Tearfulness as a Side Effect of Duromine (Phentermine)
Yes, tearfulness can be a side effect of Duromine (phentermine), as the medication affects the central nervous system and can cause mood-related adverse effects including anxiety, dysphoria, and emotional changes. 1
Understanding Phentermine's Neuropsychiatric Effects
Phentermine is a norepinephrine-releasing agent that activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to various central nervous system effects beyond appetite suppression. 1
Common neuropsychiatric side effects include:
- Anxiety and agitated states - explicitly listed as common adverse effects 1
- Dysphoria (a state of unease or dissatisfaction) - which can manifest as tearfulness or emotional lability 1
- Overstimulation and restlessness - contributing to emotional instability 1
- Insomnia - which can worsen mood symptoms and emotional regulation 1
- Depression-related adverse events - occurring in 4-7% of patients in clinical trials 2
- Anxiety-related adverse events - occurring in 3-8% of patients 2
Clinical Significance at 2 Weeks
The timing of your symptoms (2 weeks into treatment) is consistent with when sympathomimetic side effects typically manifest, as the medication reaches steady-state levels and central nervous system effects become apparent. 1
Important Contraindications and Warnings
Phentermine is contraindicated in patients with anxiety disorders or agitated states, as the medication can exacerbate these conditions through its stimulant properties. 1
Recommended Actions
You should contact your prescribing physician immediately to discuss this symptom. Your doctor needs to evaluate whether:
- The tearfulness represents a tolerable side effect that may diminish with continued use 1
- Dose reduction is appropriate - lower doses (15 mg or even 8 mg formulations) may reduce neuropsychiatric effects while maintaining some efficacy 1
- The medication should be discontinued - particularly if you have underlying anxiety or mood disorders that were not previously identified 1
- Alternative weight loss medications should be considered - such as orlistat, which works through a different mechanism and does not affect the central nervous system 1
Critical Safety Monitoring
Your physician should assess for:
- Worsening depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts - serious psychiatric adverse effects that require immediate discontinuation 1
- Anxiety and panic attacks - which can develop or worsen on phentermine 1
- Sleep disturbances - insomnia can compound mood symptoms 1
- Other contraindications that may have been missed - including undiagnosed anxiety disorders 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not dismiss emotional side effects as "just stress" or unrelated to the medication. Phentermine's sympathomimetic effects on the central nervous system are well-documented, and emotional changes warrant medical evaluation. 1 The medication's stimulant properties can unmask or exacerbate underlying mood disorders that were previously subclinical. 1