If you are planning on adding supplements to your diet in order to lose weight, you may have considered using phentermine for weight loss. While this drug is safe for use, it must be taken under the supervision of medical professionals. That being said, the same medical professionals will guide you through your weight loss journey and ensure you get the desired results. Now let’s dive into more detail and find out if combining alcohol and phentermine is all that bad.

In the past years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved new weight loss medicines, one of them being phentermine. Even though it is a short-term use weight loss drug (less than 12 weeks), it can still benefit your weight loss journey when used correctly. In this article, our Weight Loss Clinic in Chicago talks about certain aspects to consider before you start using phentermine: “What are the side effects of Phentermine?”, “Can you combine alcohol and phentermine?”, “Does Phentermine affect blood sugar levels?”. Moreover, we’ll discuss how drinking alcohol is a bad idea while on a diet. Alcohol consumption is one of the main reasons people have trouble losing weight and it is a crucial thing to consider while using weight loss supplements, even when they are prescribed.

What is phentermine and how does it work?

Phentermine is a supplement that requires a prescription; it is used to reduce appetite or to make you feel as if you are full after eating. Therefore, it contributes to weight loss. It especially helps people who cannot lose weight during strict diets and workout regimens and people that suffer from obesity; they can’t progress their weight loss journey even after working hard towards their ideal body weight.

Just like any other weight loss drug (including a lipo C injection), phentermine should not be considered a replacement for your hard work but, a part of your existing weight loss routine, which means the effects phentermine provides will not be seen if you don’t follow your meal plan or exercise. Eating well and regularly working out will significantly contribute to your health. Only after this is fulfilled can you consider adding approved drugs to your weight loss plan.

So, how does it work? An integral aspect of phentermine, just as ADHD medication, is that it works as an appetite suppressant; since it is a stimulant, it increases the brain’s norepinephrine level (noradrenaline). Some neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, act on areas of the brain that restrict appetite. Still, it is recommended not to stop eating, even when your appetite decreases; it is essential to continue nourishing your body with healthy nutrients such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grain food, which will give you energy during the day.

Can phentermine lead to addiction?

In the United States, the federal government considered it necessary to classify drugs according to their levels of addiction and harm. The Controlled Substances Act categorized all drugs according to Schedules. Under this classification, phentermine is considered a Schedule IV drug, which means it can lead to addiction, but still, be managed without causing someone to get addicted. Phentermine being a prescribed drug, it is essential to respect the decision your doctor makes about the amount you take; that is, the amount your body can handle without serious repercussions. If you take phentermine longer than instructed or take large doses, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as depression or fatigue; these symptoms happen when you attempt to quit using it.

However, phentermine is not a miracle pill; it is typically prescribed for short-term use in a regimen that consists of a healthy diet and regular physical activity, as mentioned before. Our bodies get quickly accustomed to routines, especially when it makes us feel better. Since phentermine is an appetite suppressant, by the end of the treatment, you will be surprised how much you can manage your appetite without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.

Should you mix alcohol and phentermine?

Combining drugs and alcohol always means that it comes with risks to your health. Since phentermine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, the effect may counteract each other. The phentermine-alcohol combination is definitely not a good idea. This weight loss drug increases the levels of specific neurotransmitters in your brain (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), which may lead to adverse side effects such as; dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure; symptoms that can be worse if taken with alcohol.

These are some of the phentermine side effects that can occur by mixing it with alcohol:

Cardiovascular Side Effects:

When mixing phentermine and alcohol, you may experience chest pain and high blood pressure. It was shown that in many people who mixed alcohol and phentermine, their heart rate and blood sugar levels increased.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects:

These are common adverse effects when taking weight loss medication. Mixing alcohol and phentermine may increase stomach irritation, nausea, and vomiting.

Central Nervous System Effects:

As mentioned before, phentermine causes hyperactivity, while alcohol causes drowsiness. The combination of alcohol and phentermine mixes the effects of a stimulant and depressant, which may cause dizziness, depression or even difficulty concentrating.

Drinking alcohol does not only have adverse side effects on your health while using phentermine, but its ingestion can also sabotage your weight loss efforts. Alcohol boils down to sugar and empty calories; when you exceed your limits and get under its influence, you may be more likely to grab that extra bit of food you saved for tomorrow. On the other hand, if prohibiting alcohol leads you to temptations, it’s best you control your alcohol intake by reducing its consumption to rare occasions and being conscious about your limits.

Final thoughts

All in all, phentermine can be an excellent addition to your healthy weight loss process, but you still need to be cautious about the ways you face the drug. Alcohol can be an obstacle even when you are not taking phentermine; it is likely to sabotage your weight loss plan and may endanger your health. Everything in excess has its consequences; we need to be conscious about where we are and what we want to achieve. That means there is no need to avoid alcohol altogether, but to recognize our limits when drinking, not to abuse alcohol and to keep in mind that combining alcohol and phentermine may cause: heart-related side effects (like alcohol increased heart rate and blood pressure), depression and problems with concentration. Alcohol irritates your stomach lining, which can also cause stomach aches.

It is also important to note that people who suffer from heart disease, depression, high blood pressure or diabetes should definitely avoid this combination. As we’ve already said, mixing alcohol with phentermine can worsen the side effects. If you have any doubts about the use of this or any weight loss drug, make sure to consult your doctor. Since alcohol is often present at social gatherings, you may fall to temptation and put yourself at risk. It is crucial to be surrounded by people who support you in your process, taking into consideration you are the one who is putting all the effort into having a healthier and, therefore, better lifestyle.

If you are curious about our weight loss programs, do not hesitate to schedule a call with us.