How Long Does Phentermine Stay In Your System: Understanding The Duration

Phentermine with the brand name Adipex, is a FDA-approved prescription medication used for weight loss as it has appetite-suppressing qualities. The obesity cases are very high in the United States. Doctors prescribe phentermine in combination with exercises, a low-calorie diet, and behavior modification programs to treat obesity. So, if you are taking or planning this medicine, understanding, "How long does phentermine stay in your system" is important whether it is for managing side effects, drug tests, or some other safety considerations. Our article will help you understand its detection timing, side effects, and many more crucial facts. Read on!

How Long Does Phentermine Stay in Your System?

Wondering, "How long does 15mg phentermine stay in your system" or "How long does phentermine 37.5 stay in your system?" Well, whatever the amount of the drug is, knowing its half-life is crucial to understanding its stay in the body. According to a study, in general, the half-life of this medicine is around 20 hours. It means it takes this amount of time for the body to reduce the active substance in the bloodstream by half. This shows phentermine may take approximately 20 hours to reduce by half. So, complete elimination of the medicine might need 5 to 6 half-lives. So, "phentermine can stay in the system for around 4 to 6 days. The duration can differ based on various factors such as age, metabolism, frequency of use, etc. Let’s take a closer look at all these factors in the next section!

Factors Influencing Phentermine Duration

Several factors can increase or decrease the stay of the phentermine in the system. Those include:

• Metabolism: People who have a faster metabolism will process and remove the medicine more quickly compared to those who have a slower metabolism. Genetics, physical activities, and overall health can affect metabolic rate.

• Age: Older people usually tend to have a slower metabolism, meaning the body will take a longer time to get rid of phentermine.

• Body Mass: Individuals with a high body fat percentage may store the metabolites of the medicine for a longer period. This is because their body can store the drug in the fat tissue and release it slowly in the bloodstream.

• Dosage: A higher dose of phentermine can take time to metabolize (break down) and eliminate from the body.

• Frequency of use: Frequent users can accumulate the drug metabolites in the body, extending the time of elimination.

• Hydration level: Staying hydrated can impact how rapidly the drug is eliminated. Proper hydration effectively helps get rid of metabolites via urine.

• Kidney and liver function: The role of the liver is to metabolize (break down) the phentermine while the kidney contributes to its elimination. Impaired kidney and liver function can slow the metabolization and excretion process, leading to a longer stay of the drug. 

Does Phentermine Show Up in a Drug Test?

Yes, Phentermine can be detectable in drug tests, especially those that detect amphetamines. Standard drug screening often includes screening for amphetamines. As the chemical structure of the phentermine and amphetamines is similar, it can show false positive results in certain drug tests. So, even if you are taking prescription phentermine, it is very essential to discuss it with the testing authorities before the drug test. This will help avoid any kind of misunderstanding. Wondering about the detection window of the phentermine in the drug test. Well, the detection time can vary based on the type of drug test used. 

Phentermine Detection Window Based on Different Drug Tests

Several drug tests such as urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests can help detect the presence of phentermine in the system. Here is the explanation of the detection window of the drug based on the type of test used.

How long does phentermine stay in your blood?

Blood drug tests are commonly used to detect phentermine. The drug can be detectable in the blood within 24 hours or 1 day following the last single dose. In some cases, the detection time can increase. 

How long does phentermine stay in your system’s urine?

Urine drug test is the common method to detect phentermine. The drug can stay in the urine for up to 1 to 4 days after the last consumption. However, for frequent users or people who take higher doses, the detection time can increase.

How long does phentermine stay in your saliva?

A saliva drug test can identify the phentermine for up to 1 to 2 days following the last use. As this drug test does not involve any cut or needle use, it quickly helps detect the drug.

How long does phentermine stay in your hair follicles?

Drug tests using small hair samples can find the phentermine in the body for up to 90 days or more. This type of drug testing method is frequently used. However, it can give a prolonged detection time for frequent users. 

How Long Can You Take Phentermine?

According to one research, phentermine is approved to be prescribed for a short period, for up to 12 weeks or sometimes less. The reason is the absence of data that can provide evidence of its safety for long-term use. However, in some cases, doctors can recommend it for more than 3 months which can help reduce excess body weight. Generally, depending on your medical history, health condition, kidney and liver functions, or many other factors, the healthcare providers can determine how long you can take it.

The dosages can vary, with common adult doses ranging from 15 to 37.5 mg once daily. For the phentermine 37.5 mg tablet, which is a common prescription strength, the effects can last towards the upper end of this range. The best time to take phentermine is usually before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast. This approach helps avoid insomnia and ensures the medication's efficacy throughout the day. Moreover, its use is contraindicated in individuals younger than 16 years old and those with certain health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Risks of Phentermine (Adipex)

Many people have queries "Is Adipex safe?" Yes, it is safe to consume only for a short period. If you use it for a longer period without consulting the doctor, you might develop some side effects such as: 

• High blood pressure 

• Shortness of breath 

• Heart palpitations 

• Chest pain 

• Difficulty exercising 

• Headaches

• Tiredness

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Unpleasant taste

• Skin redness

• Swelling in the ankles and legs

If you experience any side effects that last for longer and affect your overall well-being, seek medical help soon. 

