Why You NEED To Take a Break from Phentermine
Phentermine is the most widely prescribed and frequently encountered weight loss medication on the market, now accounting for more than 50% of prescriptions.
While phentermine is very useful and effective in assisting weight loss, it is important to remember that it is recommended for short-term use only.
This is because it puts pressure on the heart and can increase blood pressure; plus, it can be addictive and becomes less effective over time as your body becomes accustomed to its effects.
Here we explain more about why phentermine is only prescribed for limited periods of time and the importance of taking a break from phentermine.
Recommended Phentermine Prescription
Phentermine has been available on prescription for the short-term management of obesity since it first received FDA approval in 1959.
It is recommended that phentermine only be prescribed short-term, typically interpreted as up to 12 weeks.
To monitor patients, doctors will insist on monthly consultations, or sometimes even fortnightly or weekly appointments, to check that the patient is losing weight at a healthy rate and is not experiencing side effects or additional problems due to taking phentermine.
In most cases, if the patient continues to meet the doctor’s criteria and follows the guidelines they have been given, then they will then be provided with a further prescription.
This is often up to a maximum of three months, as is the case in many states across the US, although this time period can vary depending on the specific laws of the state and the practices of doctors within that state.
Following the 12-week prescription, patients are often instructed to take a 4-week break and may then be prescribed phentermine for a further 12-week period if it is deemed necessary.
Your Post-Phentermine Solution for Continued Weight Loss.
PhenQ is recommended by 190,000 people like you who want to lose weight fast and effectively without the drawbacks of prescription medications.
How Phentermine Affects the Body
Phentermine is only available on prescription due to being classified as a controlled substance, recognized as having a structure similar to amphetamine.
Like amphetamine, phentermine acts on the central nervous system to stimulate the neuron bundles in our brain, including dopamine, epinephrine (adrenalin), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
This causes phentermine to increase alertness and energy levels, reduce hunger and minimize cravings.
For many patients taking phentermine, the initial effects can be quite aggressive, including feeling ‘wired’ and unable to sleep, with little to no appetite and a variety of side effects.
Over time these side effects reduce, as do the effects of appetite suppression and energy boosting. This is because the sustained use of many drugs causes adaptation within the body that tends to lessen the drug’s original effects over time, known as drug tolerance.
Many phentermine users experience a reduction in the effectiveness of the medication over time, which indicates that tolerance is occurring within the body.
As a stimulant, phentermine also causes the heart to work faster as a means to enable the body to work more efficiently.
Over time this can put stress on the heart, which can, in turn, result in symptoms such as chest pains and an increase in blood pressure, amongst other heart-related side effects.
The Importance of Taking a Break
Due to the addicting nature and side effects that phentermine can produce, it is important that phentermine is used for a limited period, ideally until the patient has established a healthy routine that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Phentermine is a weight loss aid and, therefore, will work only in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise if long-term weight loss is desired.
When prescribing phentermine, your doctor should also stress the importance of taking this opportunity to use phentermine as a tool to restructure your life into a healthy way of living.
This doesn’t mean a fad diet or working out 3 hours a day; this means changing bad habits for good ones, aiming to eat fresh and clean food, and incorporating more activity into your day in a way that is manageable and sustainable in the long term.
Your Post-Phentermine Solution for Continued Weight Loss.
PhenQ is recommended by 190,000 people like you who want to lose weight fast and effectively without the drawbacks of prescription medications.
It is important to stress that phentermine is used to aid weight loss in obese patients and that relying solely on this medication to make you lose weight will only result in long-term disappointment.
Phentermine is prescribed to suppress your appetite on a short-term basis, with three months of continuous use being the maximum advised.
It is the patient’s responsibility to use this pill as a tool to help control appetite while following a sensible diet and exercise program.
If phentermine is taken without any effort to change the lifestyle in other ways, then it is to be expected that weight gain will occur once the phentermine prescription finishes.
To avoid this, while still taking phentermine, you should build yourself up towards the inevitable end of your prescription by using phentermine as a tool to help you achieve a maintainable healthy lifestyle.
As well as eating healthily and exercising, it is important to establish a good sleeping routine and to take time to relax and look after your own well-being and emotional needs to create a balanced routine whereby weight loss can be continued or maintained without phentermine.
