these two. Alcohol is a depressant on the central nervous system while phentermine is a stimulant. This combination can create conflicting responses in the body.

Alcohol can influence the intensity of the side effects of these substances. Alcohol can have the reverse effect of weight loss by slowing the metabolization in the liver. Alcoholic drinks will contain empty calories and tempt the drinker to overeat. On top of that, alcohol causes calories to burn rather than be stored for fat — but this decreases how quickly sugar is processed.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

After a few shots of your favorite brand, alcohol will:

• Increase heart rate
• Expand blood vessels
• Mostly absorbed through the liver
• Break down in the stomach and dries out the body
• Irritate the small intestine and colon

In the US, an average drink of alcohol is considered 0.6 ounces. Excessive alcohol use has been linked to many accidents, particularly DUIs or risky sexual/aggressive behavior. Alcohol is noted for binge drinking or ingesting more than 5 drinks in one sitting. 

If you’re beyond 5 drinks, you run the risk of alcohol poisoning. Drinking alcohol excessively can weaken the immune system. Those who drink frequently are at a higher risk of developing diseases and other health complications.

 For example, excessive alcohol can cause the pancreas to release toxins that lead to pancreatitis. Alcohol manipulates the function of the liver, causing it to work hard to filter out toxins in the body. This can cause liver damage down the line.

What are the Side Effects of Mixing Phentermine and Alcohol?

Those who combine phentermine and alcohol may begin to feel a series of health complications. These side effects may demonstrate:

• Stomach aches
• Heartburn
• Chest pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

Is Combining Alcohol and Phentermine Dangerous? 

Combining alcohol and phentermine can increase the risk of intensifying the side effects of both. Some users might experience gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications down the road. 

Since alcohol affects the stomach lining, it can produce painful reactions such as stomach aches and nausea. Phentermine and alcohol can increase the risk of heart failure if you have a pre-existing heart condition.

Phentermine and alcohol side effects can even cause drowsiness, depression, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. It’s best not to operate machinery to avoid any substance-related accidents. Even natural sources such as ginseng, yerba mate, and guarana can have mixed effects with phentermine.

The symptoms of a phentermine overdose may present as:

• Uncontrollable shaking of the body
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Fatigue

How Do You Treat Phentermine Addiction?

Phentermine addiction may be treated through a medically supervised detox. Depending on the severity of the phentermine addiction, medically assisted treatment could be suitable to wane the body of the substance. Psychotherapy is an efficient tool to diagnose the addiction and discover what led to the abuse.

Recovery requires understanding and determination. You must be accountable for the steps needed to sustain sobriety, whether it’s counseling or a hobby. If you have been abusing phentermine, it would be best to contact your medical provider and doctor to take the next steps. Phentermine could have worsened underlying health conditions.

The continuum of care within addiction treatment is designed to target the recovering individual’s stage of addiction. Outpatient treatment programs are a flexible option for those seeking a supportive environment and to have the freedom to work or spend time at home. Group therapy and support groups can provide a wealth of knowledge and support for you during these times.

If shame and guilt pressure you to use phentermine, it’s vital to reach out. The fantasies of phentermine use can draw you in and make recovery seem impossible. 

Addiction is a treatable disease and you do not have to withstand these feelings alone. Seek someone trustworthy in your support system, if you have one.

Recovery Begins At Sana Lake BWC 

Combining phentermine and alcohol can increase the drastic effects on the body in the long run. Addiction is a disease that can infiltrate the best parts of yourself. The recovery process introduces many challenges for those struggling with addiction. Sana Lake BWC is dedicated to providing the welcome support you deserve. If you or a loved one are combating addiction, please contact one of our facilities today.