Phentermine for Depression: can it cause anxiety and depression?

January 8, 2024 |

Posted By

Max Health Living is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission. Learn more.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can make it difficult to do everyday activities, such as going to work or school, eating, sleeping, or socializing.

It’s estimated that around 19.4 million adults, or 7.8 percent of all adults in the United States, had at least one episode of major depression in 2019. (source)

While there are many different treatment options available for depression, it is reported that Phentermine has been shown to be an effective treatment for some people.

In this post, we’ll discuss phentermine and depression:

Can phentermine cause or help anxiety and depression?

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine – also known as Adipex-P – is a medication that is used to help people lose weight.

It works by suppressing appetite and increasing energy levels. Phentermine is only available through prescription, and it is not recommended for people who have heart problems or high blood pressure.

This drug works by stimulating the central nervous system and suppressing appetite. It is a stimulant that helps people to lose weight by working with their bodies to burn more calories.

When Phentermine enters the body, it starts to work on the hypothalamus. This is the part of the brain that regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature. It also controls how active a person is.

The hypothalamus will start to send signals to the rest of the body that tell it to burn more calories. At the same time, Phentermine will help to suppress the appetite. This means that people will not feel as hungry, and they will be able to eat less food without feeling deprived.

Phentermine for Depression – Everything to know

Depression is a mental state characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness.

It can be caused by various life events or circumstances and affects people in different ways. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may have many. The good news is that depression can be treated successfully, often with medication and/or therapy.

Some of the popular medications used as antidepressants are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine HRI (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

Can Phentermine be used as an antidepressant?

While Phentermine isn’t really a drug used for depression – as an appetite suppressant – it contains phenethylamine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs are drugs that are used to treat depression.

So, in theory, Phentermine could be used as an antidepressant. However, it’s not typically prescribed for this purpose and there isn’t much research on its efficacy as an antidepressant.

When you take a pill like Phentermine, it mainly increases the release of two main neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and dopamine – and this results in CNS stimulation among other things – which boosts your mood and gives you an amazing feeling.

Due to this effect, Phentermine (Adipex-P) may also interact with other medications that you’re taking for depression and could potentially make them less effective.

Can phentermine cause depression?

Despite the fact that some patients may feel great and have a boost in their mood when using phentermine, others can experience opposite effects.

Although there is limited evidence to back this up – though there have been a few out there.

depressed man

For example, a study that was published in the Obesity journal showed that patients who were treated with phentermine for at least 12 weeks were more likely to develop depression than those who weren’t treated with the drug.

This is to say that people who took phentermine lost weight successfully, but some people had adverse reactions. These included depression, irritability, anxiety, and problems paying attention. Although depression was less common, some people still experienced it.

If you’re to do research on the side effects of this drug – you’ll discover that depression isn’t really an effect to worry about.

But if you are feeling down or notice any changes in your mood after starting to take phentermine, it is best to monitor it closely.

So, in conclusion, it is safe to say that:

The antidepressant effect of phentermine depends on its dose and among certain subgroups of patients, phentermine has a pro-depressive effect.

Can phentermine cause anxiety?

Yes, phentermine can cause anxiety. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people who take phentermine to experience a range of side effects, including irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.

Especially for those with agitation: This drug may cause nervousness, restlessness, and anxiety which could make your condition worse.

That being said, if you’re experiencing anxiety while taking phentermine, it’s important to speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication altogether.

Or preferably, you might want to consider other safer appetite suppressants. More on this soon.

FAQs on Phentermine for Depression

Does phentermine change your mood?

Phentermine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors depending on their own particular sensitivities.

While others experience no changes. If you’re taking phentermine and notice any changes in your mood, discontinuing it would be a safer option.

Why does phentermine make me feel better?

Phentermine is a weight loss medication that suppresses appetite. It can make you feel better because it helps you to lose weight, which can improve your mood and overall health.

Additionally, phentermine may also help to improve your energy levels and motivation, which can make you feel better overall. If you are struggling with obesity or weight gain, phentermine may be able to help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.

Then as a stimulant, it can help with focus and concentration. This is why it’s sometimes prescribed for ADHD patients.

Lastly, phentermine releases endorphins which are hormones that make you happy!

So all in all, there are many reasons as to why phentermine can make you feel better.

