You've done everything right! You eat a healthy, balanced diet! You exercise regularly! And yet the number on the weighing scale hasn't budged.
It is completely understandable that you might be skeptical about a medication that touts its weight loss benefits and success rates. However, there are scientifically-proven prescription medications to help you to safely and effectively lose weight, especially if you are obese or currently have a BMI of over 30.
In this article, we will be explaining what Panbesy is, how it works to help you lose weight, how you should take it and the potential side effects that could happen while taking the weight loss medication.
Appetite suppressants are oral medication taken over a short period of time (about 12 weeks) used to aid weight loss by reducing your appetite or making you feel fuller for longer. They are to be used in tandem with regular exercise and diet changes. .
So how do appetite suppressants like Panbesy work?
The main active ingredient in Panbesy is phentermine, which belongs to a classification of drugs called anorectics (otherwise also known as appetite suppressants). While it is still unclear how exactly Panbesy works for weight loss, phentermine has been thought to reduce appetite by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters present in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals to other cells to regulate vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate and (more specifically) appetite. By increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, you will find that your appetite wanes and decreases, helping you to eat less and lose weight.
However, there is a possibility that your body might build a tolerance towards the medication within weeks of taking it. If that happens, your doctor will recommend against raising the dosage but instead to stop using Panbesy altogether.
False.
For many, Panbesy has been shown to be a successful way to help lose weight. Weight loss occurs when there are overall changes to diet and lifestyle such as a healthier diet, counting calories and regular exercise. However, there is evidence to suggest that Panbesy might be able to enhance these weight loss effects.
In a study by The Obesity Society, researchers found that Panbesy may have helped increase the success rates of some diet plans. In the study, they noted that people who reduced their daily caloric intake lost weight, however the people who included Panbesy in their diet plan reported fewer cravings and lost more weight.
False.
Panbesy is a short-term used prescription medication and will only be prescribed to people with obesity or people who find it difficult to lose weight through regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet alone. People with a BMI over 30 or with a BMI over 27 with weight-related health conditions (like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) can take Panbesy.
Your doctor will determine how much dosage you personally need so that you only take the lowest amount of Panbesy in order for it to be still effective. As mentioned earlier, there is a possibility that your body might build a tolerance towards the medication and render it ineffective.
Panbesy will not be prescribed for those who want to lose a few pounds but are otherwise healthy.
False.
Panbesy is to be taken alongside changes to your diet and lifestyle (caloric restriction, healthy diet and regular exercise) in order for it to work and help you lose weight.
You should take Panbesy exactly as instructed by your doctor, as they will adapt the amount of doses best suit for you and your needs.
You will usually take your medication once a day, either an hour before having breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast. Depending on your doctor's instructions, you might have to take smaller doses of the medication up to 3 times a day.
Panbesy is a short-term prescription medication, meant to be taken over the course of 12 weeks. It might begin to lose effectiveness after a few weeks. If you notice that the medication has stopped working well, contact your doctor as soon as you can to determine whether you should proceed with the medication or stop taking it altogether.
If you do stop taking Panbesy, it is possible that you might experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and depression. To prevent this from happening, your doctor might recommend gradually coming off Panbesy by lowering your dose slowly. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is more common if you have taken Panbesy in large doses or for a long period of time.
While Panbesy has helped many to successfully lose weight, it is possible that the appetite suppressant medication might cause addiction. The risk of being addicted to Panbesy increases if you struggle with substance abuse or have a substance use disorder. It is then vital that you do not increase your dosage of Panbesy, increase the frequency that you take the medication or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. You should stop taking Panbesy when directed by your doctor.
If you forget to take your medication, you should take it as soon as you remember. However if you miss taking a dosage and it is later in the day, forgo this missed dose and take the next dose of Panbesy as normal.
It is important that you do not take two doses of Panbesy at the same time.
While taking Panbesy, you might experience some minor but tolerable side effects. Here are some of the potential side effects that could occur while taking Panbesy:
The common side effects are often tolerated by most of its users, however if these side effects worsen or persist, you should contact your doctor immediately.
As Panbesy might raise your blood pressure, it is important you regularly check your blood pressure and inform your doctor promptly if your blood pressure is high.
It is important that you contact your doctor promptly or seek medical assistance if you begin to experience the following serious side effects:
If you are currently struggling to lose weight in spite of dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Zoey, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to determine whether Panbesy is suitable for you as part of your weight loss plan. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suitable for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.
Articles featured on Zoey are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
Moldovan, C.P., Weldon, A.J., Daher, N.S., Schneider, L.E., Bellinger, D.L., Berk, L.S., Hermé, A.C., Aréchiga, A.L., Davis, W.L. and Peters, W.R. (2016), Effects of a meal replacement system alone or in combination with phentermine on weight loss and food cravings. Obesity, 24: 2344-2350. (Link)
