Does phentermine cause constipation?

November 1. 2022

The use of phentermine for weight loss was approved in 1959. This weight loss pill has helped people reach their weight goals for decades. Phentermine can do wonders for your body – when combined with exercise and a healthy diet. This medication stimulates your central nervous system to release chemicals that cause appetite suppression. If you are starting your weight loss journey, phentermine is an excellent opinion to kick start this journey and lose a few pounds fast.

Phentermine is aimed at people who suffer from a weight-related health condition and patients who follow a strict healthy diet and exercise daily but still can’t manage to lose weight. For those individuals, our weight loss clinic in Chicago recommends opting for this medication to break the weight loss plateau. For some people, losing pounds can be a pretty challenging task, especially if they suffer from frequent cravings or increased hunger. If this sounds relatable, phentermine weight loss pills can become your best friend.

Phentermine for weight loss works fast, and you’ll see the results quickly. Still, it’s important ti note that this drug is used to aid people who stick to diets but still struggle to lose weight. Moreover, not everyone is eligible to start using it. Remember to consult with a professional before you start taking any weight loss drug. If you have a chronic disease such as high blood pressure or heart disease, then you may not be eligible to take phentermine. Always ask your doctor first, especially if you are already taking other medications.

Is constipation common among phentermine users?

If you are wondering, does phentermine course constipation – the answer is commonly yes. Constipation makes it to the list of the most common adverse effects of using phentermine to lose weight. Around half of phentermine users report constipation as one of the side effects.

Constipation can be very annoying and painful. Even though phentermine does not cause severe constipation, we recommend checking your situation with a healthcare professional if you suffer constipation for a period longer than three days. This condition consists of slow bowel movements and infrequent stools, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and temporary increased weight.

How does phentermine cause constipation?

Among the different side effects phentermine can cause, phentermine constipation is one of the most typical ones. There are several reasons why phentermine use can lead to infrequent bowel movements and hard-to-pass stools.

As we mentioned before, phentermine works by stimulating your central nervous system. This stimulation makes your system release chemicals to produce appetite suppression. Those same chemicals that cause you to lose some appetite are also responsible for this uncomfortable adverse drug reaction. The stimulation can also produce dehydration, which can lead to phentermine constipation. If there isn’t enough water in your body, your system can’t evacuate waste properly. That will probably end up in slow bowel movements. Many phentermine users also follow strict diets that may not include foods rich in fiber. The decrease in fiber intake will cause slow digestion, which is another cause of constipation.

Other common causes of constipation are stress, depression, and anxiety. The journey to lose weight can sometimes be challenging. Sticking to a strict diet can be stressful, plus lowering your food intake drastically overnight can lead to anxiety and mood changes. All this often results in depression. These mental health factors increase your chances of suffering constipation too.

And here, another big question arises: does constipation cause weight gain? Although constipation is closely connected to weight gain, it does not produce weight gain by itself. Measuring your weight while constipated can be deceiving – the extra weight from the stools can look like increased weight. That temporary weight gain can discourage you and cause you even more stress. We recommend you seek professional help if you encounter any of these problems – stress, anxiety, or depression – while trying to lose weight. And remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health.

6 ways to prevent or treat constipation while taking phentermine

Phentermine constipation is not pleasant, but luckily, there are many ways to treat it. Some of these remedies will not only help you with the unpleasant effects phentermine can cause, but they are also great for losing weight. So take notes:

Drinking more water

As we mentioned before, dehydration is one of the causes of constipation. By increasing your water intake, you can beat this annoying condition. Phentermine causes dehydration, so if you were not used to drinking enough water before, you better start now. Remaining hydrated is highly important to stay healthy; water makes all organs in your system work properly. After you choose to use phentermine, increasing your water intake is highly important. Experts recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. If you are having trouble drinking enough water, buying a pretty bottle and keeping it with you throughout the day can help. Also, set alarms at different times of the day to remind you to drink a glass of water.

Eating enough fiber

Fiber helps our digestive system to stay healthy and function properly. A good intake of food rich in fiber makes your stool grow in weight and size and also softens it. That results in your stools passing smoothly through your intestine without any trouble. Consuming fiber works excellently to avoid or treat constipation. An average adult should consume at least 25g of fiber per day. Fiber also helps with your bowel movements. Some fiber-rich foods are avocado, broccoli, beans, whole grains, and apples. Check which of these foods are allowed in your diet, and don’t forget to add them to your shopping list.

Exercise

Physical activity is another great solution for constipation. If you are trying to live a healthy life, exercise should be part of your routine, especially if you want to lose weight. Phentermine works great on its own, but it is still recommended to boost your weight loss with regular physical activity. Exercise will provide you with the energy to stay active all day; it will also help you reduce anxiety and depression – common issues some people face when trying to lose weight and change their bodies. Exercise helps your intestines and abdominal muscles stay in shape, improving your stool movements. So go ahead, choose your favorite activity and get moving. Any kind of exercise is good to deal with constipation – yoga, running, swimming, or doing sports, anything helps. Another way to boost your energy levels and the fat-burning process is to include lipo C injections into your weight loss program.

Taking laxatives

Laxatives help treat constipation. This medication is recommended if you tried everything we mentioned before and constipation stills continue to give you a hard time. Phentermine shouldn’t cause severe constipation, but if you feel you need to take laxatives, consult your doctor about the right one for your case. There are tons of different laxatives and supplements you can choose from. A colon cleansing supplement like Go Gently® can help ease your pain and improve good gut bacteria flourishment in your intestines, which will help your digestive system work better.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, all this substance are stimulants that lead to dehydration and, therefore, constipation. Avoiding alcohol while taking phentermine is highly recommended. Alcoholic beverages make you urinate more frequently, leading to dehydration. Caffeine can cause more bowel movements, but if you are already dehydrated – due to the phentermine – caffeine will only worsen things. Coffee, sodas, and energy drinks all contain caffeine. It would be best if you tried to skip these drinks while using phentermine to avoid constipation.

Lower your stress

As mentioned previously, stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to constipation or worsen the condition. Try doing activities that lower your stress levels. Go for a walk in nature, practice yoga, listen to music, and dance. Anything that takes you away from your worries and makes you feel happy. And remember, everyone’s weight loss journey looks different. Don’t stress, do your best, and focus on your own path.

Final thoughts

Using phentermine when starting a weight loss journey can be of fantastic help to reach your goal. If you are among the users who develop constipation from taking this medication, don’t worry about it, there are easy ways to treat it. Phentermine is one of the most successful medications for losing weight fast and efficiently. Even so, it’s highly recommended to check with a professional before you start to take advantage of the benefits of phentermine. If you suffer from high blood pressure or any other disease, consult your doctor first. Poor use of this drug can lead to several issues, such as pulmonary hypertension. While these severe effects are rare, you should still get in touch with a professional. Schedule your appointment with our team of specialists today, and start thriving with the benefits of phentermine.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.