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Overview
Discover if you can safely combine phentermine and semaglutide for weight loss, including potential benefits and risks, with Try Eden’s expert guide.
Individuals looking to manage their weight may wonder if combining phentermine and semaglutide could enhance their weight loss results. While both medications are commonly used separately for weight loss, it's important to understand the potential risks, benefits, and the lack of sufficient research on using these drugs together.
This article compares phentermine and semaglutide and looks into whether you can take them together. We'll look at the possible side effects and benefits of using these medications together.
Key Takeaways
• While both medications can be effective for weight loss individually, there is currently limited research on taking them together [1].
• While there is limited research on the combined use of phentermine and semaglutide, some hypothesize that combining these medications could potentially enhance weight loss effects. However, this combination is not FDA-approved, and its safety and efficacy have not been thoroughly studied. Any combination of these medications should only be considered under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Possible risks of taking both medications simultaneously include increased side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, increased heart rate, and insomnia [1].
• Semaglutide is designed for long-term weight management, while phentermine is approved for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) [9].
• The effectiveness of phentermine may diminish over time, and it is considered a controlled substance with the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms [6].
• Both medications have different administration methods: semaglutide is injected weekly, while phentermine is taken orally daily [10].
Phentermine vs Semaglutide
Phentermine and semaglutide are two drugs that have the ability to help with weight loss. These medications can both work well, but they affect the body in different ways and have their own unique features.
Phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine, has been in use since 1959 as an FDA-approved appetite suppressant [1]. It influences the central nervous system to reduce appetite [1]. Semaglutide, in contrast, is a newer drug that falls into the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist category [1]. It copies the actions of the body's natural GLP-1 hormone, which plays a key part in managing blood sugar levels and appetite [1].
One way that these drugs differ is in the duration that you take them. You can use phentermine for a short period of time, up to 12 weeks [1]. Semaglutide is meant to help manage weight over a longer period of time [1]. This matters most to people who want to lose weight and keep it off.
Another key difference is how doctors prescribe these medicines. Semaglutide is typically administered as a weekly injection, while phentermine is taken as a daily oral tablet. Healthcare providers carefully adjust the dosage of semaglutide based on individual response and weight loss goals.
For phentermine, they prescribe between 15 and 37.5mg [1]. Again, phentermine is approved for short-term use, while semaglutide is intended for long-term weight management. Combining these medications is off-label and should be done only with careful consideration and medical guidance.
You need a medical consultation with a healthcare provider in order to get a prescription from a doctor to get compounded semaglutide for both the injectable form and oral forms. Your doctor will decide if semaglutide is right for you and which type: either the injectable form of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®) or one of the oral forms of semaglutide (Rybelsus®, SubMagna™).
Which One Is More Effective For Weight Loss?
When we talk about how well they work, new research shows that semaglutide might be more effective than phentermine for losing weight. A study in 2021 found that people who received semaglutide shots lost more weight than those who took other approved weight-loss drugs, including phentermine [1].
The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) program showed that semaglutide caused a 15% average weight loss compared to the placebo group [1]. This result stands out when we look at the typical 5-10% weight loss from starting weight over 12-14 weeks that phentermine brings about [1].
Phentermine can help with weight loss at first, but it loses its efficacy over time. People often gain the weight back once they stop taking it [1]. Semaglutide has an impact on keeping the weight off even after people stop using it, making it a preferred choice for long-term weight management [1].
Semaglutide influences health beyond weight loss. Research shows it can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce heart problems and deaths in patients with heart disease [1].
Both of these drugs can help people lose weight when used alongside diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. But to choose between phentermine and semaglutide, you need to talk to your doctor. They'll look at your health, what you want to achieve, and possible side effects to figure out which drug is best for you to manage your weight.
Can You Take Phentermine And Semaglutide Together?
People wanting to lose weight have shown interest in using phentermine and semaglutide together. We don't have much research on taking these drugs at the same time [1]. Each drug helps with weight loss on its own, but using them together needs careful consideration.
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, goes by brand names like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® [1]. It has an effect on digestion by slowing it down and lowering blood sugar levels, which leads to reduced hunger responses [2]. In contrast, phentermine, a sympathomimetic amine, acts on the central nervous system to suppress appetite [1].
