Phentermine vs Semaglutide: Can They Be Taken Together?

With the rise of appetite suppressant drugs, it seems as though traditional weight loss methods are a thing of the past. Safe and effective weight loss medications like phentermine and semaglutide are growing in popularity thanks to their ability to help overweight and obese individuals get a hold on their cravings and reduce excess body weight quickly.

Phentermine and semaglutide are well-known weight-loss drugs that suppress hunger and increase satiety. While both prescription drugs can help you drop weight, they work in different ways. They also differ in dosages, how they affect your body, how long you should use them, and how you take them.

Are you currently on phentermine or semaglutide and wondering whether you can combine these two drugs to speed up your weight loss results? Keep reading for a full breakdown of phentermine and semaglutide so you can learn more about their benefits, side effects, and safety and decide if one or both are best for you.

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Understanding How Phentermine Works for Weight Loss

Phentermine is a popular stimulant drug with a long-standing reputation, having been around for over 60 years. Common brand names include Adipex-P, Lomaira, Suprenza, and Qsymia. Phentermine works by reducing hunger and increasing energy levels in the body. Specifically, it affects certain chemicals in the brain. It triggers neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals help to control appetite and cravings. Noticeable weight loss begins around the first few weeks, with most individuals losing about one pound per week. However, the rate of weight loss varies from person to person.

By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, phentermine helps to suppress appetite. As a result, it makes a person feel full with less food. The drug also boosts energy levels. Therefore, this increases physical activity and helps to burn more calories. This combination of shrinking the appetite and increasing energy levels can lead to weight loss. Pairing phentermine with a healthy diet and exercise routine makes results even more successful. Overall, this appetite suppressant is a safe and effective option for short use for individuals who struggle with chronic obesity.

Understanding How Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss

Semaglutide is an injectable weight-loss drug that hit the market in 2017. It was originally formulated as a type 2 diabetes treatment. However, thanks to its incredible weight loss effects, it has soared in popularity as an anti-obesity medication. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Keke Palmer, Amy Schumer, and Sharon Osbourne are firsthand enjoying this miracle weight loss drug’s benefits. Common semaglutide brand names include Ozempic and Wegovy. The medication is also available in a pill form called Rybelsus.

Semaglutide works by mimicking hormones in the body that regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. One of the hormones it imitates is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone specifically helps the body regulate appetite and food intake. When you take semaglutide, studies show an average weight loss of 15-20 pounds over a period of 26-30 weeks. Semaglutide starts to kick in within the first week of use. Individuals generally notice changes in their appetite and weight during the first few weeks of use. Most weight loss will typically occur within the first 4 to 5 months.

When you inject Semaglutide, it helps to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce stubborn cravings. This leads to eating smaller amounts of food and ultimately losing weight. Additionally, Semaglutide slows down the emptying of the stomach. Keeping food in your stomach for longer periods of time, this helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can further aid in weight loss. Semaglutide can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight by working in these ways.

Can You Take Phentermine and Semaglutide Together?

A common question is whether taking phentermine and semaglutide simultaneously will combine the effects of both drugs and speed up weight loss. When examining this question, there are many factors to consider, including possible side effects as well as safety and testing.

In 2022, the Department of Medicine at the University of Melbourne examined weight loss medicines for long-term obesity management. Based on their scientific research, semaglutide can be combined with phentermine for weight loss.*

Both of these medications are powerful weight loss aids. Phentermine promotes up to 6.4% weight loss by suppressing the appetite and increasing energy levels.* It helps people feel full faster and eat less, which leads to weight loss. On the other hand, Semaglutide triggers up to 8.6% weight loss by stimulating insulin production and reducing hunger.* It also slows down digestion and helps control blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight loss. Taking these weight loss drugs together comes down to personal preference, current medication you may be taking, as well as tolerance for potential side effects.

Potential Benefits of Taking Phentermine and Semaglutide Together

Phentermine and Semaglutide are two successful weight-loss tools when taken alone. However, some individuals may experience quicker weight loss results when these two medications are taken together.

Some possible benefits of combining both of these medications include:

Decreased appetite
Lower blood sugar levels
Improved energy levels
Increased weight loss
Reduced cravings for unhealthy foods
Better control over portion sizes
Increased insulin production
Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
Lowered risk of diabetic-related complications
Reach weight loss goals faster

It is important to consult a doctor before taking both phentermine and semaglutide together. Both medications work differently in the body and may have interactions or side effects when taken simultaneously. A doctor can provide guidance on the safe and effective use of these medications to help achieve weight management goals

Potential Side Effects of Phentermine vs Semaglutide

It is possible you may experience undesirable side effects from one or both of the medications. Additionally, you may experience stronger side effects when taking these drugs simultaneously.

Possible side effects of phentermine include:

drug interactions
insomnia
headache
fast or irregular heartbeat
dry mouth
mood changes
hypertension
heart failure
hallucinations
reduced sex drive
withdrawal if the individual stops taking the medication

Possible side effects of semaglutide include:

insulin sensitivity
drug interactions
nausea and vomiting
constipation or diarrhea
headache
abdominal pain
fatigue
hypoglycemia
reduced absorption of oral medications (oral contraceptives and aspirin)
weight gain if the individual stops taking the medication

Additionally, people who take high doses of phentermine may experience withdrawal symptoms. This is because phentermine is a stimulant. The medication may also impair your ability to perform certain tasks, such as driving a car or using heavy machinery. People who have glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease may not be a candidate for phentermine. Additionally, individuals with heart disease, kidney problems, or a history of thyroid or pancreatic cancer may not be a good candidate for semaglutide. It’s important to talk with your healthcare professional about any side effects that you may experience.

Oral vs Injectable Weight Loss Medication

When comparing phentermine vs semaglutide, you should understand the differences between the two, such as medication form, recommended dosage, and frequency of use. This will help you determine if taking one or both of these medications simultaneously is the right choice for you.

Phentermine is an oral medication that is available in a capsule or tablet form. You take the pill in doses of 15 mg to 37.5 mg every day, either mid-morning or in two doses. It is meant to be taken for up to 12 weeks. However, some providers may prescribe it off-label for longer use. A form of this medication called phentermine-topiramate has FDA approval for long-term obesity management.

On the other hand, semaglutide medication comes in once-weekly injections. You inject the medication into the stomach, arm, or thigh. The starting dosage is 0.25 mg for the first month. The dose increases to 2.4mg depending on how much weight you wish to lose. Semaglutide can be taken long-term. In combining this medication with a healthier and more active lifestyle, you can see great reductions in your body weight. Currently, Wegovy is the only semaglutide-based medication that has FDA approval for long-term use for weight loss.

Explore Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Closter and Wyckoff, New York

Phentermine and Semaglutide are both powerful weight-loss tools to consider if you are ready to lose those stubborn pounds and enjoy a leaner physique. Contact Wellnessessity to learn more about how these weight loss drugs can help you eliminate your sweet cravings and feel fuller longer when taken by themselves or together. Residents in Closter and Wyckoff, New York, who need support with weight management look to our experienced staff to safely lose excess weight and enjoy long-term results.

To find out if you are a good candidate for our weight loss program, please call our Closter facility at 201-564-706 or our Wyckoff facility at 201-347-9599 to book a complimentary consultation with one of our weight loss specialists. We can’t wait to show you how these safe and successful weight-loss drugs can transform your appearance and provide the weight-loss management support you have been looking for.

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SOURCES:

1. Medicines for Long-Term Obesity Management. Australian Prescriber. 2022
2. Addiction potential of phentermine prescribed during long-term treatment of obesity. International Journal of Obesity. 2014
3. A study of abrupt phentermine cessation in patients in a weight management program. American Journal of Therapeutics. 2011.
4. https://conciergemdla.com/blog/wegovy-dosing-schedule-weight-loss/