A great way to continue this balanced routine is to use a weight loss supplement such as PhenQ to manage the end of your phentermine prescription.
Like phentermine, PhenQ suppresses appetite, reduces cravings, and increases energy, making the withdrawal symptoms of fatigue, low mood, and weight gain less likely.
Furthermore, you will benefit from further assistance with weight loss management, which will extend the likelihood of successfully reaching your weight loss goals following the end of your phentermine prescription.
It is important for patients to take a break from phentermine to avoid withdrawal symptoms as much as possible, as well as to ensure that the body is not put under undue pressure while taking phentermine for extended periods.
Furthermore, phentermine is intended to be a short-term aid to help obesity, which, if used correctly, should ensure long-term weight loss by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits.
During the phentermine break, doctors can also monitor whether patients can continue or sustain weight loss without phentermine, which is key for long-term success following the end of their phentermine prescription.
Are you on your phentermine break? Do you have to take a break soon, or have you taken a break from phentermine recently? If so, we’d love to hear from you if you have any feedback or questions, so please comment below!
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I started taking Phentermine on February 18. A month later, I have gone from 152-139 lbs. I have daily eaten two meals (breakfast and lunch) and a tiny snack in the late afternoon (which mostly I don’t even want) and walked 10,000+ steps daily. (I go everywhere with my pedometer!)) This is the first diet pill I have ever taken and it is fantastic. I have not craved any “bad” foods- no caffeine (coffee or soda), no red meat, no sugar, light on the carbs.
I didn’t even realize that I was experiencing a side effect until reading this blog. Having written that, one side effect is a bit of a dry mouth, which means I drink more water. The other is my sleep has been interrupted-usually around 3am— but I get back to sleep.
I cannot believe how much LIGHTER I feel and how much better I feel to be taking my weight control back into my own hands. I am really thankful to have this medication to assist me in changing some poor habits.
I just stated taking Phentermine 4 days ago….. I do feel “peppy” when I first take it….but only last few hours. I did have a problem sleeping the second night…didn’t think about Phentermine causing it….as I always tend to have trouble sleeping. I didn’t even think of any side effects til I read this blog…so I can truthfully say…that I am not having any.? I would like to loose 60# and was worried that three months would not be long enough so I am very glad to learn of Phen Caps. Can they be punched OTC locally?
I’ve been on phentermine 37.5mg once daily for 9 weeks. The first week was rough: lots of headaches, irritability, with an easily evoked “fight or flight” response. Although I will say that when I was feeling irritable and unreasonably mad, I was well aware of my behavior and knew it was a side effect of the med. I also have underlying mild anxiety/depression which has gotten considerably more challenging on this med. I do take Zoloft 100mg daily. All in all between the weight loss and endorphins from exercising (30 min daily) made it a lot easier to handle. For all of my time on this med, sleeping has been challenging. I have to wait a good 17-18 hrs after taking the med before I can sleep. I tried taking half a pill and it was totally ineffective. I have always been prone to dizzy spells when standing up quickly or squatting and standing: this med intensified that effect big time. But after 4-5 weeks that side effect was much less. Dry mouth is also still very common.I don’t mind as it encourages me to drink more water! All said and done, it’s been 9 weeks and I’ve gone down 37 lbs with little effort, and I still have zero appetite. I eat because I am supposed to, not because I am hungry. The effectiveness has only decreased around 15-16 hrs after taking the pill. I am 31, starting weight 252. I am a huge fan of this med. The side effects are manageable and well worth the 37 lbs loss. Diet wise, I’m doing low carb/low fat/low calorie, I go out to dinner 1-3 times a week and drink minimal to no alcohol. I did not have any spikes in blood pressure either. The initial stimulant effect went away quickly, I just feel like my normal self when I take it. The most important part of this med to me, is that it takes away ALL my cravings. Yes it destroys my appetite, but being hungry was never the reason I overindulged in the past. This med makes food indifferent so I use it as I should – as fuel, not for pleasure. Also you will get a prescription for 3 months as it is intended to be a short term medication due to the side effects on your heart (read packet insert for details). If you have high blood pressure you cannot take this 🙁
Feel free to ask any questions!
