Phentermine and Alcohol

Combining Alcohol with Pharmaceuticals

Phentermine and alcohol can be a dangerous duo and place an individual at risk to their health. Combining these two substances can greatly affect many parts of the body including the central nervous system and the digestive system.

Phentermine works as a stimulant while alcohol works as a depressant and these two conflicting effects within someone at the same time can cause issues within their experience and their body.

Keep reading to find out more about mixing phentermine and alcohol, as well as effective ways of getting treatment if either or both become a problem!

What Is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a drug that works to promote energy levels within an individual. This is done through its effects of increasing natural chemicals found within the brain. They also affect the heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure within an individual.

These effects that appear in phentermine are similar to stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines. Phentermine is also an anorectic medication which suppresses the appetite of individuals.

Anorectic medication is supportive of individuals struggling with weight and allows them to more comfortably lose weight. This is why phentermine has become an approved medication to treat obesity and typically works in collaboration with a specific diet and exercise plan.

Phentermine is simply the chemical name for this type of drug. The brand names for phentermine can include:

• Phentercot
• Adipex-P
• Ionamin
• Obenix

How Does Phentermine Work In The Brain And Body?

As mentioned before, phentermine affects chemicals found within the brain and, in turn, affect how the body functions. Phentermine specifically affects 2 neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and epinephrine.

A neurotransmitter is a chemical found naturally within our brain that is responsible for transferring messages to nerve cells and is the main control system for our basic functions such as breathing, muscle movement, sleep, and many other functions.

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter which works to help maintain blood pressure, levels of energy, and is a part of the fight-or-flight response. Norepinephrine also supports certain cognitive functions such as alertness, attention, and arousal.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle strength. Both of these two neurotransmitters affect the levels of energy within the body and allow individuals to maintain increased activity.

These neurotransmitters are also supportive of reducing the appetite of an individual. Having higher levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine, an individual can feel more full or satiated as a result.

Phentermine Side Effects

Phentermine, like many other drugs, comes with side effects. The side effects of phentermine can cause uncomfortable and undesirable issues within an individual. There are many different side effects an individual can struggle with.

These effects can be even more pronounced when phentermine is abused or used in ways other than prescribed. These effects can be seen in both physical and psychological side effects of using the drug.

Physical Effects

 

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Unpleasant taste
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting

 

Some of the more severe side effects when using phentermine can include:

 

• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the legs and ankles

 

Psychological Effects

 

• Mood disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Cognitive dysfunction

 

Is Phentermine Addictive?

Phentermine is not an addictive drug. It does not cause a physical or psychological dependence within individuals. Individuals also do not crave for phentermine when they stop using it.

While phentermine isn’t specifically an addictive drug, it does have the potential for abuse. Due to its stimulant-like effects, it can lead to an individual misusing this medication for various reasons.

It can also be dangerous to abuse due to its effects on appetite. Some of the signs of phentermine abuse include:

• Significant weight loss in a short period of time
• Powderizing the substance to snort, smoke, or inject it
• Using it to try and get high or using it outside of its intended purpose

Can Someone Overdose On Phentermine?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on phentermine. With amphetamine-like effects, an individual can take too much phentermine which may result in overdose symptoms. Taking in too much phentermine can lead to issues with blood flow and other heart issues.

Some of the signs of stimulant overdose include:

 

• Seizure
• Trouble breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Unable to be awakened

 

In the case of an overdose, call emergency medical services for immediate medical attention.

Phentermine Long-Term Effects

Phentermine use does not cause withdrawal symptoms but there can be some harmful long term effects an individual may struggle with. These effects can be very dangerous to an individual’s health.

 

• Low energy
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Loss of memory
• Irregular heartbeat

 

It is important to keep in mind that phentermine is a stimulant drug and greatly affects the heart. Stopping the use of this drug so suddenly can lead to dangerous health situations which make working with your provider important.

Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol and other substances can be dangerous to use, especially while on other medications. It is important to inform your doctor or medical provider of any other substance use occurring to best avoid dangerous situations.

It is important for individuals to be aware of how drinking alcohol affects their bodies. This can help lessen the risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or alcohol abuse. The same holds true for other substances.

A common treatment in recovery from drug abuse and drug addiction is to allow individuals to understand the pros and cons of using substances. This helps with knowing why an individual should be wary or careful of a substance.

Even prescription drugs can be abused and lead to addiction. There are many substances that are used as medications that have the potential for addiction and abuse. Amphetamines, a form of stimulant medication, is one of the many prescribed medications like this.

Prescription drugs are utilized as treatments for individuals however, they often come with potentially dangerous consequences. To avoid these dangerous situations, it is important for individuals to follow the prescribed dosage.

Despite phentermine not being an addictive drug, it can still be abused and dangerous. It is important to follow the guidelines and instructions as prescribed by your doctor to avoid unwanted situations.

Signs Of Substance Abuse

There are a few signs of substance abuse you can look for when worrying about your own issue or a loved one’s issue. Seeing a loved one that is suffering or struggling with substance abuse can be difficult to witness however, it is massively important for them to receive the assistance they need to stop this issue.

Some of the signs of substance abuse can include:

 

• Adjusting the method of ingestion
• Using someone else’s medication
• Taking in more than the prescribed amount
• Using the medication to achieve an effect other than the prescribed reason

 

Mixing Phentermine And Alcohol

Mixing phentermine and alcohol can have very harmful effects on the body and health of an individual. Even in low doses, this combination can be very dangerous to ingest while both substances are present within an individual.

It is important for an individual taking this medication to ask their doctor or a medical professional when they are able to drink alcohol while taking phentermine as a medication to allow them to avoid unwanted health risks.

