Is phentermine addicting and is long-term use safe?

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: January 24, 2019

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Phentermine was approved for use in 1959 and for a period of 12 weeks. As obesity has been identified as a chronic disease, the long term use of phentermine has become mainstream amongst physicians who practice full-time obesity medicine. 97% of obesity medicine specialists indicate phentermine is their drug of choice among the current medication options available. Reasons for this include efficacy, safety, tolerability, low cost and low addiction potential. Despite this, concerns regarding safety and addiction potential have continued to limit the use by some physicians.

The Study: Hendricks et al sought to study the addiction potential of phentermine by assessing for craving and withdrawal upon cessation of phentermine. Study participants (N=117) had taken phentermine for at least one year. Control participants (N=152) took phentermine for a period of less than 2 weeks. The majority of treatment participants took doses between 18.75 and 37.5 mg daily, though some took doses much higher, and median treatment duration in the study group was 7.2 years.

Results: After cessation of phentermine, there were no signs of phentermine abuse, cravings or withdrawal. The only symptom noted after cessation was increased appetite. Notably, there were no symptoms usually associated with amphetamine withdrawal.

Discussion: Phentermine has been in use for over 50 years. There are no studies to date that indicate it has addiction potential, and this study confirms there is no withdrawal or craving when discontinued. While phentermine is FDA approved for short term use, the cost to do studies of long term use are cost prohibitive, since phentermine is a generic medication. Therefore, it is highly unlikely the FDA label will change. Of note, Qsymia (phentermine plus Topiramate) is FDA approved for long term use. Statements by The Endocrine Society and Obesity Medicine Associations support the off label use of phentermine for the long term management of obesity.

Addiction potential of phentermine prescribed during long-term treatment of obesity. International Journal of Obesity (2014) 38, 292–298; doi:10.1038/ijo.2013.74

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 26 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 32 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 57 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 60 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 71 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC.

I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 85 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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