Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that manifests itself in a variety of ways, including impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. People have long used medications such as stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall and non-stimulants like Strattera to alleviate these types of symptoms. On the other hand, many individuals are exploring alternative methods, such as off-label use of phentermine. While phentermine is FDA-approved for obesity, it is not for ADHD.
This blog will explore the possibility of whether phentermine helps with ADHD or not?
What Is Phentermine?
Phentermine is a prescription drug that belongs to a class of medications known as anorectics. It helps with weight loss by lowering food intake and increasing the secretion of hormones that inhibit hunger in the brain.
Typically, people with obesity and associated health risks, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, find relief from their food cravings with the use of phentermine, an appetite suppressant.
Because phentermine is a prescription medicine, doctors must closely monitor patients using it. Also, as it is not FDA-approved for ADHD, doctors do not prescribe this medicine off-label for that condition. Still, phentermine’s effectiveness in treating ADHD has not been proven in any scientific research. This leads many individuals taking phantermine for ADHD to abuse the medication.
How ADHD is Traditionally Treated
There are two primary categories of medications that are typically used to treat ADHD:
- Stimulants:These are the most often prescribed drugs, which include Adderall (amphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). These medications reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity by raising levels of specific brain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, which in turn enhance concentration and focus.
- Non-Stimulants: Medication such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and some antidepressants fall within this category. These are typically considered when stimulants do not work as expected or when adverse effects become too great to bear.
Different pharmacies, like SafeHealth247, offer these medications online. Thus, get ADHD medication online.
Phentermine And ADHD: The Connection
Phentermine shares a molecular structure with amphetamines, a substance used in numerous ADHD medicines. The question that arises from this similarity is whether phentermine can help manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Theoretical Basis
Theoretically, Phentermine may alleviate ADHD symptoms due to its central nervous system stimulant effects and amphetamine-like neurotransmitter effects. The neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine play an essential role in attention and behavior regulation, and the medicine raises brain levels of these chemicals.
Limited Evidence
Notably, the FDA has not authorized phentermine for the treatment of ADHD, and there is a lack of scientific studies that examine its effectiveness in this regard. A small number of people have reported success with phentermine in improving their attention and symptom management for ADHD, although the majority of the data is subjective. Thus, no phantermine is prescribed for phentermine adhd adults.
Concerns And Potential Side Effects For Using Phentermine For ADHD
There are certain concerns associated with using phentermine for ADHD:
- Adverse Reactions: Among the most common phentermine negative effects are racing thoughts, anxiety, dry mouth, sleeplessness, and hypertension. People who have ADHD may already be dealing with complications like these, so they may find them even more troubling.
- Possibility of Addiction and Misuse: There is a risk of abuse and addiction with phentermine, as there is with other amphetamine-like substances. You need to think about the rewards of this risk and how heavy it is.
- Lacking Clinical Guidelines: Using Phentermine off-label for ADHD lacks clinical recommendations and extensive research, so there is no defined strategy for dosing or monitoring. While there are just three dosage options for phentermine (15 mg, 30 mg, and 37.5 mg), there are many for Adderal (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg). How does an ADHD person manage doses on their own? That could increase the likelihood of abuse or negative outcomes.
How Strong Is Phentermine Compared To Adderall?
Both phentermine and Adderall are powerful stimulants that act on the central nervous system, but they function differently and have different effects.
When comparing phentermine vs. adderall for adhd, adderall is typically thought of as having more CNS-stimulating effects. This is because it effectively reduces symptoms of ADHD by acting directly on neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and focus. Although phentermine has stimulating effects, they are mostly directed at suppressing appetite rather than improving cognitive function. Accordingly, although both medications serve their purposes well, Adderall’s stronger stimulant action is due to its greater impact on the central nervous system.
Can You Use Phentermine For ADHD?
There isn’t enough solid scientific evidence to support the use of phentermine for treating ADHD. While phentermine and ADHD medications like Adderall both stimulate the central nervous system, phentermine is primarily designed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. Using phentermine for ADHD is off-label and not recommended due to potential side effects and the lack of clinical guidelines for such use. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate ADHD treatment options.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to treat ADHD, Adderall is your best bet, while Phentermine is great for controlled weight loss. Always see a doctor before using any of these medications, as they have the potential to become addictive.
Discuss the best course of treatment for ADHD with your doctor. You can even buy prescription medication online.
FAQ
Are Phentermine And Adderall The Same?
No, you can’t compare phentermine with Adderall. Although they both have stimulant properties, the FDA has approved phentermine for weight loss and Adderall—a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine—for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
Is Phentermine Or Adderall Better?
How well phentermine and Adderall work for a certain patient is condition and treatment specific. Phantermine is usually prescribed for weight loss. It hasn’t been approved for ADHD treatment. Despite Adderall’s official approval for ADHD, phentermine is occasionally used off-label to treat the disorder. For the best course of action, talk to your doctor.
What Are The Best Medications For ADHD?
The best medications for ADHD include Adderall, which is highly effective due to its combination of amphetamine salts that enhance focus and attention. Other effective options are Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), both of which are popular stimulant medications. People also use non-stimulant alternatives like Strattera (atomoxetine), especially when stimulants are not suitable.
