{"id":629010,"date":"2024-07-20T16:07:29","date_gmt":"2024-07-20T20:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629010"},"modified":"2025-09-12T16:27:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T20:27:09","slug":"phentermine-for-adhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/phentermine-for-adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Does phentermine help with ADHD?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phentermine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/span> (<\/span>FDA<\/span><\/a>) as a weight loss medication. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance and is sold under the brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira. Phentermine is meant to be used on a short-term basis to assist in weight loss for people with obesity (BMI 30 or more) or for people who are overweight (BMI 27 or more) who also have risk factors such as controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It\u2019s recommended that phentermine be used with other lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phentermine <\/span>works by stimulating<\/span><\/a> norepinephrine and epinephrine release and has a mechanism of action similar to amphetamines, which are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As such, people may wonder if it’s possible to use phentermine for ADHD. As of now, phentermine is not FDA-approved for ADHD, and the evidence of its effectiveness is scarce. However, healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe phentermine for off-label uses, such as for the treatment of ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can phentermine be used to treat ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As to whether or not phentermine is effective in the treatment of ADHD, there are no robust clinical trials regarding the use of phentermine as an ADHD medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jenepher K. Piper, MSN, CRNP<\/span><\/a>, a nurse practitioner at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, emphasizes that phentermine is not approved for this use. \u201cPhentermine is an old psychotropic medication that is indicated by the FDA for the short-term treatment of weight loss,\u201d she says. \u201cIt does not have the approved indication for ADHD.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Piper says, phentermine is closely related to prescription medications that are approved for ADHD, including <\/span>Dexedrine<\/span><\/a>, which is<\/span> approved by the FDA<\/span><\/a> to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Phentermine is also similar in action to Vyvanse, a medication that\u2019s<\/span> FDA-approved<\/span><\/a> to treat ADHD and binge-eating disorder, though not weight loss specifically.<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span> 2016 article published in <\/span>Frontiers in Pharmacology<\/span><\/i><\/a> noted that phentermine has similarities with the CNS stimulant dexamphetamine, which is found in ADHD medications like Dexedrine, ProCentra, and <\/span>Zenzedi<\/span><\/a>. The study researchers also note that phentermine can improve executive functioning, which refers to the ability to plan ahead and exhibit self-control, both of which can be challenging for people with ADHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does phentermine work for ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The evidence regarding phentermine\u2019s effectiveness for treating ADHD is scarce,<\/span> Andrew Youssouf, MD,<\/span><\/a> double board-certified in addiction medicine and emergency medicine and medical director of Ikon Recovery, explains. \u201cThis medication is not typically prescribed for managing ADHD symptoms,\u201d Dr. Youssouf says. \u201cIts main application is in weight loss, not addressing the challenges associated with ADHD.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, phentermine shares attributes with other ADHD medications and has a similar mechanism of action in the body. \u201cPhentermine stimulates the release of norepinephrine, which can influence alertness and appetite,\u201d Dr. Youssouf says. Still, \u201cits effects on ADHD symptoms are not well-documented,\u201d he stresses.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Piper, phentermine may help increase focus and decrease ADHD symptoms in the following ways:<\/span><\/p>\n