Can you get phentermine over the counter?

Phentermine is a prescription drug used to treat obesity in adults and children ages 17 years and older. It’s used along with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and behavioral changes, to help people lose weight. Effects of phentermine include decreasing the appetite, which helps minimize food cravings. Phentermine is one of the oldest and most effective prescription weight-loss products. However, it’s only safe for short-term (a few weeks) use. It’s typically dispensed as a generic drug but can be referred to by its brand names, Adipex-P and Lomaira. 

Phentermine isn’t sold over the counter (OTC) and is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Part of this is because it has serious risks, including the potential for abuse and dependence. Over-the-counter weight-loss pills and appetite suppressants are available, such as Alli (orlistat), green tea extract, and glucomannan. 

Read on to learn more about how to access phentermine and if it’s available over the counter. 

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Can you get phentermine over the counter?

No, phentermine isn’t available over the counter. In fact, because it has a risk of abuse and dependence and works similarly to amphetamine drugs, it’s classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance and is available by prescription only. Controlled substances have restrictions on how they’re prescribed and dispensed at pharmacies. These restrictions help minimize the potential for misuse or abuse. 

Although phentermine isn’t available OTC, other types of weight-loss medications and weight-loss supplements can be purchased OTC. These options may be more suitable for certain people, including those with a history of drug abuse. 

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Phentermine OTC substitutes

In some cases, individuals may prefer over-the-counter diet pills or supplements over prescription drugs. OTC diet pills are more easily accessible and typically carry less serious risks in comparison to prescription medications. Additionally, some individuals may want to avoid the strict regulations that come with taking a controlled substance, or they may have a health condition that precludes them from taking phentermine. Whatever the reason for seeking an OTC phentermine substitute, patients have several over-the-counter phentermine alternative options available for weight loss, including OTC weight-loss drugs and natural appetite suppressants. 

Natural appetite suppressants differ from prescription or OTC weight-loss medications because they contain natural ingredients. Although they have their place in the weight-loss market, it’s important to note that dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. As a result, there are limited studies available that support the effectiveness and safety of natural supplements. Nevertheless, their manufacturers market these products with various claims that they can provide natural weight loss by reducing appetite, decreasing weight, increasing fat loss, increasing metabolic rate (boost metabolism), increasing thermogenesis, and improving energy levels. 

Let’s discuss some of the best OTC phentermine alternatives, including natural phentermine alternatives. 

Alli (orlistat)

At this time, Alli (orlistat) is the only FDA-approved OTC weight-loss medication available. It’s approved for use in overweight adults ages 18 years and older and should be taken along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Alli is the OTC version of the prescription drug Xenical (orlistat). Both drugs contain the active ingredient, orlistat, and work by reducing the amount of fat the body absorbs. However, Alli contains 60 milligrams of orlistat, whereas Xenical contains 120 milligrams. 

Alli may have a modest effect on your ability to lose weight. In studies, when taken with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet, Alli helped people lose 50% more weight than with diet alone. This means if your weight loss result was 5 pounds with diet alone, Alli may help you lose 2 to 3 pounds more. 

Nevertheless, Alli has its risks, just like all other medications. The most common side effects of Alli are digestive side effects, such as stomach pain, oily discharge from the anus, oily stools, urgent or more frequent bowel movements. Other side effects may occur, such as dry mouth or an increased heart rate. Severe liver problems have also been reported rarely with Alli. For this reason, stop taking Alli and contact your healthcare provider if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or itching during your weight loss journey. 

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber that increases feelings of satiety and fullness, extends the time it takes for your stomach to empty, and reduces fat and protein absorption in the gut. In studies, glucomannan had positive effects on lipid and glucose levels. However, its effect on weight loss has been inconsistent.

When used short-term, glucomannan is typically well tolerated. Mild side effects such as belching, bloating, and stomach discomfort may occur. However, blockages in the esophagus have been reported, specifically with the use of glucomannan tablets.

Green tea and green tea extract

Green tea is a beverage that has many potential health benefits. However, dietary supplements typically contain green tea in the form of green tea extract. Regarding weight loss, green tea and green tea extract may increase fat burning and breakdown and decrease fat absorption. Research has shown that green tea may moderately affect weight loss. For example, a 2016 study found that 12 weeks of treatment with high-dose green tea extract showed beneficial effects on weight loss, waist circumference, and total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Significant improvements in skin health can also be attributed to this extract’s antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. Green coffee bean extract and guarana extract have also been studied as weight loss supplements. Different supplements have different amounts of green tea extract, so it’s best to ask a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage for you. 

Green tea as a beverage is well tolerated and typically doesn’t cause any adverse effects. Green tea extract can cause mild to moderate adverse effects. Potential side effects include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and high blood pressure. Although it’s rare, there have been reports of liver damage after consumption of green tea extract. According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), liver problems are more likely when green tea extract is taken on an empty stomach. Therefore, it’s recommended to take these supplements with food. 

Probiotics

Millions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, live in your digestive tract. These microorganisms form the gut microbiota, which plays an important role in the digestive process by absorbing nutrients and energy from food. Probiotics are in foods, such as certain yogurts and some dietary supplements. They may aid in weight loss by changing gut microbiota. Although studies on the effects of probiotics on body fat, weight, and waist and hip circumference have found inconsistent results, some research shows that probiotics can support a reduction in body weight and fat percentage. Additional research is needed to fully understand the benefits of probiotics for obesity. 

For the most part, probiotics do not cause side effects in healthy individuals. If and when they do, the side effects, such as gas, are typically minor and are stomach-related. 

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Prescription phentermine alternatives

Other phentermine alternatives include prescription weight-loss pills. Although these options aren’t sold OTC and are only available with a doctor’s prescription, they are all FDA-approved alternatives to phentermine. This means they have undergone rigorous review by the FDA and have been approved based on their evidence of safety and effectiveness. Moreover, many of these phentermine alternatives are indicated for long-term use, while phentermine is only approved for short-term use. 

The following lists provide some of the top phentermine alternatives available with a prescription. All of them are FDA-approved prescription medications. 

Oral alternatives:

• Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion)
• Tenuate (diethylpropion)
• Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate)
• Benzphetamine
• Evekeo (amphetamine)
• Phendimetrazine
• Xenical (orlistat)

Injectable alternatives:

• Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Wegovy (semaglutide)

Each drug has its risks and benefits. Only your healthcare provider can decide which option is right for you based on your medical conditions, other medications, and weight loss goals.