It is typical for women to gain weight during pregnancy. However, some pregnant women may become aware of these changes in their bodies and attempt to lose weight with drugs, such as phentermine. But is it safe to take phentermine during pregnancy? Does it affect the fetus? This post tells you if phentermine is safe to use during pregnancy and its potential effects.

What Is Phentermine?

Phentermine (Supreza) is a short-term medication prescribed to help lose weight in overweight women. It is recommended in adjunction with an exercise regimen, and diet modification, to those with a body mass index (BMI) greater or equal to 30kg/m2 (1). It is available under the brand names Adipex, Fastin, Ionamin, Zantryl. This drug belongs to the class “anorectics,” which helps in weight reduction by suppressing the appetite, although actions on the central nervous system and metabolism may also be involved.

Is It Safe To Take Phentermine During Pregnancy?

No. The US Food and Drug Administration classified phentermine (Supreza) as “Pregnancy Category X” drug (1), which means that studies in animals or humans have proved to have adverse effects on the developing fetus, and the risks of taking this medicine outweigh the potential benefits. Phentermine is not recommended during pregnancy because the weight loss has no potential benefit during pregnancy, and this medication might also harm the fetus.

Does Taking Phentermine During Pregnancy Cause Any Birth Defects?

Very few human studies were conducted to determine whether phentermine is responsible for any birth defects when used during pregnancy. A study on pregnant women in the Czech Republic, which focused on the effects of appetite suppressants like sibutramine and phentermine, found that there were no differences in pregnancy outcomes between the women who took the drugs and those who did not (2). Another controlled cohort study, where 98 pregnant women who took medication were compared to 233 women who did not, found that (3)

There were no significant differences between the groups in spontaneous pregnancy loss or premature delivery. Birth weight and head circumference of the newborn were significantly increased in the exposed group. The rate of gestational diabetes was high in women who took phentermine. Image: Shutterstock

A drug review on Qsymia (pregnancy category X drug) – a weight management drug which is a combination of phentermine and topiramate – says that topiramate is said to cause cleft palate in babies (4).

Side Effects Of Phentermine

Along with the birth defects, phentermine may also have the following side effects (5).

Mood swings Altered thought processes Suicidal ideas and behaviors Dizziness Drowsiness Impaired cognition Dry mouth Unusual thirst Diarrhea Constipation Painful menstrual periods Heartburn Hair loss Suppresses appetite

Does Phentermine Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

A clinical intervention trial, including patients on long-term phentermine use, stated that “phentermine treatment does not induce drug cravings. Also, amphetamine-like withdrawal does not occur upon abrupt treatment cessation at higher doses (6).” However, there were reports that people who took more than the prescribed dosage experienced extreme fatigue and mental depression, and changes in sleep patterns (1). So, if you are on phentermine and found out that you are pregnant, then consult your doctor and take advice on how to stop using this drug.

How Soon Can You Take Phentermine After Having A Baby?

There aren’t enough studies to determine if phentermine passes into the breast milk, so you need to consult your doctor to determine when it is safe to take phentermine after having a baby. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.

References:

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