I am in no way affiliated or endorsed by this med and have posted this review in my own accord.
Thank you for your feedback Rico, it’s great to have real insight into what it’s like to take phentermine – the good and the bad – for our other followers. Thanks!
Sally, phentermine.com
My wife has been on Phentermine for several years now. I am worried she is addicted to them. If she misses a day her mood becomes extremely irritable. She has two Doctors because only one will prescribe her Phentermine. She says her Dr. Prescribes the drug as an antidepressant and that being on it keeps her from being suicidal. I don’t know what to believe but I am worried about her long term heart health.
Hi Paul,
I’m really sorry to hear about your wife and the understandable concern you have for her. If she is depressed then there are medications designed to help with this issue, and phentermine isn’t one of them. But, it is addictive, and with what you describe it does sound like she is addicted. You need to persuade her to talk to her main doctor about the possibility that she has depression and also that she is addicted to phentermine, as it seems the other doctor who is prescribing her the phentermine doesn’t have her best interests at heart. Good luck.
Sally, phentermine.com
I have never heard about taking a break on phentermine or the scary heart side effects.. I’ve taken very few breaks, (not being able to get to the doc for a couple weeks here and there) but my doctor has filled my script for Topamax (50mg 2xs a day) and Phentermine (37.5mg once a day) for 2 solid years now.. She even upped the dosage of Topamax about 6 months ago, when the weightloss slowed.. Should I be concerned for my health? They say that I can keep taking it as long as my blood pressure looks good, but now I’m starting to doubt how good it actually is for my liver, brain, and other organs? to take a “controlled substance” for this amount of time…I almost feel like I can’t get out of bed without it though. I am also a Hashimotos patient, but am on the correct dosage of thyroid medication. Thank you in advance for any advice!!
Hi Nichole,
It’s surprising when we hear of doctors willing to prescribe phentermine for such a long period of time, especially without breaks. If a patient has a significant amount of weight to lose then it is understandable that they might take phentermine for longer than others, but to be on phentermine and Topomax almost continuously for 2 solid years is worrying. For a start it sounds like you are addicted as you say you feel like you can’t get out of bed without it. Weight management is complicated and with your underactive thyroid taken into account, even more so, but I think that prescribing a medication intended for the ‘short-term management of obesity’ for such a long time isn’t the best way for your doctor to help you. Has she said what her plan is when you do reach your goal weight? And, what if your weight loss slows down again, will she increase your dosage even more? While many medications are taken to control an issue or illness, such as your thyroid meds, phentermine is not something that should be taken in the same way; it’s very much something with an expiry date as it loses a lot of its efficacy over time. I would advise asking your doctor more about how she intends to help you in the future, and also let her know that you feel like you can’t get out of bed without it – perhaps this will make her realize that it might not still be the best choice for you.
Sally, phentermine.com
I was on phentermine after a gave birth to my last child I blew up like a balloon, my husband can’t even handle me sitting on his lap. I have tried everything on the market but I haven’t lost a lb. When I was introduced to real phentermine I went from 190lbs to my normal weight of 150. I want to find the real phentermine because they work.
Has anyone ever taken the phen caps? I used the adipex for 12 weeks and lost 55 lbs. Just wondering if it works similar to adipex.
I just started phentermine last Saturday and I weighed myself this Saturday. It’s been one week and Ive lost 8 pounds. It’s not a miracle pill, but it helps a lot. I’m eating very few carbs and no sugar. Not exercising at all.
Just took a break and re-started and it doesn’t seem to have any suppressant effect on my appetite anymore. In fact, I feel like it has increased. Has this happened to anyone else?
Yep! I was on and off it for a few years, usually buying a month at a time and prolonging it, picking up another months worth every 3 months or so. Well the last two times I’ve picked some up I consistently took them until they were gone and all of a sudden they just weren’t effective anymore unless I was on a completely empty stomach, and even still it was pretty weak. Yes, sometimes I feel it even made me want to snack (I’m sure there is some mind games going on there; I don’t think the pill actually made me want to eat). In fact, not only did I not feel the effects of appetite suppressant anymore but I actually would feel very dizzy, like my equilibrium was off all the time. That had never happened before in all the previous times taking it. Now, it happens every time. I read that you might be dehydrated or something and to drink more water, so I drank a TON of water while using phen but it didn’t help. Then I felt I was just taking it because I was addicted to taking the pill, not actually reaping any benefits from it. So, yea, I’m there. Lol.
