Key takeaways
Phentermine is a prescription stimulant approved as a short-term weight-loss treatment.
Phentermine is known to increase energy, focus, and alertness, but fatigue is also a side effect for some people.
Though phentermine has a stimulant effect, it’s important to understand that it is not FDA-approved as an energy booster.
Phentermine (brand name: Adipex-P) is a generic prescription weight-loss medication intended only for short-term use. It is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and works by suppressing appetite. Because it is a stimulant, phentermine “may make a person feel more energetic,” says Mir Ali, MD, bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center.
Below, Dr. Ali and other experts weigh in on phentermine’s energizing effects, why some people might feel tired on phentermine, and how to know if phentermine is right for your weight-loss goals and energy needs.
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Does phentermine give you energy?
Oftentimes, yes. Phentermine belongs to a class of drugs called CNS stimulants, which affect brain activity in a way that can make people feel alert and full of energy. Restlessness and overstimulation are common side effects of phentermine, according to DailyMed.
“Phentermine works by stimulating the release of certain brain chemicals, particularly norepinephrine, which can reduce hunger signals and help people feel fuller sooner,” explains Barbara Sparacino, MD, a triple board-certified physician and psychiatrist in Miami, Florida. “For some patients, that stimulation may also translate into feeling more awake or alert.”
Body weight reduction, the primary effect of phentermine, can also improve energy levels. “When people begin sleeping better, carrying less weight, improving blood sugar, or becoming more physically active, they may naturally feel more energized overall,” Dr. Sparacino says.
Phentermine vs. other stimulants
Phentermine is not unique in its ability to suppress cravings and stimulate brain activity. Other stimulants do the same. For instance, Adderall, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, can suppress appetite, inadvertently causing weight loss. Phentermine is the reverse: It is used to treat obesity (a BMI of 30 or higher), but it can also increase focus and alertness, giving you energy.
When comparing phentermine vs Adderall or phentermine vs. Vyvanse, it’s important to understand that though these drugs affect the body in similar ways, they are different medications with different uses. Only a licensed healthcare provider can provide personalized medical advice on which might be best and safest for a particular patient’s condition, whether that is ADHD, obesity, both, or something else entirely.
How quickly does phentermine give you energy?
Phentermine’s effects kick in quickly. “Extended-release phentermine usually is noticeable for appetite and energy within 1-2 hours,” says Sally L. Coburn, FNP-BC, RDN, a nurse practitioner and board-certified specialist in obesity and weight management in Anchorage, Alaska.
That said, phentermine isn’t guaranteed to give you energy. “The experience varies significantly from person to person,” Dr. Sparacino says. There also isn’t a way to speed up how fast phentermine gives you energy, and it’s important not to take phentermine purely for its energy benefits. While this drug may offer a boost to your physical motivation and mental edge, those are potential side effects, not the intended use. Phentermine is only FDA-approved for short-term weight loss and management.
How long does phentermine give you energy?
Phentermine’s energizing effects can last all day, which is why Dr. Ali instructs patients to take phentermine in the morning. “It can affect sleep quality,” Coburn adds.
Some people experience an energy crash as phentermine levels decline in the late afternoon or evening. This is known as rebound hypersomnolence, or rebound sleepiness. You may be able to avoid this afternoon slump by carefully timing your phentermine dose or eating energizing foods as its effects wear off.
Why do some people feel tired instead of energized?
Phentermine can make some people tired, even though it’s a stimulant. There are many possible reasons someone might experience fatigue on phentermine:
- Medication side effects: Fatigue is a known side effect of phentermine. That means clinical trials of phentermine found that fatigue was more common in phentermine users than in the placebo group.
- Rebound fatigue: Some people may get sleepy as the energizing effects of phentermine wear off later in the day. As the effects of the medication fade, low energy and fatigue may feel more noticeable than if you hadn’t taken the stimulant at all.
- Poor sleep: Dr. Ali says some patients may experience sleep disturbances while on phentermine, leading to tiredness the next day.
- Reduced-calorie diet: “A reduction in caloric intake and the process of weight loss can contribute to fatigue,” Dr. Ali says. It can also trigger an emotional response. Some people may initially mistake reduced emotional eating or reduced stimulation-seeking behavior for low energy when in reality they’re simply feeling calmer or less impulsive around food,” Dr. Sparacino says.
- Dehydration: Dr. Sparacino says that, in addition to being appetite suppressants, stimulants can “reduce thirst cues,” so you inadvertently drink less water.
- Underlying ADHD: Stimulants like Adderall are used to treat ADHD because “ADHD brains tend to be calmed by them,” Coburn says.
- Individual reaction: “Some individuals simply react differently to stimulants and experience a kind of ‘paradoxical’ fatigue,” Dr. Sparacino says.
- Drug interactions: Phentermine affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain, so taking it with other medications can have unintended consequences on mood, energy, and more. Phentermine interactions include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and more.
Anyone concerned about feeling tired while taking phentermine should consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Potential side effects of increased energy
Stimulants like phentermine or Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) increase energy by impacting the brain’s alertness and reward centers. This can increase energy, but it can also cause unpleasant side effects, such as jitteriness, anxiety, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
One small study of phentermine broke down the percentage of patients who experienced these energy-related side effects:
- Insomnia: 35%
- Fatigue: 24%
- Palpitations: 21%
- Sweating: 7%
- Anxiety: 7%
Phentermine can trigger unpleasant side effects by stimulating your central nervous system. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you notice cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain while taking phentermine.
Optimizing your energy while taking phentermine
If you are concerned about optimizing your energy while taking phentermine, several strategies can help manage alertness, fatigue, or both.
- Take phentermine at the beginning of the day. Taking stimulant medications first thing in the morning or with breakfast can help prevent daytime tiredness and nighttime sleep disruption.
- Eat consistently timed, nourishing meals. Don’t skip meals, as that can lead to uneven energy levels throughout the day. Prioritize energy-boosting foods like slow-burning carbohydrates (whole grains and legumes), lean protein, and healthy fats. This is also a great diet for weight loss, which is why you’re probably considering phentermine.
- Stay hydrated. Phentermine can cause dry mouth. When taken as the combination drug phentermine/topiramate, you may be more likely to develop a kidney stone. Drink extra fluids to prevent kidney stones from forming. Staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks, such as coconut water or sports drinks, can help prevent dehydration and optimize your body’s energy production.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. A good night of sleep sets you up for success the next day. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night and practice good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time each night, sleeping in a cool, dark room, and avoiding caffeine in the evenings.
Is phentermine right for you?
Phentermine isn’t right for everyone. This prescription medication is not safe for people with heart disease or heart problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma, and certain thyroid problems. Phentermine is a controlled substance, meaning it’s not recommended for people with a history of substance abuse. It is also not intended for people without obesity. As with all weight-loss medications, it works best when paired with a calorie-deficient diet and exercise plan.
“I find it most helpful for those who have less weight to lose or for maintaining weight loss achieved by other means,” Dr. Ali says. He also notes that phentermine can be a lower-cost alternative to expensive weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy or Zepbound. Alternatives also include Qsymia, a combination of phentermine and topiramate. Patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes might also consider the GLP-1s Ozempic or Mounjaro. However, phentermine may be a more affordable option.
Bottom line: Only a healthcare provider familiar with your medical history, health conditions, and other medications and supplements can determine whether phentermine is right for your weight loss journey and energy needs.” Sustainable weight management is usually about long-term lifestyle change, not simply feeling temporarily stimulated,” Dr. Sparacino says.
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