Is it Safe to Exercise While Taking Phentermine?

Phentermine is a medication used for a limited period of time for weight loss. Phentermine is in a class of medications called anorectics and works by decreasing your appetite. The medication is used with diet and exercise to treat obesity in people with risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. Exercise is not only safe but also encouraged while you take phentermine, because it helps you lose weight.

You need to do more than just take phentermine to help you lose weight. Following a proper diet and exercising are important. Exercising is not only safe for you to do while on phentermine and helps you lose weight, it has many other benefits according to MayoClinic.com. Exercise improves your mood, combats chronic diseases that you may be at risk for, increases your energy level, promotes better sleep, helps with your sex life because you are in better shape and gives you something productive to do with your time.

If you are exercising, following a proper diet and taking phentermine, you need to know how this medication is typically taken. Most people use phentermine for three to six weeks because it is habit-forming, so take this medication exactly as it is prescribed. Phentermine comes as tablets and extended-release capsules. Extended-release capsules should not be split, chewed or crushed because these actions will interfere with the correct dose. The medication is usually taken as a single dose in the morning or three times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Side effects associated with phentermine include dry mouth, unpleasant taste, insomnia, restlessness, diarrhea, constipation or vomiting. If any of these side effects interfere with your ability to exercise or follow your regular diet, talk to your doctor. There is the possibility of serious side effects that require an immediate call to your doctor. These are increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, severe dizziness, confusion, tremors, shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling in your ankles or feet.

Always take this medication under the direction and supervision of your doctor. Do not take phentermine with other medications, including diet medications, which can cause medical problems. Be careful driving or using heavy equipment, because phentermine may impair your thinking and reactions. Tell your doctor if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, diabetes, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, allergies to this or other diet medications, a history of drug and alcohol abuse, or if you are or plan on becoming pregnant.