Why do you feel tired after stopping Phentermine?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Why do you feel tired after stopping Phentermine?
Tiredness is considered a withdrawal symptom of Phentermine and it is more common and severe if the medication is stopped abruptly. Phentermine is one of those medications which make your body dependent on them with time.
The intensity of this dependence depends on the duration of your treatment and the dosage strength of the medication. When it comes to stopping Phentermine, this should be done gradually and carefully, and under your doctor’s supervision.
Your healthcare provider will suggest to you the most appropriate taper schedule according to the details specific to you, like
- Your weight
- Age
- Duration of treatment
- Severity of symptoms
- The cause of discontinuation
- The current dose of Phentermine.
This is considered the safest way of stopping Phentermine as your body won’t take the sudden discontinuation by surprise and the withdrawal symptoms – including tiredness – will be minimal.
Effects of Phentermine on energy levels
Phentermine is known to increase energy levels in some individuals. It does this by stimulating the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can boost alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue. (1,2)
By enhancing energy, Phentermine can help individuals feel more motivated and active throughout the day. This can be beneficial for those trying to lose weight, as it may increase their ability to engage in physical activity and stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of Phentermine on energy levels can vary among individuals, and some people may experience different responses or side effects, like headaches.
Furthermore, this can lead to tiredness and exhaustion when the drug is tapered off and eventually discontinued. However, proper dose tapering can reduce the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. The residual mild symptoms fade away with time.
How to ensure safe Phentermine withdrawal?
When it comes to withdrawing from Phentermine, it’s important to prioritize safety and follow appropriate steps. Phentermine may cause mild addiction or dependence upon long-term use, which is why proper drug discontinuation is essential (3). Some important steps include:
Gradual tapering: Work with your healthcare provider to create a tapering schedule. Instead of stopping the medication abruptly, gradually reduce the dosage over time. This allows your body to adjust and minimizes withdrawal symptoms.
Medical supervision: Throughout the withdrawal process, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. They can monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide guidance based on your individual needs.
Patience and self-care: Withdrawal can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Be patient with yourself and practice self-care. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle – getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress levels.
Remember, everyone’s experience with Phentermine withdrawal may differ, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions. Do not stop taking Phentermine abruptly, as it can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms.
If you are confused about your taper schedule or it’s intolerable for you, please discuss it with your provider before making any changes on your own.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. Phentermine. 2020 Jun 4. PMID: 31643252. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547916
2.-
Kim KK, Cho HJ, Kang HC, Youn BB, Lee KR. Effects on weight reduction and safety of short-term phentermine administration in Korean obese people. Yonsei Med J. 2006 Oct 31;47(5):614-25. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2006.47.5.614. PMID: 17066505; PMCID: PMC2687747. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687747/
3.-
Hendricks EJ, Srisurapanont M, Schmidt SL, Haggard M, Souter S, Mitchell CL, De Marco DG, Hendricks MJ, Istratiy Y, Greenway FL. Addiction potential of phentermine prescribed during long-term treatment of obesity. Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Feb;38(2):292-8. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2013.74. Epub 2013 May 17. PMID: 23736363. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23736363/
