Can You Take Semaglutide and Phentermine Together? The Truth About Combining Weight Loss Medications
Semaglutide and Phentermine are two popular weight-loss medications. Combined with exercise and a healthy diet, these medications can help patients get closer to their ideal weight. Patients often turn to medicine when they cannot lose extra pounds through exercise and dietary changes.
But what if you’re struggling to choose between these two medications? What if you want to take them both together and augment your results? Is it safe or unsafe to do so? Here’s what to know about taking Semaglutide and Phentermine together.
Can You Take Semaglutide and Phentermine Together?
Okay, let’s get right to it. Can you take Semaglutide and Phentermine together? Absolutely! Some healthcare providers choose to prescribe both drugs simultaneously. They may prescribe this medication combination for overweight people or those also struggling with diabetes. Both medications help you reach your weight loss goals even faster. Some people may respond more favorably to this combination of medicines than others.
It’s important to note that both medications come with their own set of notable side effects. Therefore, they may not be appropriate for everyone. Your provider can help you understand whether you’re a good candidate for Semaglutide and Phentermine weight loss medications.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable drug that has become popular over the past few years. Celebrities and regular people alike rave about the weight-loss results Semaglutide provides. The drug is so popular that many pharmacies have needed help keeping it in stock. Semaglutide belongs to the GLP-1 class of medications. It mimics a substance in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This peptide helps to curb hunger, manage blood sugar, and control the stomach’s emptying rate. These actions help patients shed unwanted pounds, even when nothing else has worked for them.
When you receive regular Semaglutide injections, you’ll begin to notice fewer cravings. You’ll also feel hungry less frequently because the food will stay in your stomach longer. Finally, you’ll have a healthier response to insulin, which can help facilitate weight loss.
What Is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a well-known appetite suppressant with over six decades of successful use. It was pretty popular in the 1990s, though it was only used briefly. In 2012, the drug received approval for long-term use.
This drug’s most drastic weight loss typically occurs within the first few weeks. After that, its benefits begin to subside. For this reason, most doctors recommend that obese people take this drug for up to 12 weeks at a time, followed by periods of rest. That way, the body doesn’t have time to become too adjusted to the treatment.
Potential Benefits of Taking Both Semaglutide and Phentermine
Both Phentermine and Semaglutide are powerful weight-loss aids on their own. But some people may experience a more rapid loss of excess pounds by taking them together. Here are some of the potential benefits of combining these two medications:
- Reduced appetite: Both Phentermine and Semaglutide help to reduce appetite. Phentermine stimulates chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters cause a natural decrease in appetite. Semaglutide works by slowing down the rate of digestion so your body feels fuller longer. It also reduces blood sugar to decrease the body’s hunger response.
- Improved weight loss: Phentermine and Semaglutide both promote weight loss on their own. When combined, your weight loss results may be even more pronounced.
- Blood sugar control: Phentermine and Semaglutide help reduce unhealthy cravings. Therefore, they can make blood sugar control easier for people with diabetes.
Potential Drawbacks of Taking Both Semaglutide and Phentermine
There are potential benefits from taking Phentermine and Semaglutide together. But there are also potential risks. Here are some of the most notable:
- Drug interactions: The drugs you take could interact with Semaglutide or Phentermine. For this reason, divulging any drugs you’re currently taking before receiving either of these medications is essential.
- Side effects: Each of these medications has its own set of possible side effects. People who take them both at the same time may experience more side effects than they are willing to endure. Potential risks include nausea, diarrhea or constipation, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
- Not safe for everyone: Some people are not good candidates for these medications. They include those with kidney problems, heart disease, or a thyroid or pancreatic cancer history.
How Are Semaglutide and Phentermine Administered?
Semaglutide is an injection injected into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once per week. You may opt to have a skilled provider administer the injections each week. Or, you may receive instructions to administer the injections yourself from the comfort of your own home. In the latter case, you must always follow your provider’s injection instructions. If you inject the drug improperly, it may deliver the desired results.
Phentermine is a daily capsule you take orally. You can take it with or without food. However, you should avoid taking it in the afternoon or evening because doing so can impact your ability to sleep at night. It’s best to take this drug first thing in the morning.
Long-Term vs Short-Term Weight Loss Medication
Semaglutide and Phentermine are both effective weight-loss medications. However, Phentermine does tend to become less effective over time and with continued use. Semaglutide, on the other hand, shows evidence of sustained, long-term weight loss. Therefore, the latter may be preferable for individuals who want more than just a quick fix.
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SOURCES:
Tiffany DiGiuseppe
Admire Aesthetics was founded by Tiffany DiGiuseppe. Tiffany has been in the medical field for 22 years. The last 14 years have been devoted to a wide array of medical aesthetics. Specifically, the last 10 years in body contouring.
Admire Aesthetics, Inc. is a CoolSculpting specialty practice located in Medford, OR. We are recognized by Allergan to be a Certified CoolSculpting facility, with the highest level of recognition given. We have performed over 12,000 CoolSculpting procedures! We take pride in always maintaining the most up-to-date treatment options and equipment to ensure the best results which are all backed by our “Admire Promise” guarantee.
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