Alcohol affects many different functions within the body including the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system, and digestive system, especially when mixed with phentermine.

Specifically, this affects the CNS by causing dizziness, drowsiness, and issues with cognitive function. This can make it difficult for an individual to properly function. In the cardiovascular system, this combination can strongly affect the blood flow and heart functions in the body.

Not only does this increase the risk of heart failure or other heart diseases, but it can also increase blood pressure within these individuals. Finally, in the digestive system, ingesting alcohol with phentermine can lead to alcohol poisoning.

As the effects of phentermine can impact an individual’s ability to gauge how alcohol is affecting them, they will continue to consume more than is typically appropriate. This can cause stomach aches and other digestive issues.

To remove the excess alcohol from the system, an individual is likely to also experience nausea and vomiting. In other bodily functions and processes of the body, introducing these two substances to the body will also place large pressure on the liver and can have harmful effects on it.

The body will typically process a substance through the liver and so putting more substances for the liver to process all at once can cause damage to the liver.

The amphetamine-like effects of phentermine can make it more difficult for an individual to gauge how intoxicated they are. This can lead to overdrinking and alcohol toxicity within the body.

Following the proper guidelines and instructions given by your medical provider can help you to avoid these dangerous situations. Mixing alcohol with phentermine can have harmful effects on the body which makes it important for you to drink alcohol after waiting at least 12 hours since last taking phentermine.

In this time frame, an individual will likely have allowed phentermine to properly process through their system. While taking phentermine, despite it being a safe and effective drug for weight loss treatment, it is important to keep in mind the dangers of mixing these drugs.

Phentermine And Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment is very helpful and supportive of an individual to break away from many of the issues they have. Proper addiction treatment addresses all of the needs of an individual.

This can be related to addiction as well as not related to addiction. For an individual struggling with phentermine, it is likely they are struggling with their weight. This would be considered a need for this specific individual and they can receive assistance and treatment for this.

With phentermine’s stimulant-like effects and potential for abuse, there still are many situations that may require phentermine addiction treatment. In the same situation, alcohol has a high potential for abuse and can lead to many harmful effects on an individual.

For alcohol addiction, an individual can receive pharmacotherapy as a method of treatment alongside other forms of therapy. This treatment allows individuals to receive medication to allow an individual to better manage withdrawals.

There are many different forms of therapy provided during addiction treatment to support individuals through recovery and allow them to maintain recovery. Some of the forms of treatment include:

 

• Behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Pharmacotherapy
• Support groups

 

Behavioral therapy is one of the main forms of treatment provided to individuals. This treatment is the main way in which many individuals recover from an addiction. This type of treatment can teach individuals skills, techniques, and strategies, and address other issues within an individual to allow them to manage their own experience.

The other forms of therapy can also support individuals in other ways such as socially, allowing an individual to be surrounded by others struggling with the same issues. This can be seen in group therapy, support groups, and even family therapy.

The Addiction Treatment Process

The addiction treatment process typically begins with a drug detoxification program and begins addiction treatment after finishing this program. Drug detox can take from 3-5 days to around 2 weeks depending on the severity of the addiction.

After this, an individual will begin their addiction treatment plan that was made to fit their needs. This process usually lasts at least 90 days but can go for longer depending on where an individual is at in their recovery journey and what is right for individual.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is a drug detoxification program in which an individual lives on-site at a treatment center to undergo this process. This allows an individual to safely remove a substance or substances from their body.

This program provides an individual with 24-hour medical surveillance to assist an individual as they require assistance. Individuals will suffer through difficult or intense withdrawals during this phase and may benefit from undergoing a detox.

This form of detox is better for individuals struggling with intense to moderate withdrawals to assist these individuals through their difficult experiences.

Individuals struggling with alcohol dependence are more likely to undergo this detox program to allow them to safely and comfortably detox from alcohol. Individuals may also be provided with medication as a way to manage their withdrawals.

Partial Hospitalization Programs or PHPs

Partial hospitalization programs are another form of detoxification in which an individual receives treatment during the day and returns home after receiving treatment. The specific term for this type of detoxification is ambulatory detoxification.

Ambulatory detoxification is a form of detoxification that can be utilized for individuals struggling with moderate to mild withdrawals. These individuals also often have a supportive and helpful home environment that is not relapse-provoking.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is a form of treatment in which an individual lives on-site at a treatment center to receive treatment. This form of treatment is beneficial to many individuals struggling with addiction.

An individual is able to be removed from their environment, which may have been relapse-provoking, and enter a new and safe environment. A treatment center is well-equipped to support these individuals through recovery.

Inpatient treatment is an intensive form of treatment that is typically undergone for at least 30 days to allow individuals to recover from addiction, although long-term treatment has better recovery retention overall.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a form of treatment in which an individual receives treatment during the day and can return home after receiving treatment. This form of treatment provides an individual with more flexibility.

This allows individuals to receive treatment while also continuing on with their personal responsibilities such as work or school. Despite it being not as intensive as inpatient treatment, individuals may still receive proper support through this form of treatment.

Find the Right Form of Treatment Now!

Phentermine can be a supportive medication to help individuals lose weight but it can also cause harmful effects on an individual, especially in long-term use or when used with alcohol. Here at Find Addiction Rehabs, we can help you find the right treatment for you.

Whether finding a treatment center in your location or connecting you with recovery tools and resources, our hotline is available 24/7 to make sure you can get the help you need, anytime you need it.

There is a wide variety of treatments available to support you or a loved one through these issues that are ailing them. Call us today and we can help get you the treatment that you need.