Taking Phentermine with High Blood Pressure

Phentermine is an FDA-approved drug used to suppress the appetite of those who are obese or who have a dependence on snacking or habitual eating. As a stimulant, this drug is comparable to amphetamines and can produce a varied response in users, especially those with other health issues. Phentermine is habit-forming after long-time use, which is why it is often never prescribed for a period longer than twelve weeks.

Taking phentermine can prove to be a health risk for patients who suffer from high blood pressure.

The workings of phentermine are comparable to that of a near-death experience. Phentermine stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain, which then causes a “fight or flight” signal to be transmitted to the rest of the body. The fight or flight response is very similar to an adrenaline rush. Although the brain is generally aware that no danger is near, the body begins to work overtime in preparation—to keep on its toes. Other common responses are similar to that of a generalized anxiety disorder. One’s blood pressure may become irregular, they may experience restlessness or an inability to calm down, and they can even have muscle spasms which are difficult or impossible to control.

Although it is considered to be safe for use when taken as directed, phentermine can prove to be a health risk for patients who suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic condition in which one’s blood pressure becomes elevated. When the blood pressure increases, it creates more stress on the walls of blood vessels which can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood to all areas of the body. Hypertension also can lead to stretching of the blood vessels which increases one’s chances of developing scar tissue, rupturing a vein or artery, or developing blockage within the arteries.

Due to the anxious nature that phentermine seems to produce in most patients, this can cause someone with high blood pressure a great deal of risk. Phentermine could cause an increase in the user’s already-high blood pressure and exert even greater pressure against the walls of blood vessels. If these blood vessels burst or develop blockage during the time that one is using the drug, it is possible for the user to have a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

As mentioned before, due to the increased workload that the heart and arteries would sustain, the stretched walls of the arteries could develop scar tissue which can trap plaque and cholesterol in the arteries. This blockage could prevent important areas of the body from getting the blood that they need. Areas such as the heart, eyes, brain, and kidneys could suffer long term and irreversible damage as a result.

In some instances, a doctor may approve the use of phentermine by an obese patient who has a very mild case of high blood pressure, although this is usually very rare. As a patient with high blood pressure is at a higher risk of developing heart disease, prescribing them phentermine could interfere with future treatment of heart disease. In this case, it would be quite dangerous for the patient to take phentermine because many medications used to treat heart disease can interfere with the workings of phentermine.

Again, it is extremely rare for a doctor to prescribe phentermine to a patient who has a confirmed or even suspected case of high blood pressure. Anyone who believes that they might have high blood pressure should definitely abstain from taking phentermine.