Does phentermine help you focus?

Yes, phentermine may help you to focus and concentrate better. This is because it is a stimulant, and can help to improve your energy levels and overall mood.

Increasing norepinephrine concentrations in the brain could improve symptoms in patients with ADHD.

This includes improved attention, reduced impulsivity, and so on. Phentermine might also increase dopamine levels in some patients, which could lead to better attentiveness, memory, and motivation.

Does phentermine cause mental problems?

Yes, those how abuse Phentermine may experience mental problems such as hallucinations, psychosis, or mania. If you are taking phentermine and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.

Just like other sympathomimetics, it can sometimes cause psychotic symptoms. People have been reporting psychotic symptoms associated with phentermine since the 1960s. (source).

Does phentermine mess with your emotions?

Yes, phentermine can cause mood swings can have an effect on your emotions. It should not be taken if you have a history of bipolar disorder.

This is because it is a stimulant medication that can affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood, energy, and motivation.

Does phentermine affect serotonin levels?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. It’s also involved in cognitive function and memory.

Phentermine works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that also affect mood. It’s thought that the increase in these neurotransmitters may be responsible for the appetite suppressant and antidepressant effects of phentermine.

The increase in serotonin levels caused by phentermine may also be responsible for some of its side effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, and changes in mood.

Are there better phentermine replacements?

In my quest to find the best phentermine replacement, I found that there are a few safer appetite suppressants that come without side effects.

One interesting one I found was PhenQ.

I learned that PhenQ provides all of the benefits of phentermine, but with 100% natural ingredients – without any nasty effects.

PhenQ contains a unique blend of ingredients that work together to help you burn fat, suppress appetite, and block carbohydrates from being stored as fat. It also helps to increase energy levels and mood.

With worldwide delivery, a 60-day money-back guarantee, and over 190,000 customers, PhenQ is one of the most popular and effective weight loss supplements on the market.

So if you are looking for a safe and effective phentermine replacement, I would definitely recommend trying PhenQ – which requires no prescription.

What are the ways to overcome depression?

As someone who has suffered depression a couple of times in the past, I can tell you for a fact that overcoming depression isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and a lot of soul-searching.

But if you’re willing to put in the work, there are a few ways to overcome the depression that can help you start feeling better.

Here are 5 of the most effective ways to overcome depression:

  • Talk therapy

This is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself if you’re struggling with depression. Talking to a therapist can help you understand your thoughts and feelings better, and can give you the tools you need to deal with your depression.

  • Exercise

Exercise is a great way to combat depression because it releases endorphins, which make you feel good. A moderate amount of exercise is the key here – too much or too little won’t be as effective.

  • Nutrition

Eating healthy foods is important for your overall health, and it’s especially important if you’re struggling with depression. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants and nutrients can help improve your mood and make you feel better.

  • Self-care

Taking care of yourself is essential when you’re fighting depression. This includes things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and spending time with friends and family. Taking care of yourself will help you feel better both physically and mentally.

  • Volunteer your time and skills to charities

This has been my favorite method of fighting depression so far. Volunteering your time and skills to charities helps you feel good about yourself, gives you a sense of purpose, and makes you feel connected to the world around you.

There are many ways to overcome depression – these are just a few of the most effective ones. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

There are people who can help you, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help. The most important thing is that you take steps to get better and start feeling better.

Final Thoughts

First of all, as with any medications, phentermine should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. If not for any reason but for the fact that it is a controlled drug.

If you’re struggling with obesity or weight gain, phentermine may be the answer for you. This powerful medication can help to increase focus, concentration, and energy levels while also suppressing appetite and releasing endorphins – making you happier overall.

It comes with some mild and also adverse side effects you’d want to take into consideration.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Depression can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

In my hunt to find the best natural phentermine replacement, I found that there are a few safer appetite suppressants that come without side effects – PhenQ.

Finally, in whatever you choose to do, consult with a professional before taking any action. And good luck on your journey.

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.

Who We Are

We are a team of fitness, health, and supplement experts, and content creators. Over the past 4 years, we have spent over 123,000 hours researching food supplements, meal shakes, weight loss, and healthy living. Our aim is to educate people about their effects, benefits, and how to achieve a maximum healthy lifestyle. Read more.