I took adipex for a month I lost fifteen pounds know I’m taking a thirty day brake I plan to do another thirty day trial I plan to lose fifteen more starting July 27,2015 but you have to diet and exercise and when you stop taking them watch what you eat.
I have been on Phentermine for a year and lost 33 lbs. I went off of it about a month ago and immediately gained 7 lbs (without changing my eating habits). I am hypothyrioid and I find that the phentermine gives me great energy, clears my foggy-head and helps reduce stress. I am back on it and feel great. I don’t believe I will be able to come off of phentermine and live a normal life. Without it, I am just too tired, and too depressed. I’m thrilled to have it – but worried about the long term effects.
Hi Nancy,
I would like to know how do you feel now after tKinh phentrmine as of today 10/4/2107? Are you still taking the pills?
Hi yes I totally understand you Nancy I am starting to get really worried now after taking them for 6 months straight I feel exactly the same and like I say though I am really scared about my long term health don’t know what to do
Hi Michelle, we would suggest speaking to your doctor. He or she can work with you to reduce usage and ultimately get off phentermine. You’re wise to be concerned about the long-term effects of staying on this medication and you’re awareness of the issue means that you’re already moving in the right direction. Therefore, we would recommend a doctor’s visit as the next productive step. Best of luck!
Rachel, phentermine.com
I was on phentermine during 12 weeks, losing around 25lbs (holidays kinda slowed me down). I took a month break and the first 2 days It was so funny to feel hunger and anxiety, as well as a decrease in energy and cardio resistance. However, my body went back to normal immediately, and I continued exercise and healthy eating for 4 weeks (lost 14lbs without phentermine). I took my first 15mg phentermine again today for the 2nd cycle of 12 weeks and I expect it will help a lot during the process of getting rid of my last 60lbs 🙂 maybe I’ll lose half of it in the second cycle? We’ll see what happens. But phentermine is awesome in controlling anxiety and hunger and gives me nonstop energy for running!
Hi! I was on Phentermine on and off between December 1, 2013 and November 1, 2014. I lost a total of 79 pounds with the help of Phentermine, eating healthy, and exercising! 🙂 However, I had major surgery on my foot in November of 2014 and am just not starting to be able to be weight bearing on my foot again. Because of the inactivity from the surgery and probably getting off the Phentermine and not making the best food choices I have gained 20 pounds back. I started taking the Phentermine again on January 20th and look forward to being able to start going to the gym again soon as my surgeon allows. I will testify that Phentermine definitely works and absolutely changed my life. Once I lose the 20 pounds post-surgery weight I still have about 50 more pounds to lose to be at my ideal healthy weight. With the help of Phentermine and the new outlook it has helped me have on my life and how I want to live it I know thia weight loss is possible. Altogether I hope to be able to lose 125 pounds and finally believe I can do this. I am 30 years old and want to get my life back, well, the active life I want to live. I just thought I would share this to let people know that Phentermine does work. I did have side effects pretty bad the first month (December 2013) that I took it and it really tested my significant other’s patience to the extreme to say the least. However, the side effects went away mostly and I got a new attitude and energy for life! 🙂 As I am starting to take the Phentermine ago I have some side effects again but not as drastic as when I first started it the first go around. I will say that having gum to chew on and cold water with me all of the time helped me get through jittery or wired feeling times. I also want to add that I am EXTREMELY sensitive to caffeine, so much so that my doctors have advised against me consuming it, but the way Phentermine makes me feel is not like how caffeine makes me feel. That was something I was really worried about before I started taking it. Anyways, there it is! 🙂 Hopefully I can update this in two or three months with another story of losing weight and gaining life! 🙂 Thank you!
