Does Adipex cause constipation? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will explore whether Adipex can cause constipation or not, how Adipex can cause constipation, what factors contribute to Adipex-induced constipation, what to do if Adipex causes constipation and how to manage Adipex-induced constipation.
Does Adipex cause constipation?
Yes, Adipex (phentermine) can cause constipation. Constipation is a fairly common gastrointestinal side effect of Adipex reported by the patients taking Adipex. About 10% of the patients taking Adipex have reported suffering from constipation after taking Adipex for weight loss.
Adipex is a brand name of phentermine that belongs to the class of anorectics or appetite suppressants. It is a prescription weight loss medication that works for short-term weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure leading towards weight loss. Due to its stimulant-like effects on the body, it is prescribed for short-term use only (1).
If you are taking Adipex for weight management and experience constipation, then consulting your healthcare provider is the best option to get a safe and effective treatment strategy.
How does Adipex cause constipation?
Adipex has stimulatory actions on the central nervous system. It increases the norepinephrine levels in the brain (2). These neurotransmitters are involved in digestion. The increase in the levels of norepinephrine causes the food to move slowly in the gastrointestinal tract causing more absorption of water and harder, drier stools leading towards constipation (3).
Adipex, because of its appetite-suppressing properties, also leads to decreased thirst causing decreased intake of water. This exacerbates the condition causing constipation.
The movement of the food in the gastrointestinal tract may also be slowed by the direct action of phentermine on gut motility (4). It weakens the contractions of the muscle of the gut leading to slower movement of food causing increased water absorption resulting in constipation.
What factors contribute to Adipex-induced constipation?
Here are some factors that may contribute to Adipex-induced constipation.
Dosage and duration
Higher doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects. Increased and prolonged dosing of Adipex can contribute to not only the therapeutic effect but the adverse effects as well. Higher doses can increase the levels of norepinephrine leading towards an increased risk of constipation.
Individual sensitivity
The effects of Adipex may vary from patient to patient. Not every person taking Adipex will experience the same effects of the medications. Some might experience intense and severe constipation whereas others may not even observe a mild constipation.
The variations among individuals may be due to physiological factors, pharmacological factors, age or gender etc.
Underlying health condition
Underlying health conditions such as Inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, metabolic disorder, and pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to drug-disease interaction causing constipation as a side effect. If you have any of these medical conditions, it is better to inform your doctor about it.
Concurrent medication
Patients taking medications such as opioid pain medication, anticholinergic medications or any other weight loss supplement or medication, then you are more likely to experience constipation after taking Adipex as compared to the patients who are not taking any of these along with Adipex.
Lifestyle
Dehydration and inadequate diet issues can also contribute to constipation in patients taking Adipex. Consumer meals or low-fibre food can badly affect bowel movements and lead the patient towards constipation exacerbating the condition.
What to do if Adipex causes constipation?
If you are taking Adipex for weight loss or weight management and experience constipation then you need to consult your healthcare provider in order to address your concerns.
Consulting healthcare professional
Your doctor will help you to determine the exact cause of constipation through careful examination and considering your past medical history. If Adipex is found to be your cause then your doctor will help you modify your treatment plan.
Lowering the dose of Adipex can be helpful. Lower doses can help your body adjust better to the effects of Adipex. Modifications in the dosage regimen can be helpful in lowering the severity of constipation caused by Adipex.
To help you treat your condition of constipation your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications to help with constipation while taking Adipex (5).
- Docusate sodium
- Osmotic laxatives
- Bulk-forming laxatives
- Lubricants
However, if the symptoms do not subside even after modifying the treatment plan then your doctor will have to switch your medication and prescribe you an alternative treatment. The alternative medications may include:
- Orlistat
- Lorcaserin
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Contrave
How to manage Adipex-induced constipation?
Here are a few tips to manage Adipex-induced constipation.
- Taking a fibre-rich diet is essential. You need to take in about 25-35g of fibre. The major sources of fibre are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Dehydration can worsen the impact. 8-10 glasses of water are necessary per day.
- Processed food is not good for a patient suffering from constipation.
- Probiotics can be helpful with this condition as well.
- Magnesium citrate can be helpful in treating constipation (6).
- Regular exercise for 30 minutes can help regulate your bowel movement and contribute to the normal functioning of the body.
In my opinion, Adipex can cause constipation as it is a commonly reported side effect. However, not every individual taking Adipex will experience the same effects on their body. This is why an open communication with your healthcare provider is essential if you have any concerns regarding the effects of Adipex.
Over-the-counter medications can be help you to get relief from constipation. Your doctor can help you determine a safe and effective treatment plan to ensure a complete positive effect and minimal side effects.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Johnson, D. B. (2023, March 27). Topiramate and Phentermine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482165/#:~:text=Phentermine%20on%20its%20own%20has,prophyla
2.-
Jordan, J., Astrup, A., Engeli, S., Narkiewicz, K., Day, W. W., & Finer, N. (2014). Cardiovascular effects of phentermine and topiramate: a new drug combination for the treatment of obesity. Journal of hypertension, 32(6), 1178–1188. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000000145
3.-
Gros, M., Gros, B., Mesonero, J. E., & Latorre, E. (2021). Neurotransmitter Dysfunction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Emerging Approaches for Management. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(15), 3429. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153429
4.-
Aronne LJ, Wadden TA, Peterson C, Winslow D, Odeh S, Gadde KM. Evaluation of phentermine and topiramate versus phentermine/topiramate extended-release in obese adults (EQUATE). Obesity (Silver Spring, Md). 2013;21(11):2163–2171. [PubMed] [Reference list]
5.-
Cash, B. D., & Lacy, B. E. (2006). Systematic Review: FDA-Approved Prescription Medications for Adults With Constipation. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 2(10), 736–749
6.-
Siegel, J. D., & Di Palma, J. A. (2005). Medical treatment of constipation. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 18(2), 76–80. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-870887
