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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Adderall is not meant for weight loss, so don't take it unless your doctor prescribes it for a different condition like ADHD. Image Credit: Richard Bailey/Photodisc/GettyImages If you're considering weight loss pills, you may be investigating phentermine versus Adderall. But these drugs are intended to be used for very different purposes, and misusing either can jeopardize your health.In fact, it's not safe or recommended to use either medication unless your doctor prescribes it.With that important stipulation in mind, here's what to know about phentermine versus Adderall when it comes to weight loss, including side effects and safety considerations to keep in mind if you're prescribed either drug.Warning Adderall is not meant for weight loss, per August 2014 research in Eating Behaviors. As a result, don't use this drug to help you shed pounds — only take it if your doctor prescribes it for other conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, per the Mayo Clinic.Adderall vs. Phentermine: Which Is More Effective for Weight Loss? Phentermine (also known as it's brand name, Adipex-P) is an FDA-approved, amphetamine-like prescription medication that's used to suppress appetite and promote weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.Adderall is a prescription medication that combines amphetamine and dextroamphentamine to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, per the Mayo Clinic.A common side effect of Adderall is weight loss, per the Mayo Clinic, so this medication is sometimes used off-label to help you shed pounds. However, it can be harmful to use drugs without the prescription and supervision of your doctor — in other words, taking Adderall for weight loss is not typically safe or recommended.Phentermine is not like Adderall, meaning you can't take phentermine for ADHD. Its intended purpose is for weight loss, and it's been through rigorous FDA testing to support this use. Adderall, on the other hand, has only been approved to treat other conditions, and as a result, there may be unknown risks associated with using Adderall for weight loss.Here's what Adipex does for weight loss: According to an April 2014 review in JAMA, adults with obesity who took phentermine/topiramate (along with making lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and exercising) experienced up to 9 percent more weight loss than those who took a placebo medication.The takeaway: Phentermine is the better choice if your goal is to shed pounds, and can be an effective prescription treatment if you have severe obesity.Other Medications Perhaps you're considering other medications for their weight-loss effects — for instance, you may be weighing phentermine versus Ritalin (another stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy) or the K 25 pill or diethylpropion (other appetite suppressants) versus Adderall.But again, it's only recommended to use these drugs for their FDA-approved uses with a prescription from your doctor. Do not take the medications otherwise. Safety Considerations Phentermine and Adderall can have side effects — here are some to keep in mind before taking either medicine as prescribed:Side Effects of Adderall According to the Mayo Clinic, common Adderall side effects include:AnxietyDry mouthLack or
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