Phentermine Weight Loss in Frisco, TX

What Is Phentermine?

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works by affecting the central nervous system, reducing hunger, and promoting feelings of fullness. It is normally taken once a day, alone or sometimes with other weight loss medication(s).

Phentermine Weight Loss in Frisco: Short-Term Use and Guidelines

Phentermine is FDA approved for short term weight management (typically 3-6 months at a time, followed by a 3–6-month break). It is classified by the DEA as a schedule IV-controlled medication, meaning there is a low to moderate potential for abuse.

In other words, after about 6 months of use, the medication can be habit forming, which is why it is only prescribed for 3-6 months at a time, followed by a break. Patients also notice that after a few months of taking phentermine, they build up a tolerance to the medication, so while it works great to suppress your appetite in the first 2-3 months, it becomes less effective after that.

Phentermine Weight Loss Clinic in Frisco: Supervised Program & Monitoring

At Pure Medicine, Dr. Pastorek requires monthly visits while on phentermine due to the controlled nature of the prescription, so he can monitor your weight loss, vital signs, and help mitigate any ongoing side effects. Many patients opt for telemedicine visits for their monthly check-ins (requires the ability to check blood pressure/pulse/weight at home to submit for the appointment).

Depending on risk factors, some patients may require cardiac clearance (EKG, calcium scoring, stress testing, and/or blood pressure logging, and some may possibly need an official clearance by a cardiologist).

Frisco Weight Loss Program: Diet and Exercise Recommendations During Phentermine Treatment

Dr. Pastorek recommends the following strategies while you are taking phentermine:

• 800-1000 Calorie/day diet for most patients (difficult to follow without the help of the medication, but doable while on the medication)
• Daily weights
• Food logging (MyFitnessPal is a popular food logging app)
• 20-minute walk on days you don’t exercise.
• Moderate intensity exercise is encouraged, and Dr. Pastorek recommends building good exercise habits, since increasing time/intensity of exercise is important to keep the weight from coming back once the weight loss medication is discontinued.

Common Side Effects of Phentermine

Typical side effects from phentermine (more noticeable the first few days of use) include:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation (also a result of eating less on the weight loss diet)
• Palpitations or tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Elevated blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Moodiness
• Dehydration

Most patients notice the dry mouth, and a significant percentage of patients need melatonin or other medication to help with their insomnia. Constipation is usually addressed by use of magnesium supplementation (titrated as needed) and stool softeners.

Who Should Avoid Phentermine?

This medication is not for everyone. Those with cardiac arrhythmias (fast/irregular heartbeats), uncontrolled high blood pressure, substance abuse disorders, severe anxiety, and those who are at high risk for stroke or heart attack, may not be candidates for phentermine.

For those who are not a candidate for phentermine, there are other medical weight loss options available.

Request Your Appointment Today!

To request your appointment, please call (469) 414-9660 or contact us online today!

 

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Our Location

Pure Medicine
4645 Avon Lane, Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75033
Phone: (469) 414-9660

Medical Weight Loss specialist serving patients in Frisco, TX, and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth metro area communities.