Phentermine and Adderall are both stimulant drugs, but they are formulated to serve different purposes. The former is the main ingredient of Adipex-P that is prescribed for weight loss. Adderall on the other hand, is formulated to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.
| Phentermine/Adipex | Adderall | |
|---|---|---|
| Use For | Mainly for ADHD | Appetite suppressant |
| FDA approved | Yes | No |
| Side EffectsS | Mild side effects | Mild side effects |
| Active Ingredient | Phentermine HYDROCHLORIDE | Dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate and amphetamine sulfate |
How does Adderall help in losing weight? Weight loss is the common adverse effect of Adderall and this is the reason why sometimes doctors prescribe such medication for that purpose.
However, before taking either of these drugs you must consult first your doctor for your safety. Let’s read what are the difference Phentermine vs Adderall.
Prescribing details
To know more about these two medications, the key is to consider some prescribing details. As mentioned above, Phentermine is approved by the U.S. FDA as a weight loss medication.
It underwent and passed extensive testing in terms of safety and effectiveness to serve the purpose.
Adderall in a way is not recommended for the sole purpose of losing weight as it does not undergo arduous testing. Thus, to avoid risks to your health, you must use medications formulated for your intended purpose.
Effectiveness of Phentermine and Adderall
Another factor that makes the difference between Phentermine and Adderall is its effectiveness. Obviously, phentermine is more effective knowing that it is an active ingredient. But, the effect also depends on the brand of phentermine that you’re taking.
Drugs.com revealed that clinical studies proved that obese adults taking phentermine lose more weight as compared to those taking diet and placebo.
The effect may differ from one person to another. It depends on the reaction of your body to the medication you’re taking.
Side effects of Phentermine and Adderall
Just like any other drugs, both Phentermine and Adderall pose side effects. Aside from losing weight, people taking Adderall may experience adverse effects including abnormal heartbeats, increased blood pressure, insomnia, tremors, lightheadedness, hallucinations, muscle twitches, headaches, and dizziness. Sexual dysfunction and changes in mental state are also possible.
Phentermine also poses side effects, but minimal as compared to Adderall. Common adverse effects include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, and unpleasant taste. Taking both medications for a long time may lead to physical dependency.
The effect of these drugs is just temporary. You may enjoy the result during the course, but after completing the prescribed duration, you will find difficulty dealing with the withdrawal from medications. The worst thing is that you will experience unpleasant side effects.
Taking these medications yields positive results, but it makes an individual reliant on the drugs. The consequences are, he or she may consume too much food and perform little exercise. It also encourages the dieter to practice healthy eating and lifestyle.
Unfortunately, taking drug therapies for losing weight inhibits the dieter from learning the right way of eating to avoid gaining weight. Both phentermine and Adderall are not recommended for long-term usage as they may become addictive.
If you want to lose weight, the best thing is to do it naturally. There are many ways to shed unwanted pounds without taking drugs or diet pills.
Keep in mind that losing weight is not an overnight task. It takes time and no matter how obese or overweight you are, as long as you’re doing the right technique you can achieve your goal.
Likewise, you should have patience and commitment in order to win the battle. Your success begins in your mind and having the right mindset is the key to becoming successful in your goal of losing weight.
Instead of taking “off-label” prescriptions, you can consider consuming foods having low-fat carbohydrates that will make you feel full naturally. If you’re not practicing a positive lifestyle most likely it would be difficult to achieve your goal of losing extra pounds.
Aiming to lose weight is not bad as long as you’re taking the right steps. Why put your life at risk if you can lose weight in a safe way?
Taking weight loss drug therapies is very risky because of the deleterious side effects. Thus, to avoid the risks, the best thing to do is to consider the formula of doing exercise, intake of balanced nutrition, and having a positive mental attitude.
Therefore, before you decide to take any of those two drug therapies, you must take time to research and discover the possibilities of how those drugs will work in shedding unwanted pounds.
Are Phentermine and Adderall Safe Together?
Combining phentermine and Adderall is generally not recommended and should only be done under the close supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Both phentermine and Adderall are medications that affect the central nervous system, and using them together can increase the risk of severe side effects and complications.
Here are some essential points to consider:
Similar Mechanism of Action: Both phentermine and Adderall work as stimulants, although they have different primary uses. Phentermine is commonly used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, while Adderall is primarily prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Increased Side Effects: Combining these two medications can increase the risk of side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia. These side effects can be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Potential for Addiction: Both Phentermine and Adderall have the potential for abuse and addiction when misused or without medical supervision. Using them together can increase this risk.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have a medical condition requiring Adderall and are considering using phentermine for weight loss, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and determine if there are safer alternatives or if combining these medications is medically appropriate.
Regular Monitoring: If a healthcare provider decides that combining phentermine and Adderall is necessary, they will likely closely monitor your progress and adjust the dosages as needed. This supervision is crucial to minimize risks and ensure your safety.
References
- Adderall Prescribing Information, AccessFDA
- Phentermine Prescribing Information, AccessFDA
- Recognition and treatment of serotonin syndrome, PubMed
- Potential Adverse Effects of Amphetamine Treatment on Brain and Behavior: A Review., PubMed
is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science from Dhaka University and has worked with various clients to help them achieve their health goals through personalized diet plans. Mounota is passionate about educating people on the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle and has written extensively on the subject for various publications.
You have the indications for these 2 medications switched. See above.