From the Guidelines
A 23-year-old female can take phentermine, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider and after a thorough medical evaluation, as recommended by the AGA in 2022 1.
Key Considerations
- Phentermine is an FDA-approved medication for short-term weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related conditions.
- The recommended dosage of phentermine is 15 to 37.5 mg orally once daily in the morning, as stated in a study published in Gastroenterology in 2017 1.
- Phentermine should be used alongside diet and exercise modifications for optimal results, not as a standalone treatment.
Important Safety Information
- Phentermine is contraindicated in certain conditions, including heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, history of drug abuse, pregnancy, and when taking certain medications like MAOIs.
- Common side effects of phentermine include dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, and increased heart rate.
- Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored periodically while taking phentermine, as suggested by the AGA in 2022 1.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight management requires comprehensive lifestyle changes for long-term success, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- The AGA suggests using phentermine with lifestyle modifications, compared with lifestyle modifications alone, for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related complications 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Phentermine is not recommended for use in patients 16 years of age and under. The FDA drug label does not answer the question for a 23-year-old female.
From the Research
Phentermine Use in a 23-year-old Female
- The provided studies do not specifically address the use of phentermine in a 23-year-old female. However, they do discuss the safety and efficacy of phentermine in adults and its potential use in various populations 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study found that phentermine use was associated with clinically significant weight loss in adults and was generally well tolerated 2.
- Another study demonstrated that controlled-release phentermine/topiramate (PHEN/TPM CR) was effective in promoting sustained weight loss and improving metabolic benefits in overweight and obese adults 3.
- A study on the safety and effectiveness of longer-term phentermine use found that patients using phentermine continuously for more than 12 months experienced more weight loss without an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease or death 4.
- Phentermine has also been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss and improving glycemic control in obese/overweight patients with type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with lifestyle modification 5.
- While there is limited information on the use of phentermine in young adults, a study on the effectiveness of phentermine plus lifestyle modifications among youth in a pediatric weight management clinical setting found that it was effective in reducing BMI percentile 6.
Safety and Efficacy Considerations
- The safety and efficacy of phentermine in a 23-year-old female would depend on various factors, including her overall health, medical history, and the presence of any comorbidities.
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the potential benefits and risks of phentermine use in this population 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate the patient's individual characteristics and medical history before prescribing phentermine, as well as monitor its use and adjust treatment as needed 2, 4.