I stopped taking this a week ago after three months. I am so very tired now and my pains that I had before taking this pill have returned. The pain in my joints was there while taking the pills it just didn’t bother me as much. I am continuing my healthy eating and working out. I hope my weight continues to come off but this fatigue is the worse I have felt in years. I called my doctor and was told to have lots of caffeine, not really the response I was looking for considering I haven’t had soda in the last year and do not like energy type drinks.
I have high blood pressure, is this safe for me?
Hey Sally! Am new on here I used to take the
Phen cap, I did really good on them, I went to a weight loss clinic but was to expense $75.00
A week was too much for me to pay… Do you know where on line I can buy them? Thank you!
Hi there, Thanks for the comment! Phen Caps are a great alternative to phentermine, and often cost much less! You can purchase Phen Caps online by clicking here. I hope this helps, let me know if you need anything else, I am happy to help 🙂
Sally, Phentermine.com
This is my 3rd month on phen. and I have only lost 10 pounds I don’t feel full even after taking it I feel no different I have had no sided effects but not sure it is working I do excercise daily for at least an hour I eat healthy and have been but not losing any weight any one have any tips to hlep ?
Please I need help no one seems to listen or they think I am not trying and I am
Hi there Shelly, Thanks for the comment! I am sorry to hear about your struggle with your weight loss. Have you spoke to your doctor about your concerns? Generally speaking, this is the best first step in determining if there are any potential issues that are holding you back from losing weight. If you can not determine any specific issue with why your not losing weight, you could try switching up your exercise routine, consuming less calories/changing your diet, or you could look into a weight loss supplement to help boost your weight loss effects. We recommend a product on our website called Phen Caps, it is intended to be taken as an alternative to phentermine or with phentermine, to increase weight loss effects. You can learn more about the product and how it helps you lose weight fast by clicking here. Let me know if this helps and if there is anything else I can do for you! Have a great day and keep up the good work!
Sally, Phentermine.com
im sorry I meant 1300 cals aday. lol
hi I was just wondering if anyone had advise on how to get over a weight loss platou. I lost 15 lbs the first month and 2 lbs the second and I only have 1300 cals a month and workout everyday.
Hi there Jamie, thanks for the comment! We actually have an article on the blog here about getting over a weight loss plateau, you can read it by clicking here. Also, if you are looking to boost your weight loss, you could try Phen Caps. They are intended to boost the effects of phentermine, act as an alternative to phentermine or be used on their own for weight loss.
Sally, Phentermine.com
I’m coming up soon to my first break. I notice when I miss a dose occasionally I can feel drastic changes in my mood and energy, what should I expect? And where can I get more information on the phen caps?
Thanks!
Hi there Lea, Thanks for the comment! Generally speaking, it is best to use this article as a guide regarding what to expect. When it come to medical information, we can not give specific recommendations, as this should only be done by your doctor. If you want to get a more in depth look on how it will effect you, the best suggestion is to speak with your doctor. Also, you can join our Facebook support group, our users discuss all different topics, including the different effects associated with phentermine.
Good luck with your weight loss and let us know if you have any other questions! Have a great day!
Sarah, Phentermine.com
Hi lea, this is my second time on phen. I lost 40 lbs my first 4 months!! Great!!! Def changed my eating habits and was jogging everyday! I took a break bad ended up putting 10 back on but prob due to winter and not as active!! Soooo anyway I’ve lost 9lbs my second time and on my last month!! I go to the gym and started weight training to tone and to lose more of my belly it’s helping I am getting smaller! Just don’t get your hopes up!! I don’t feel the same way I did the first time on it but that’s because my body was accustomed to the med but does still help!!
I was finally able to get to my goal weight with phentermine and excercise, and kept it there for a year. With menopause the struggle increases and the weight is starting to increase again regardless of a 3-4 day workout and healthy eating. I had few side effects and hoping to renew subscription for 3 months again!
I have been off and on phentermine for the past year. It was working very well with me. I lost a total of 20+ pounds. And now I hit a road block. I’m really trying to watch what I eat and stick to a calorie counting diet. A minimum of 1200 calories. I give myself flexibility with it so I do eat up to 1500 calories. I do exercise everyday 3 to 4 times a week. I want to increase that to 5 times a week. Im not loosing weight. I’m taking a break from it right now. I’m just wondering though if I got back on it after my break. Will I loose weight?