Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage medical or mental health conditions. While many people believe all prescription drugs are safe, some have the risk of short-term and long-term complications, including addiction.

Phentermine is a prescription stimulant medication that suppresses appetite. Doctors may prescribe it to patients to help manage their weight or promote weight loss.

Misusing phentermine can lead to long-term problems, including physical dependence and addiction. This article will explore the risk of phentermine abuse. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of phentermine
• How phentermine abuse and addiction occur
• How long phentermine stays in your body
• Where to find substance use disorder (SUD) treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with phentermine abuse or another type of SUD, you must seek treatment. Comprehensive treatment and support are available at Moving Mountains Recovery.

Contact our intake specialists now to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription stimulant drug used to treat obesity. Drug companies market phentermine under several brand names, including:[1]

• Ionamin
• Termine
• Phentride
• Adipex-P

This prescription weight loss medication increases central nervous system activity and reduces appetite. People who take it may experience less hunger. This leads to a reduction in food intake and weight loss.[1,2]

The Effects and Risks of Phentermine

The most common intended side effect of phentermine is appetite suppression. Like other prescription medications, phentermine can cause other side effects. Common side effects of phentermine include:[1,2]

• Changes in libido
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Tremors
• Overstimulation or agitation
• Headache
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Rash

Long-term phentermine use and abuse can lead to severe side effects, including:

• Personality changes
• Psychosis
• Severe skin problems
• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia
• Mood swings or irritability

Unwanted and severe side effects are more common for people who abuse phentermine. One of the most significant risks of phentermine abuse is the potential for an overdose. An overdose is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of a phentermine overdose include:

• Panic
• Confusion
• Rapid breathing
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Diarrhea
• Stiff muscles
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

If you or someone near you is experiencing a phentermine overdose, call 911. Remain with the person until EMS arrives.

People who mix phentermine and alcohol are at increased risk of overdose and other complications. If you take prescription phentermine, you must carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. If you take it recreationally, you must stop. Seek treatment if you cannot stop taking phentermine on your own.

Phentermine Abuse

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies phentermine as a Schedule IV drug.[3] This means it has a low risk of abuse and addiction. It is important to note that people may still abuse phentermine and become addicted to it.

Some signs of phentermine abuse include:

• Experiencing quick or unexpected weight loss
• Using phentermine differently than prescribed (more often, in higher doses, crushing and snorting pills, etc.)
• Taking phentermine recreationally (without a prescription)
• Having multiple prescriptions for phentermine
• Stealing or buying phentermine
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking phentermine

Phentermine abuse can change the way a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Noticing the signs of addiction can help you get the help you or a loved one needs as quickly as possible.

How Long Does Phentermine Stay in Your System?

There are several factors that can affect how long phentermine remains in your system. These include:

• Age
• Gender
• Weight and body composition
• Metabolism
• Kidney functioning
• Other substances you used at the same time, such as alcohol

Typically, drug tests that screen for amphetamines can detect phentermine. Here is an overview of how long phentermine shows up on different drug screenings.

Urine tests

Urine drug tests are the most common type of drug screening. This type of testing can detect phentermine in urine for up to four days after your last dose.[4]

Blood tests

Blood tests can typically detect phentermine for up to 24 hours after your last dose. This type of testing is most frequently used to determine current intoxication.

Saliva tests

Saliva tests are a non-invasive way to determine recent substance use. A saliva test may detect phentermine for up to 48 hours after your last use.

Hair tests

Hair testing is uncommon but has the longest detection window. A hair test may detect phentermine for up to 12 weeks after your last dose.

If you are concerned about what will be detected in a urine test or drug screening, it may be a sign that you need help to overcome substance abuse. Comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs offer structure, treatment, and support to help people put addiction in the past.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Reach out to the caring specialist at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs.