Why You Should Never Mix Phentermine with Alcohol

Introduction

Phentermine is a prescription medication used for short-term treatment of obesity. It is meant to be used along with diet and exercise. Phentermine works by decreasing appetite and boosting energy. However, combining phentermine with alcohol can lead to dangerous interactions and side effects.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a stimulant medication that acts on the central nervous system to suppress appetite. It is prescribed along with lifestyle changes to help manage obesity. Phentermine works by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin that control satiety and food cravings.

Prescribing Guidelines for Phentermine

Due to the potential for abuse, phentermine is only prescribed for short-term use of 12 weeks or less. It is approved for individuals with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 with other obesity-related risk factors. Phentermine is not meant for long-term weight loss maintenance.

Side Effects of Phentermine

As a stimulant, phentermine can cause side effects including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea or constipation

Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Phentermine

Drinking alcohol while taking phentermine is strongly discouraged. Combining the two substances can lead to dangerous effects on health including:

Exacerbated Side Effects

Alcohol intensifies the side effects of phentermine resulting in elevated heart rate and blood pressure. This raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications, especially in those with existing heart conditions.

Respiratory Depression

Both phentermine and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. Using them together can cause excessive sedation and slow breathing to dangerous levels.

Motor Impairment

The combination leads to amplified drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. This significantly increases risks of accidents and falls if driving or operating machinery when mixing the two.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping phentermine suddenly can cause withdrawal leading to fatigue, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Drinking while on phentermine makes withdrawal after discontinuing use even more severe.

Difficulty Thinking

Alcohol further compromises the ability to think clearly and make sound judgments when taking phentermine. This can result in poor decision making.

Blackouts

One of the most serious risks is alcohol-induced blackouts while on phentermine. Blackouts involve memory loss of events while intoxicated and can lead to dangerous behaviors.

Mechanisms Behind Phentermine Alcohol Blackouts

There are several physiological factors that help explain why combining phentermine and alcohol can commonly cause blackouts:

Compounded Stimulation

Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system. Alcohol acts as an additional stimulant early on before its sedating effects kick in. This over-stimulation can short circuit memory formation.

Disrupted Communication

Both phentermine and alcohol increase dopamine levels. Excess dopamine hampers communication between the hippocampus and frontal lobes involved in memory processing.

Sedation

The sedative effects of alcohol are intensified by phentermine. This depressed central nervous system activity makes it difficult for the brain to form memories properly.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Phentermine can worsen dehydration. This alters brain function including the ability to turn short-term memories into long-term ones.

Preventing Blackouts from Phentermine and Alcohol

The only sure way to avoid blackouts from mixing phentermine and alcohol is to avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking phentermine. However, if you do choose to drink, these strategies may help reduce blackout risk:

Pace Drinking

Drink alcohol very slowly. Sipping one standard size drink per hour can help prevent dramatic spikes in blood alcohol concentration.

Alternate With Water

Have a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. Staying hydrated can minimize impairment and blackouts.

Limit Alcohol

Restrict overall alcohol intake to no more than 1-2 standard drinks in a session. Setting this limit can help maintain control and awareness.

Eat First

Consuming a meal before drinking slows down alcohol absorption into the bloodstream and its effects on the brain.

Track Drinking

Monitor the number of drinks consumed. Memory problems start when drinking exceeds limits. Keeping count can prevent overconsumption.

Take Notes

Jot down names, places, conversations, and other happenings throughout the night. Reviewing notes later can help jog hazy memories.

Signs of an Alcohol Blackout

Here are some common signs that may indicate an alcohol-induced blackout has occurred while taking phentermine:

• Gaps in memory of events after drinking
• Feeling more intoxicated than expected
• Slurred speech and coordination problems
• Friends sharing stories don't remember
• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Reports of strange behaviors
• Waking up in an unfamiliar place

Experiencing signs of blackout indicates getting emergency help is needed for health and safety. It also means reassessing mixing phentermine with any amount of alcohol.

Getting Help for Phentermine Alcohol Abuse

If you recognize problems with abusing alcohol while on phentermine, don't hesitate to get professional help. Some treatment options to consider include:

Talk to Your Doctor

Inform your prescribing provider about the alcohol abuse. They may recommend discontinuing phentermine or provide referrals for addiction treatment programs.

Outpatient Counseling

Outpatient rehabilitation involves individual and group therapy sessions focused on managing addiction. Many programs also teach strategies for preventing relapse.

Inpatient Treatment

For severe cases, inpatient rehab removes individuals from triggers and provides 24/7 medical monitoring during alcohol and phentermine withdrawal. Various therapies help identify root causes.

12 Step Programs

Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) use fellowship and a 12 step structured approach. Having a support sponsor is a key component.

Medical Detox

Supervised medical detox is necessary to manage dangerous symptoms during withdrawal from alcohol and phentermine. This helps safely wean off physical dependence.

Seeking help takes courage but can save your health or even your life. Taking steps toward recovery will help you regain control and prevent tragedies associated with mixing phentermine and alcohol.

Conclusion

Phentermine paired with alcohol, even in small amounts, produces many negative and dangerous effects. Blackouts in particular can lead to terrible consequences but can be avoided by not drinking any alcohol when taking phentermine. Reaching out for professional addiction treatment provides the best hope for overcoming phentermine alcohol abuse.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.