What Happens When You Stop Taking Phentermine?

If you stop taking phentermine, you soon regain the weight you have lost using this medication. Moreover, if you have been using it for a short period, stopping its use doesn't lead to withdrawal symptoms. However, cases of long-term and high-dose use can usually result in some withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop it. These symptoms emerge because the body needs time to adjust to the absence of phentermine's effects. So, it is recommended to taper off (reduce) the dosage of the medication under the doctor's guidance. This can help prevent the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Phentermine Drug

Some Phentermine 37.5 side effects are uncomfortable and unpleasant many times. These can be:

• Pain in the chest

• Swollen ankles and feet

• Skipped heartbeat and fluttering in the chest

• Pounding in the ears

• Trouble catching the breath

• Difficulty sleeping

• Irritability

• Severe fatigue

• Depression

• Sudden changes in the mood

You may experience other side effects of Phentermine 37.5 mg, like feeling itchy, stomach pains, dry mouth, constipation, and a sour taste. These side effects can also be due to the body's reaction to fewer happy hormones. It can result in stress eating and increased weight gain.

Is It Possible to Become Addicted to Phentermines?

Since phentermine triggers the brain to produce serotonin and dopamine in a higher amount, there can be a risk of addiction to experience the pleasurable feeling. The chances of addiction are higher if you use this medication in higher doses than recommended or use it in a way not intended like getting an injection or snorting. The following are the potential symptoms of phentermine addiction:

• Severe cravings for phentermine

• Sweating excessively

• Difficulty reducing or stopping its use

• Spending more time thinking about getting and using the medication

• Frequent nausea that comes with or without vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Heart palpitations

• Asking for the drug from friends and family

• Poor work or school performance

Is There a Possibility of Phentermine Overdose?

Yes, if you take phentermine in an excessive amount than recommended, it can lead to an overdose issue. Overdosing can be sometimes life-threatening. In certain cases, overdosing occurs due to the use of phentermine along with alcohol, smoke, caffeine, and other drugs. So, if you notice the recommended dose is not giving the required results, talk to the healthcare providers directly. Do not try to increase the dose yourself as you can become at more risk of overdosing. The possible symptoms of phentermine overdose are:

• Chest pain

• Abnormal heart rate

• Hallucinations

• Nausea

• Involuntary tremors

• Abdominal cramps

Note: If you or someone around you overdose on phentermine, call 911 for emergency help. 

Tips For Safely Using Phentermine

To safely use Phentermine for weight loss, it's essential to follow medical guidance and consider the potential phentermine 37.5mg side effects. Here are some essential tips for using phentermine safely:

• Use the right dosage as directed; 1 hour before breakfast or 1-2 hours post-breakfast.

• Swallow the whole table; do not chew, crush, or break it.

• Take it along with a balanced diet, proper exercise, and behavior changes as suggested by the doctor.

• Avoid phentermine if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. This can lead to potential adverse effects.

• Also, do not drink alcohol as it can raise the chances of side effects of the medication. 

• Avoid taking the dose 4-6 hours before going to bed unless the provider advises. This can make it challenging for you to sleep. 

How to Flush Phentermine From Your System Before Surgery?

If you're soon undergoing surgery, stop taking the phentermine at least 1 week before the surgery as the drug remains in the body for around 4-6 days. This is because it can potentially lead to an interaction between general anesthesia (used during surgery) and phentermine. This, in turn, can cause low blood pressure. However, when to discontinue the medication also depends on the amount of phentermine you're using and the type of surgery you're undergoing. Higher doses need more time to eliminate from the body and also elective surgeries need the discontinuation of the medication. As there is no quick or reliable way to flush the medication, so, always discuss it with the doctors before any surgical procedures. The providers can help plan to stop the use of phentermine a week or within the recommended time frame. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding, “How long does phentermine stay in your system” is very crucial. It can help you get prepared if you are undergoing a drug test, manage the potential side effects, and prevent other complications like withdrawal, addiction, or overdose. This drug usually helps with weight loss and works by releasing happy hormones in the body, like Serotonin. It keeps you healthy and can also reduce emotional eating and aid in appetite suppression. This consequently promotes weight loss. But, it's crucial to balance Adipex use with good eating habits and regular exercise. Always consult a doctor before starting Adipex to make sure it's safe and right for you. Remember, losing weight is more than just taking a pill; it's about making lasting lifestyle changes.