{"id":4327,"date":"2019-05-27T12:50:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T16:50:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3644"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:31:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:31:00","slug":"phendimetrazine-vs-phentermine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/phendimetrazine-vs-phentermine\/","title":{"rendered":"Phendimetrazine vs. phentermine: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n

Phendimetrazine and phentermine are prescription weight-loss medications that work in similar ways. They are generally prescribed to individuals <\/span>who are obese<\/span><\/a> or overweight with certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both phendimetrazine and phentermine are generic medications that are only available with a prescription. They are mainly classified as anorectics or appetite suppressants<\/a>, sympathomimetic amines, and <\/span>stimulants<\/span><\/a>. Both phendimetrazine and phentermine are only recommended for a short duration with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. Because they are chemically similar to amphetamines, phendimetrazine and phentermine are controlled substances that carry a risk of abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between phendimetrazine and phentermine, including their effectiveness, safety, and costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between phendimetrazine and phentermine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The main differences between <\/span>phendimetrazine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>phentermine<\/span><\/a> are in their available forms, dosages, and restrictions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosages\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Phendimetrazine, also known as phendimetrazine tartrate, is available as a 35 mg tablet and <\/span>105 mg extended-release capsule<\/span><\/a>. The usual dosage of phendimetrazine is a 35 mg tablet two to three times daily one hour before meals or a 105 mg extended-release capsule once in the morning 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phentermine is available as a regular oral tablet, capsule, extended-release capsule, and orally disintegrating tablet. Phentermine is available in strengths ranging from 15 to 37.5 mg, depending on the dosage form. There are also 8 mg tablets available under the brand name Lomaira, which can be taken up to three times daily 30 minutes before meals. The usual phentermine dosage is a 37.5 mg tablet one to two hours before breakfast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Controlled substance schedules<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another key difference between phendimetrazine and phentermine is their classification as <\/span>controlled substances<\/span><\/a>. Phendimetrazine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, while phentermine is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that phendimetrazine has a higher potential for abuse and dependence than phentermine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Age limits<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are slight differences in the age limits for each drug. Both drugs may be prescribed for people with obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and people who are overweight with a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related medical conditions. However, phendimetrazine is FDA approved for adults and children 17 years or older, while phentermine is FDA approved for adults and children 16 years or older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPhendimetrazine<\/b><\/td>\nPhentermine<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAnorectic<\/span><\/p>\n

Sympathomimetic<\/span><\/p>\n

Stimulant<\/span><\/td>\n

Anorectic<\/span><\/p>\n

Sympathomimetic<\/span><\/p>\n

Stimulant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric version available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nBontril, Bontril PDM, Melfiat, Prelu-2, and others<\/span><\/td>\nAdipex-P, Lomaira, and others<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet, oral capsule, extended-release capsule<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet, oral capsule, extended-release capsule, orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n35 mg 2 to 3 times daily 1 hour before meals or 105 mg once every morning before breakfast<\/span><\/td>\n15 to 37.5 mg by mouth every morning before breakfast<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term use, not more than a few weeks at a time, according to clinical studies<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term use, up to 12 weeks at a time, according to clinical studies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 17 years of age and older with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related medical conditions<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 16 years of age and older with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related medical conditions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by phendimetrazine and phentermine<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phendimetrazine and phentermine are used to treat obesity, which is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. These drugs may also be prescribed for individuals who are overweight that have a BMI of 27 or higher and weight-related medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Phendimetrazine and phentermine are not intended for use in people who only need to lose a few pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

These medications are believed to work by decreasing appetite. They may also affect certain transmitters or chemicals in the central nervous system (CNS), such as dopamine and norepinephrine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nPhendimetrazine<\/b><\/td>\nPhentermine<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight reduction for people with obesity (BMI of 30 kg\/m2 or higher)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight reduction for people who are overweight (BMI of 27 kg\/m2 or higher) with weight-related conditions<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is phendimetrazine or phentermine more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phendimetrazine and phentermine are both effective options for <\/span>short-term weight loss<\/span><\/a> when used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. There have been no head-to-head clinical studies that compare the effectiveness of phendimetrazine and phentermine. However, according to their prescription labels, phendimetrazine and phentermine are effective when compared to a placebo. The degree of weight loss is greatest in the first few weeks of treatment and may decrease over time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obesity treatment guidelines<\/span><\/a> recommend starting with lifestyle changes, such as an appropriate exercise regimen, healthy meal plan, and behavioral therapy. Prescription drugs may be considered if lifestyle changes aren\u2019t enough to reduce body weight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment option. The best option will depend on your overall medical condition and other medications you may be taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend an <\/span>alternative to phentermine<\/span><\/a> or phendimetrazine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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