Both phentermine and Adderall are stimulant medications, but they have several differences. Phentermine is the active component in
Phentermine vs Adderall: Mode of Action
Phentermine and Adderall are similar in their mechanism of action. Both are CNS stimulants: they stimulate the brain, accelerating mental and physical processes. Aside from other effects, they primarily raise the concentrations of one or more neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
How They Work for Relevant Conditions
As further classified CNS stimulants, Phentermine and Adderall are sympathomimetic amines. Adderall increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It also enhances the activity of brain regions controlling focus, attention, and impulse control, leading to improved ADHD symptoms. It has some effect on the brain regions controlling hunger, so it may
Is Phentermine Used for ADHD?
Because of its similarity to amphetamines, phentermine may be used off-label to treat ADHD. It is viable that escalating norepinephrine concentration levels in the brain could help improve attention and reduce impulsivity. However, it is not FDA-approved for this condition, and there is no extensive research on its effectiveness in this case.
Phentermine vs Adderall
Phentermine and Adderall comparison before prescribing them usually includes an overview of the patient’s diagnosis and the medications’ specifics. For example, common side effects, dosage, and precautions. Let’s delve into these aspects below.
Dosage
For hunger control, the average adult dose of
Side-Effects
Common
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Insomnia
- Hypertension
- Tremors
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle twitching
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Alterations in mental state
- Headaches
- Sexual impotence
Common side effects of phentermine include:
- Unpleasant taste
- Palpitations
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth or vomiting
- Changes in libido
- Constipation
If used for an extended period of time, both medications have the potential to cause physical dependence. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider and follow their instructions to prevent such effects.
Precautions
Despite being helpful in managing weight loss and ADHD, these medications have several precautions. A few associated with Adderall are the following:
- Patients with pre-existing heart problems or high blood pressure have to regularly monitor their heart rate.
- It’s important to watch out for mood changes, agitation, or hallucinations to avoid exacerbation of mental health conditions.
- Patients who are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding must discuss potential risks with their healthcare provider.
- One should not increase dosage without medical supervision because the medication has the potential for dependence or abuse.
- One should avoid driving or operating machinery until the effects of the medication on alertness become clear.
- It’s not recommended to consume alcohol and other stimulants, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Some precautions to consider with phentermine use include:
- Short-term use only. It should be used as prescribed and without extending its use beyond the doctor’s recommendation.
- People with impaired liver or kidney function should use it with caution.
- Patients with health conditions have to monitor heart rate and blood pressure because the medication can increase them.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- The body may develop tolerance, decreasing the medication’s effectiveness over time.
- Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Some patients may need to lower doses of their insulin or oral diabetes medication.
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking phentermine.
Over-the-counter Alternatives
Phentermine and Adderall are prescription medications, but there are a few over-the-counter (OTC) solutions for weight loss and ADHD management. However, it’s critical to consult with a healthcare professional before using OTC alternatives, as they may pose health risks or interact with other medications.
- Alli (
Orlistat [8*] ) - Green tea extract
- Glucomannan
- Garcinia cambogia
OTC supplements for
- L-Theanine
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Zinc and Magnesium supplements
- Iron
- Ginseng
- Vitamin B6
However, the effectiveness and safety of these OTC supplements vary, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
Drug Interactions
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Phentermine |
Adderall |
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Can You Take Adderall And Phentermine Together?
Phentermine and Adderall have a major interaction as both of them are stimulant medications. Since they share a similar chemical structure to amphetamine salts, they have identical physiological effects on the body. Taking two sympathomimetic drugs simultaneously can significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular and nervous system side effects such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and irritability. Therefore, they should not be combined in most cases.
Can Phentermine Make You Feel High?
Phentermine works by sending signals to your brain that tell you whether you’re hungry or not. When combined with adrenaline, it causes your body to boost fatty acid and glucose levels while also breaking down stored fat, increasing energy production. This stimulates your body to increase activity levels, allowing the adrenaline rush of energy to find a home. But the effects are generally not euphoric or intoxicating. However, like any medication, individual responses can vary.
Conclusion
Adderall is commonly prescribed for ADHD, while phentermine is used for weight loss. However, their off-label uses may overlap. Note that both medications can cause side effects and dependence, so seek professional advice on the most suitable treatment and keep in touch with your healthcare professional during the whole process.
