Weight Loss Results With Phentermine – What to Expect from Phentermine in the First Months

For those struggling with obesity or overweight, phentermine can be a helpful tool to support initial weight loss under medical supervision. Phentermine works by suppressing appetite, which makes it easier to cut calories and establish new diet and exercise habits. However, no medication alone leads to long-term success. Significant lifestyle changes are still required to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

When used properly for a limited time, phentermine results will be promising and may produce some weight loss, especially in the initial weeks and months of treatment. But what kind of results can you reasonably expect? Let’s look at what studies and clinical experience show for weight loss during the first 3-6 months of phentermine.

Weight Loss Results of Phentermine Week 1

The first week marks the start of your weight loss journey with phentermine. You’ll begin taking the medication, typically 37.5 mg once daily before breakfast, and make your first visit with your doctor or weight loss counselor. Phentermine may cause a slight drop in appetite and temporary side effects like dry mouth or nausea for a few days as your body adjusts. Some minor weight loss, around 1 to 2 pounds, may register on the scale. Not all patients experience side effects or see loss this early – don’t be discouraged! Phentermine needs time to start working. Focus on beginning your lifestyle changes rather than daily weigh-ins at this point.

Weeks 2-4

Weeks 2-4 are when phentermine starts becoming fully effective as an appetite suppressant. Your body gets used to the medication, side effects improve, and you’ll likely notice reduced hunger and cravings. Coupling phentermine with lifestyle changes during weeks 2-4 often results in 2-4 additional pounds lost. However, experience shows less weight tends to come off in weeks 3 and 4. This is because your body adapts to the lower calorie intake. Stay patient and consistent with your plan.

Month 2

Month 2 represents the time when healthy habits may start to become second nature. You’ll meet again with your doctor and counselor, who may adjust your phentermine dose or switch you to the extended-release formula to sustain effects. Most people lose an average of 3-8% of their starting body weight, around 6-15 pounds, during month 2. However, weekly weight loss typically slows to 1-2 pounds. This is normal and to be expected. Focus on non-scale victories and how your body feels rather than frequent weigh-ins.

Results of Month 3 on Phentermine

By month 3, you’ve established momentum and new lifestyle patterns to build on. Weight loss tends to level off over the second half of month 3 to around 0.5-1 pound per week. Don’t get discouraged! This is actually a sign you’re making sustainable progress. You may drop another 6-10 pounds for a total of 12-25 pounds over 3 months. Transitioning off phentermine will soon be discussed, as use for longer periods may not improve results and can lead to side effects or tolerance.

Months 4 and 6

Through months 4-6, weight loss from phentermine typically plateaus without further dose or medication changes. In follow up appointments, your doctor will evaluate if you’ve achieved enough initial loss (typically 3-9% of your starting body weight) to safely discontinue phentermine while continuing progress through lifestyle changes alone. Stopping the medication at this point is important to avoid loss of effectiveness or dependence.

Phentermine Side Effects

Some common side effects of phentermine include:

Dry mouth: Phentermine can cause dryness of the mouth. This can lead to sore throat, chapped lips, and bad breath. Dry mouth can be managed by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum or mints.
Insomnia: Phentermine may disrupt sleep or cause insomnia in some people. Avoiding administration of the drug after mid-afternoon and reducing screen time/blue light exposure before bed can help. Sedative medications or supplements may also be recommended in severe cases.
Nausea: Stomach upset and nausea are possible side effects of phentermine, especially when first starting treatment or increasing the dose. Nausea often improves over the first few weeks, but taking the medication with food and avoiding high-fat or spicy meals may help reduce symptoms. Anti-nausea medications can also be used temporarily if needed.
Increased heart rate: Phentermine works by stimulating the central nervous system, which in turn can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Patients will need to monitor blood pressure regularly while on phentermine. Slowly decreasing or stopping the medication may be required if vital signs rise excessively.
Restlessness: Some people experience feelings of restlessness, nervousness or anxiety while taking phentermine. Reducing dosage or stopping the medication if symptoms are significant may become necessary. Behavioral coping strategies and medications for anxiety can also help address this side effect.
Headaches: Bothersome headaches are a possible side effect of phentermine for certain patients. Reducing screen time, managing stress levels, staying hydrated and using over-the-counter pain relievers may help prevent or minimize headache symptoms. Migraine medications may be needed in some cases.
Irritability/mood changes: Phentermine has the potential to trigger irritability, mood swings or other behavioral changes in some individuals. Close monitoring, dosage adjustment or discontinuing the drug may be required if these psychological side effects prove problematic or severe. Behavioral counseling or psychiatric medications can also assist with mood regulation and support weight loss success.

In rare cases, phentermine can cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions, heart valve disease, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Patients should notify their doctor immediately if any dangerous side effects develop while taking phentermine. When used under medical supervision and as directed, phentermine can be used short-term, but side effects may still occur in some patients. Close follow up with your doctor and awareness of potential risks are important. Lifestyle changes are still required, as no drug alone is a solution for obesity.

Phentermine Weight Loss Results Summary

In summary, when combined with lifestyle changes, phentermine may lead to 12-25 pounds of weight loss or 3-9% total loss over 3-6 months. However, weekly loss decreases over time and the medication is not meant for long-term use. Phentermine gives you momentum, but sustainable success comes from the habits and healthier patterns you build to last far beyond stopping any weight loss drug. With motivation and hard work, you can achieve your goals and transform your health for life.