Six Things to Know About Phentermine
By RxSaver Editors••Updated April 19, 2021
Health Insurance
Weight loss drugs like phentermine, the generic for brand drugs including Adipex-P and Lomaira, may help if you need to lose weight to improve your overall health.
This weight loss medication should only be taken under the guidance of a health care provider and used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Phentermine can be habit-forming and can have negative side-effects, which is described in further detail below.
Here’s what to know about phentermine for weight loss, including how to save money on phentermine with an RxSaver coupon.
What is phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription stimulant medication that may be prescribed for individuals who are obese or those who are significantly overweight with existing co-morbidities.
Phentermine is commonly referred to as an appetite suppressant. It belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.
Phentermine should not be the only tactic in your plan to lose weight. It is a supplemental weight-loss tool used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Phentermine should only be taken under the careful supervision of your health care provider.
Phentermine is not recommended for individuals who have: Heart disease Hyperthyroidism Glaucoma
Phentermine should also not be taken by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or those who are currently breastfeeding.
How does phentermine work?
Phentermine can help you lose weight by decreasing your hunger or making you feel fuller for longer. It is not known exactly how it suppresses the appetite, but it is believed to affect certain parts of the brain associated with hunger, and may increase the amount of energy used by your body.
Side Effects of Phentermine
Even though phentermine can help you lose weight (along with diet and exercise), it can produce unwanted, or in some cases dangerous side events. Side effects of phentermine may include:
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Increased, or rapid heart rate
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Increased blood pressure
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Anxiety
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Tingling in hands or feet
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Dry mouth
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Sleeplessness
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Constipation
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Hyperactivity
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Nausea
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Headache
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Change in sex drive
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Tremors
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Irritability
Other serious side effects from phentermine may occur. If you experience any serious side effects of phentermine, including difficulty breathing, swelling of your legs and ankles, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, call 911 and seek emergency care immediately.
Asking Your Health Care Provider About Phentermine
If you are significantly overweight and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, phentermine may help. Ask your health care provider if this medication is right for you.
Be sure to let them know of all other medications that you are taking and all health conditions. Your health care provider will only prescribe phentermine if the benefit to you outweighs any potential risk.
How to Afford a Phentermine Prescription
Health insurance formularies frequently exclude weight-loss medications, so your phentermine prescription may not be covered.
There are options to afford medications if your health insurance does not cover your prescription. RxSaver is a free prescription drug coupon platform available to everyone.
RxSaver is a free app and website and can find you savings in seconds. Simply type in the medication you’ve been prescribed, and you’ll find coupon pricing for phentermine and over 6,000 other medications. RxSaver may help you save up to 80% on the cost of medication.
The RxSaver coupon price for phentermine without insurance starts at $11.69* for 30 tablets of 37.5mg.
Risks of Phentermine
Phentermine prescribed alone may be habit-forming and is not intended for long-term use. Phentermine is typically prescribed for short-term treatment only. Phentermine should not be taken if you have heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Phentermine should be taken only as prescribed, while under the supervision of a health care provider.
Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Although phentermine is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant-like weight loss medications, it is not for everyone. Phentermine is classified as a Schedule IV drug, meaning that it has the potential for abuse. Therefore, if you have concerns or a history of substance abuse, be sure to let your health care provider know.
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/19/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
RxSaver Editors
RxSaver Editors are wellness enthusiasts who help you learn how you can save the most on prescription medication costs and other health-related topics.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