The combination of phentermine and semaglutide for weight loss is not FDA-approved, and there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of using these drugs together. Any decision to combine these medications should be made cautiously and only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Patients should have an in-depth discussion with their healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and benefits before considering this combination.
Potential Benefits
Taking phentermine and semaglutide together might have some benefits:
- Better appetite control: These drugs work in different ways to make you less hungry, which could lead to a stronger effect [2].
- Better weight loss outcomes: Using both drugs together might lead to more weight loss than using just one [2].
- Improved blood sugar management: For people with diabetes, taking these medications together may help to control blood sugar levels [2].
Risks and Things to Think About
While there are possible upsides, you should keep these points in mind:
- Side effects: Possible side effects of combining phentermine and semaglutide may include increased gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, as well as cardiovascular effects, like elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The combined use of these drugs could also lead to more pronounced side effects on the central nervous system, such as anxiety and insomnia. The full scope of potential side effects is not well understood due to the lack of comprehensive studies on this drug combination.
- Drug interactions: Tell your doctors about all the medicines you take. This helps them check if semaglutide or phentermine might not mix well with your other drugs [2].
- Individual suitability: These medications may not suit everyone. People with kidney issues, heart problems, or a history of thyroid or pancreatic cancer might not be good candidates for them [2].
- Duration of use: Doctors prescribe phentermine to use for a short time (up to 12 weeks), while they intend semaglutide for long-term weight control [1].
- Effectiveness over time: Phentermine loses its power the longer you use it. It also puts you at risk for addiction and withdrawal symptoms [1].
Mixing phentermine and semaglutide might help you lose weight, but you need to be careful. It's crucial to talk to a doctor to figure out the best way to manage your weight. They'll look at your health, what you want to achieve, and any possible dangers.
Possible Side Effects Of Taking Phentermine And Semaglutide Together
When you think about using phentermine and semaglutide together to lose weight, you need to know about the possible side effects. These medications work well on their own, but using them at the same time needs careful thought because we don't have much research on how they work together [7].
Side Effect #1: Stomach Problems
One of the most common side effects of combining phentermine and semaglutide is increased stomach discomfort. Patients might feel sick, throw up, have diarrhea, or get constipated [10]. These problems can get worse when you take both drugs together because semaglutide already affects your digestive system by slowing down how fast your stomach empties [11].
Side Effect #2: Cardiovascular Concerns
Phentermine and semaglutide can affect the heart and blood vessels. Taking these drugs together might speed up your heartbeat and raise your blood pressure [11]. This mix could make heart-related side effects more likely, so doctors need to keep a close eye on patients who already have heart problems [10].
Side Effect #3: Central Nervous System Effects
The combination of these medications can have an impact on the central nervous system. Patients might suffer from headaches, dizziness, and sleeplessness [10]. Also, people may feel anxious or jittery because of phentermine's stimulant effects [11]. Using these drugs together can make these effects stronger.
Side Effect #4: Blood Sugar Fluctuations
People with type 2 diabetes who take phentermine and semaglutide together might face a higher chance of getting low blood sugar [10]. The FDA drug label for phentermine points this out. Those who use insulin or other diabetes drugs may need to change their doses and check their blood sugar more often [12].
Side Effect #5: Potential for Drug Interactions
Semaglutide impacts how well the body absorbs other drugs taken by mouth, including phentermine [10]. This interaction might change how effective either medication is or how the body absorbs it. Also, both these drugs can interact with other medications, like insulin or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
There hasn't been enough thorough research on taking these drugs at the same time [7]. If you're thinking about this combo, you should talk to your doctor.
Possible Benefits Of Taking Phentermine And Semaglutide Together
Benefit #1: Better Weight Loss
Phentermine and semaglutide together might help people lose more weight than using just one of these medications [7]. A study in 2021 found that people who got semaglutide shots lost more weight than those who took other approved weight-loss drugs, including phentermine [6].
Benefit #2: Reduced Appetite
Phentermine and semaglutide both curb appetite, but they do this in different ways. Phentermine triggers brain chemicals, which lowers appetite. Semaglutide makes digestion slower, so people feel full longer. It also brings down blood sugar, which helps to lessen the body's hunger signals [7].
