Phentermine Safety & Risks: A Concerned Patient's Inquiry

Question
Hello,

I am a 36 year old mom.  I have battled weight issues all my life and after having kids there seems to be so little time for anything!  I am about 35-40 pounds overweight.  My doctor wants to put me on a diet plan but also put me on phentermine.  Do you feel this is a safe drug?  I know this pill is not a cure and wieght may come back on when stopping the drug.  But I would just like to know if there are health dangers in taking it.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Shelly,
There are indeed health risks with phentermine use, specifically heart valve dysfunction and development of secondary pulmonary hypetension. To use this drug, the benefits really do have to outweigh the risks. Will YOU have these side effects? Maybe not but it is worth knowing what could happen.