Clarification: This Question Appears to Be About Phentermine, Not "Lemon Tea"
Based on the 20 mg dose and appetite suppression effects described, you are almost certainly asking about phentermine, not lemon tea. Phentermine is a sympathomimetic appetite suppressant commonly prescribed at doses of 15-37.5 mg daily 1.
Immediate Answer: Appetite Suppression Returns Within 1-2 Days
Your appetite suppression should return within 1-2 days of resuming 20 mg phentermine, as the medication reaches steady-state plasma concentrations rapidly due to its pharmacokinetic profile. 1
Understanding Phentermine's Mechanism and Timeline
How Phentermine Works
- Phentermine is an adrenergic agonist that promotes weight loss by activating the sympathetic nervous system through norepinephrine release, which causes increased resting energy expenditure and appetite suppression 1
- The appetite-suppressing effects are dose-dependent, which explains why dropping from 20 mg to 15 mg resulted in increased hunger 1
Expected Timeline for Effect Restoration
- Day 1 after dose increase: You may notice some appetite suppression returning as plasma levels begin to rise
- Days 2-3: Full appetite suppression should be restored as the medication reaches therapeutic levels
- The rapid onset occurs because phentermine does not require weeks of accumulation like some other medications 1
Important Considerations About Your Dose Change
Why the 15 mg Dose Caused Hunger
- The 15 mg dose represents a 25% reduction in your medication, which is pharmacologically significant enough to reduce the sympathomimetic effects on appetite centers 1
- Individual patients require different doses to achieve adequate appetite suppression, and 20 mg may simply be your optimal therapeutic dose 1
Monitoring Your Response
- At 12 weeks on your maximum dose: You should have achieved at least 5% body weight loss to justify continuing phentermine 2
- If you have not lost at least 5% of body weight after 12 weeks at 20 mg (or whatever your maximum tolerated dose is), the medication should be discontinued as it is not providing therapeutic benefit 2
Safety Monitoring Requirements
- Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored at every visit, as phentermine can increase both 2
- Common side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and constipation 1
Critical Warnings
Do Not Adjust Doses Frequently
- Avoid cycling up and down in dose based on day-to-day hunger fluctuations
- Stay at your effective dose (20 mg in your case) consistently to maintain stable appetite suppression 1
Contraindications and Cautions
- Phentermine is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or history of drug abuse 1
- It should not be used within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 1
- As a Schedule IV controlled substance, phentermine carries abuse potential 2
Long-Term Use Considerations
- While FDA-approved for short-term use (12 weeks), many providers prescribe phentermine for longer durations off-label for continued weight management 1, 2
- The decision to continue beyond 12 weeks should be based on achieving at least 5% weight loss and absence of cardiovascular contraindications, not an arbitrary time limit 2