Are Phentermine and Alcohol Safe to Combine? – Phentermine (Adipex-P, Pro-Fast) is a weight loss agent prescribed by health providers to help their patients lose weight. It’s primarily used among those who are obese or who have medical conditions are related to being overweight.
Phentermine is in of a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines.
When a patient uses phentermine, the drug will activate the release of three hormones in their body: epinephrine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. This action suppresses a person’s appetite, and therefore, they tend to eat less. It may also increase a person’s energy and activity levels.
Phentermine is classified by the FDA as a schedule IV controlled substance and is designed for short-term use. It’s generally only prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30.
Side effects of phentermine may include:
- Decreased libido
- Bowel movement issues
- Dry mouth
- False sense of well-being
- Itching
- Erectile dysfunction
- Skin redness and hives
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Heart palpitations
- Hyperactivity
- Tremors and restlessness
More severe side effects include dizziness, fainting, chest pain, accelerated heart rate, headache, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and breathing problems.
Phentermine and Alcohol Abuse
Even without combining it with alcohol, those who use phentermine may potentially abuse it or become addicted. It is a stimulant drug, and it can be used to produce a high, especially when it is used in large doses. If a person takes phentermine more often or for longer than instructed, they can become dependent or addicted. They will then experience unwanted withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
Potentially severe phentermine withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Glaucoma
- Memory loss
- Heart failure
- Cardiac arrest
- Strokes
- Seizures
- Nerve damage
| NOTE: People with a prior history of drug or alcohol abuse are cautioned not to use phentermine. |
Mixing Alcohol and Phentermine
Patients are generally advised against using alcohol and phentermine in conjunction with one another. The side effects of combining alcohol and phentermine are likely to be more severe than those of either substance used on its own. For example, phentermine side effects include dry mouth, nausea, sleep disturbances, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. All of these can be made worse when the two substances are combined.
Moreover, because alcohol is known to irritate the stomach, gastrointestinal side effects are common amongst those who drink while taking phentermine. This action can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and heartburn.
The manufacturers of phentermine caution that when consuming alcohol and phentermine, you may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects, including chest pains and elevated blood pressure. Also, even having only a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in those who are obese or have heart disease and are using phentermine.
Using alcohol and phentermine together can increase the risk of addiction to both substances.
Both substances are addictive on their own, and, if used together, they may be more likely to be abused.
Phentermine and alcohol have two competing effects on the body. Phentermine is a central nervous system stimulant, and alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, when a person combines alcohol and phentermine, the medication may not be as effective as it would have been otherwise.
In fact, there are many ways that alcohol can undermine weight loss efforts. For one, alcohol contains a large amount of sugar and mostly empty calories. Also, it tends to make people tired and less likely to be physically active—both while drinking and the day after during a hangover. Because alcohol affects the liver, it may also make it more difficult for the body to burn fat. Finally, alcohol reduces inhibitions, and a person who is drinking may be more likely to make dietary food choices.
It is best for a patient who is using phentermine to stop drinking alcohol to minimize these risks and prevent other complications from occurring.
Treatment for Alcoholism
If you are using phentermine and feel as if you are unable to stop drinking alcohol on your own, you should consider seeking professional help. Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers comprehensive services for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Our programs feature evidence-based modalities vital for the process of recovery, including psychotherapy, counseling, psychoeducation, peer support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and more.
We employ highly-skilled staff who provide clients with the tools, resources, and support they need to experience a full recovery! We believe that everyone—regardless of their addiction—is entitled to happiness and wellness. We urge those who need help to reach out as soon as possible!
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse and are ready to begin a new life, contact us today! We are dedicated to helping people liberate themselves from the chains of addiction for life!