Benefit #3: Improved Blood Sugar Control
For people with diabetes, taking phentermine and semaglutide together might help them control their blood sugar better. These drugs can cut down on unhealthy food cravings, which helps keep blood sugar levels in check [7]. Keep in mind that people with type 2 diabetes might lose a smaller percentage of their weight compared to those without diabetes [5].
Benefit #4: Potential to Manage Weight Long-Term
Doctors prescribe phentermine for short periods, but semaglutide has gotten the green light for long-term weight control [6]. Combining these drugs might give a more well-rounded approach to shedding pounds, leading to quick and lasting outcomes.
Benefit #5: Versatility in Treatment
The mix of phentermine and semaglutide could help many people who want to manage their weight. A study looked at 175 patients, and 50.9% of them had class 3 obesity (BMI ≥40). The treatment worked well for people with different levels of obesity [5]. This means that the combination might work for people with various degrees of obesity.
While these potential benefits exist, we don't understand the safety and effectiveness of combining phentermine and semaglutide because of limited research on using them together [6]. People thinking about this combination should talk to their doctor to figure out if it's right for their specific case and to learn about possible risks and side effects.
Taking Phentermine And Semaglutide Together: Conclusion
Sticking to semaglutide safety guidelines will help you cut down on possible side effects and get the best results as you work to manage your weight.
Semaglutide comes in pill form, as a sublingual suspension, and as an injection. As with any other weight loss medication, there are pros and cons of semaglutide for weight loss, and there are several factors to consider when deciding between semaglutide tablets vs injections vs oral suspensions.
People question how long you stay on semaglutide for weight loss, and there isn’t a cut-and-dry answer because treatment is so individualized. The duration can vary depending on individual goals and medical advice. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate length of treatment with semaglutide for optimal weight loss results.
Combining phentermine and semaglutide for weight loss presents both potential benefits and significant risks. While some hypothesize that the combination could enhance weight loss and improve metabolic outcomes, the lack of robust clinical evidence and FDA approval means that this approach should be pursued with caution. Patients should not attempt to combine these medications without thorough consultation with their healthcare provider, who can help weigh the potential benefits against the risks based on individual health conditions.
With these things in mind, it's essential for people to talk to their doctors before they try this approach. Healthcare providers can help balance the possible good against the bad, looking at each person's health issues and what they want to achieve.
References
1. Johnson DB, Quick J. Topiramate And Phentermine. PubMed. Published March 27, 2023. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482165/
2. WebMD. Drugs & Medications. Webmd.com. Published 2019. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4151/phentermine-oral/details
3. Micromedex, Merative. Phentermine (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Published March 1, 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/phentermine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075169?p=1
4. UCLA Health. Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, for weight loss - what you need to know. uclahealth.org. Published January 12, 2023. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/semaglutide-weight-loss-what-you-need-know
5. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
6. Crider C. Semaglutide and Phentermine: What to Know About These Weight Loss Drugs. Healthline. Published June 22, 2023. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/semaglutide-and-phentermine-together
7. Admire Aesthetics. Can You Take Semaglutide and Phentermine Together? admireaesthetics.com. Published October 15, 2023. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.admireaesthetics.com/semaglutide-and-phentermine/
8. Madison Family Care. CAN YOU TAKE PHENTERMINE AND SEMAGLUTIDE TOGETHER? Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center. Published May 20, 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://madisonfamilycare.com/blog/can-you-take-phentermine-and-semaglutide-together/
9. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
10. Yedidi R, Willson A. Phentermine and semaglutide: can you combine these weight loss drugs? ro.co. Published March 28, 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://ro.co/weight-loss/can-you-take-phentermine-and-semaglutide-together/
11. Exert Body Sculpt. CAN YOU TAKE PHENTERMINE AND SEMAGLUTIDE TOGETHER? Exert Body Sculpt. Published 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://exertbodysculpt.com/blog/can-you-take-phentermine-and-semaglutide-together/
12. Drugs.com. Phentermine and semaglutide Interactions. Drugs.com. Published 2024. Accessed August 17, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/phentermine-with-semaglutide-1851-0-3878-0.html
Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.
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