1. Am I eligible to take phentermine? Prescription weight loss drugs are available for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. However, some doctors will prescribe it to you if your BMI is over 27 you suffer from any conditions that could benefit from weight loss (like type 2 diabetes or controlled high blood pressure). 2. Do I have any medical conditions that might increase the risk of complications? If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history substance abuse, phentermine is not for you. If you have diabetes or kidney problems, your doctor can help you decide if phentermine is a safe option. 3. Is it safe to take phentermine with my current (or recent) medications and supplements? Make a full list of all your medications and supplements (include dosages and all ingredients on the label) before visiting your doctor. If it’s a long list, ask if you can send it to your doctor’s office a day or two before your appointment to give them time to go through each item. Here’s a list of drugs that should not be combined with phentermine: MAOIs Other weight loss medications Antidepressants (SSRIs and tricyclics) Amantadine (type-A flu medication, also used for some cases of Parkinson’s) Amphetamines Caffeine pills Chlophedianol (cough medicines) Cocaine Asthma, allergy, and cold medicines Ritalin Synthetic Cannabinoids 4. Are there any side effects? Your doctor will likely tell you about any side effects but it’s important to ask in case they don’t. Here are some common side effects of phentermine: Constipation Diarrhea Dizziness Dry mouth Headache Insomnia Mood changes (can include anger, depression) Nausea or vomiting Rapid heartbeat Stomach pain Tiredness Change in sex drive Severe side effects include pulmonary hypertension or valvular heart disease. If you feel chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or edema (swelling of feet or legs) seek immediate medical care. 5. Are there any dietary or physical restrictions? Starting any new medication can be a shock to the body, so it’s important to ask what you can do to help your body ease into the new medication. Here are some common restrictions: Avoid alcohol Avoid (or limit) coffee and caffeinated beverages 6. How often will I see you while taking phentermine? Regular check-ins are important when starting a new drug. It’s a chance to monitor your reactions to the drug and address any questions or concerns. Be sure to meet with your doctor every 30 days (though some doctors will suggest checking in more often). You can also ask if your doctor is open to receiving phone calls or emails between appointments to answer any questions you may have forgotten during the appointment. 7. Do I need to change my diet or exercise routine to lose weight? Phentermine is a short-term aid, not a long-term magic weight loss pill. To lose weight and keep it off, you have to make lifestyle changes like nutritious, portion-control eating and regular exercise. If you need help with making these shifts, ask your doctor for resources. These can include dietician referrals, literature or pamphlets about healthy eating, or support groups. 8. Is phentermine covered by my insurance? Some insurance companies cover prescription weight loss drugs and some don’t. Your financial health is also important to keep in check, especially if you plan to use phentermine in combination with a costly personal trainer or gym program. A 30-day supply of generic phentermine (37.5 tablets) costs $20-30 and brand-names can be significantly more expensive. So if you’re paying out-of-pocket, make sure your doctor knows this before writing a prescription.