Phentermine Deaths & Statistics (2018, 2020, 2021)

January 9, 2024 |

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This article will discuss why phentermine is a high-risk medication and how many people have died following its use.

As we all know, although Phentermine offers a viable solution for weight loss, it comes with a share fair of cons.

Studies have reported multiple fatal health issues it can lead to which rightly makes all of us skeptical about trying it.

Therefore, in this article, we will answer all questions that we’re frequently asked about its safety and provide you with the essential facts you need to know about phentermine.

So stay with us if you’re already using this drug or planning to use it soon!

Latest Phentermine Deaths and Statistics

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Although phentermine is generally a safe medicine, it should only be used after consulting a physician. If you take it as prescribed and in accordance with your health conditions, it often does not produce deadly adverse effects.

But there are some potential long-term side effects of phentermine that may be life-threatening, like overstimulation of the central nervous system, specific cardiac conditions, and pulmonary problems.

Let’s examine how these fatal side effects have influenced people’s lives over the past couple of years.

But before we get into that, here’s what the only study (conducted in 2019) regarding the phentermine death rate reported:
“Forty-one (0.3 percent) of 13,972 phentermine users experienced a major adverse event (36 cardiovascular events; 5 deaths), but none of these was among the long-term users.”

Phentermine deaths 2021

No phentermine deaths were documented in 2021, but some people claim they nearly died while using phentermine.

It was discovered that the usage of phentermine caused cardiac arrest in individuals with no pre-existing heart disease.

Additionally, some people reported losing their balance after using it. Loss of equilibrium might result in falling and suffering severe injuries.

The issues mentioned above can be fatal if not handled immediately.

Phentermine deaths 2020

In 2020, a rare but often fatal disease of the lungs was reported in patients taking phentermine and phentermine-like products.

So, do not waste a minute if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest or heart pain, or experiencing fainting or swelling in your lower legs.

These symptoms can become severe over time and, if not paid proper attention to, can be deadly as well.

Is phentermine a high-risk medication?

Well yes, it can be!

As you know, Phentermine is a stimulant similar to amphetamines. It stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), raising heart rate and blood pressure while decreasing appetite.

Phentermine may cause severe, occasionally fatal lung or cardiac problems like pulmonary hypertension and heart valve problems. The risk goes up with prolonged usage and when combined with other appetite-suppressing medicines or herbal supplements.

Phentermine may induce a significant rise in blood pressure. This may increase your heart rate. And the additional strain on your heart may exacerbate your heart problems.

If you experience any unusual but severe side effects, stop taking this medication immediately and check with your doctor.

What are the dangers of phentermine?

Phentermine can result in PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension). This is an unusual and potentially fatal lung disease that may even cause death.

PPH is a form of hypertension that affects the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart. Symptoms may include breath shortness, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, bluish lips and skin, fatigue, and edema.

Secondly, this medicine may damage your heart valves. Your valves may fail to seal correctly and leak. It might disrupt the blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. Symptoms are nearly identical to PPH.

When someone suddenly dies from an overdose of phentermine, the cause of death is usually overstimulation of the central nervous system.

Excessive phentermine use might cause the heart to beat erratically and the body to overheat to collapse.

You can avoid the dangers of phentermine through the following ways:

  • Take phentermine precisely as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions listed on the prescription and study all drug guidelines. Your doctor may occasionally adjust your dosage.
  • Never take phentermine in larger doses or for a more extended period than suggested. Increasing the dosage of this drug will not improve its efficacy and may produce fatal side effects.
  • Phentermine may be addictive. Abuse can result in addiction, overdose, and even death.
  • Do not discontinue phentermine abruptly, as you may experience undesirable withdrawal symptoms. Ask your physician how to safely stop the use of this medication.

Can Phentermine be fatal?

As we’ve talked about it earlier, Phentermine basically works by messing up your nervous system – a system that mainly runs all of our bodily functions.

Now, imagine the havoc phentermine can cause if you overdose on it leading to extreme overstimulation!

Cardiac arrests, increased blood pressure, fluctuations in heartbeat and pulse, seizures, and whatnot can it lead to – in a nutshell, everything that can result in fatal consequences.

So, if we look at it that way, yes, phentermine can be fatal.

Therefore, please stick to your safe dose and do not use it for any longer than 3 months.

(We explained “why” below in detail.)

Can phentermine stop your heart?

It may not necessarily stop your heart but can affect its normal functioning adversely in many indirect ways such as by causing an uncontrollable spike in blood pressure.

Which can ultimately lead to highly life-threatening problems like stroke, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrest.

How long can you take phentermine safely?

