Phentermine Side Effects and Your Blood Pressure

The most common phentermine side effects are dry mouth, trouble sleeping, a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, restlessness and constipation. Rarely, it has been linked to serious heart and lung problems, so chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath or swelling in your legs need prompt medical attention. Because phentermine can raise blood pressure, it's checked at every visit.

At Padgett Medical Center in Tampa, your first month of phentermine is $127.40 when you book online with a card on file, 35% off the regular $196. It includes the visit, the first month of phentermine and a B12 injection. Nothing is charged when you book. See the phentermine program.

What are the common side effects of phentermine?

Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, a faster or pounding heartbeat, higher blood pressure, restlessness and constipation are the ones people notice most. Some people also get an unpleasant taste, dizziness, headache, shakiness or diarrhea.

These appear in the adverse reactions section of the prescribing information and in MedlinePlus. Trouble sleeping is the easiest to prevent: the label advises against taking phentermine late in the evening. Take it at the time your provider tells you, usually in the morning, and tell your provider about any side effect, even a mild one.

Why does phentermine raise heart rate and blood pressure?

Phentermine is a stimulant-type medication related to amphetamine, and raising blood pressure is one of the typical actions of this class. That's also why it can make your heart beat faster or feel jittery.

The label asks prescribers to use caution with phentermine even in people with mild high blood pressure, and it rules phentermine out for people with a history of heart disease, stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Tell your provider about any heart or blood pressure history, and about every medication you take, before you start.

Which symptoms are warning signs?

Stop and get medical help promptly for new shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, swelling in your legs or ankles, or trouble doing exercise you could do before. Call 911 for severe chest pain, fainting or serious trouble breathing.

The label describes rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension, a serious lung and heart condition, and rare cases of heart valve disease in people who took phentermine alone. Shortness of breath is usually the first sign of pulmonary hypertension, and the label says phentermine should be stopped and you should be checked if these symptoms appear. MedlinePlus also lists a racing or pounding heartbeat, increased blood pressure, dizziness and shakiness as reasons to call your provider right away.

Why does Padgett check your blood pressure at every visit?

Phentermine can raise blood pressure, so your blood pressure is checked at every monthly visit before another month is prescribed. It's the simplest way to catch a change early.

In the Tampa clinic, it's measured at your visit. If you're seen by telehealth, you send a photo of a recent blood pressure reading before the visit, and Morgan Colee, PA, reviews it along with how you've been feeling. A reading that has crept up is a reason to talk, not something to hide: your provider decides with you whether to continue.

How do you take an accurate blood pressure reading at home?

Sit quietly with your back supported for at least 5 minutes, feet flat and legs uncrossed, with the cuff on your bare arm and your arm resting on a table at chest height. Don't talk during the reading, and take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart.

The CDC also recommends emptying your bladder first and not eating or drinking for 30 minutes beforehand. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine or exercise in the 30 minutes before can make your reading higher. For your telehealth photo, make sure the numbers on the monitor's screen are sharp and easy to read, and keep a simple log of your readings.

What else can make side effects worse?

Alcohol, some other medications and driving before you know how phentermine affects you are the main things to watch. Phentermine must never be taken with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping one.

The label says alcohol with phentermine may cause a bad reaction, that phentermine can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and that combining it with other weight-loss medications, including over-the-counter and herbal products, isn't recommended. If you take insulin or diabetes pills, your dose may need to change, so tell your provider.

How does Padgett help you manage side effects?

Side effects are part of every monthly visit with Morgan Colee, PA, in person in Tampa or by telehealth anywhere in Florida. Each refill is $166 and includes the visit, the medication and a B12 injection.

Between visits, call the clinic at (813) 888-7710 if something doesn't feel right. For how long phentermine is usually taken, read how long you can take phentermine, and for remote visits, see phentermine by telehealth in Florida. Book your phentermine visit.

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your own health, medications and treatment options.