Phentermine should only be taken for a short period, ideally less than 12 weeks, to aid in weight loss.

The duration of phentermine treatment varies from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual’s response to the medicine. Also, again, you must never exceed your doctor’s recommended dosage, frequency, or duration instructions.

Can you take phentermine longer than 3 months?

No, taking phentermine for more than 3 months is usually not recommended. If used for an extended period, it can cause chronic poisoning.

Paranoia, obsessive behavior, hallucinations, and suicidal and homicidal tendencies are common symptoms of chronic poisoning.

Not to mention that if taken in higher than recommended doses, phentermine can be toxic.

Mild toxicity can manifest as agitation, irritability, and flushing. On the other hand, moderate toxicity causes hyperactivity, confusion, and cardiac symptoms.

The other side effects may include:

  • Chest pain, feeling of fainting.
  • Tremors, restlessness, difficulty sleeping.
  • Experiencing shortness of breath with even little exertion.
  • Edema in your ankles or feet.
  • A throbbing or fluttering sensation in the chest.
  • Abnormal alterations in mood or personality.

Why can you only take phentermine for 3 months?

As previously stated, taking phentermine for more than three months can result in unwanted side effects ranging from mild to severe.

Although not everyone will experience significant adverse effects, exceeding the authorized dosage can cause uncertainty, and anything could happen.

Therefore, the belief that you can lose more weight if you take phentermine for more than three months is a total bummer.

In fact, if you have completed three months of phentermine therapy, we recommend the following lifestyle modifications for sustained weight loss:

  • Dietary changes:

You should strive to have a healthy relationship with food and develop your self-control by eating nutritionally balanced meals in healthy portions. It is essential to avoid foods high in saturated fat, sugar, salt, and preservatives.

They increase your urinary pH significantly more acidic, which leads your body to eliminate phentermine more quickly.

  • Follow proper exercise regimen:

Adding weight-bearing activities and cardio significantly accelerates the process and provides additional benefits.

This is significant because phentermine’s effectiveness tends to decline with time, and cardio exercises can prevent you from developing drug resistance.

On the other hand, lifting weights results in lean muscles, which in turn help you burn more fat while at rest.

  • Take enough sleep:

Besides eating a nutritionally-balanced diet and exercising regularly, you must also rest adequately and enhance your sleep quality.

By doing so, you will keep those unwanted pounds from returning and ensure your entire well-being.

Who should not take phentermine?

  • People who have a history of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) should avoid taking phentermine. Phentermine may aggravate your PPH.
  • No one should take phentermine with any history of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, arrhythmia, heart failure, coronary artery disease, valve disease, and uncontrolled hypertension. It may induce a significant rise in blood pressure and heart rate. The additional strain on your heart may exacerbate your heart problems.
  • Those who have had hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) in the past should tell their doctor if they have it now. Phentermine might make your thyroid work harder and make your thyroid levels go up even more.
  • People with Glaucoma should not use phentermine. This medication may raise their intraocular pressure more. This may result in permanent eyesight loss.
  • This medicine may be addictive. Long-term use of this drug is not advised. Inform your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers should not take phentermine as it may badly affect the unborn child and the breastfeeding kid.
  • Phentermine may induce agitation and anxiety and may exacerbate your agitation. If you are anxious, you should avoid using this drug.

What’s the safest alternative phentermine?

If you’re searching for safe and reliable over-the-counter Phentermine alternatives, look no further because PhenQ can be your best bet!

It does, however, have a great deal of power to control hunger and provides a lot of other valuable benefits.

Some of the significant benefits of PhenQ are:

  • This weight-loss supplement contains all-natural components to boost your body’s metabolism and fat-burning capabilities.
  • PhenQ contains ingredients that inhibit fat production, hence preventing weight gain.
  • It enhances the fat-burning process by increasing the thermogenic levels of the body.
  • As PhenQ replenishes you with a combination of energy-enhancing components, your energy dips due to dieting will be eliminated.
  • It efficiently reduces your calorie intake by restricting your appetite. Your hunger pangs and overeating will disappear.
  • Fat loss and losing weight might cause irritability; however, PhenQ also improves your mood. It guarantees that dieting will not impact your disposition in any way.

phenq cta2

Conclusion

Although phentermine is an FDA-approved drug, it is only permitted for short-term usage, usually no more than 30 consecutive days.

Because of this, you should view it as a helpful tool to get you started on the path to weight loss, but keep in mind that once you get that initial boost, it’s up to you to maintain a long-term healthy lifestyle.

And if you experience any of the abovementioned adverse effects, rush to the nearest emergency room immediately to avoid a life-threatening situation.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

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