Phentermine Skin Problems

Phentermine is a medication used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss in obese patients. And, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Phentermine is the most widely prescribed and most frequently encountered diet drug on the illicit market. lonamin, Fastin and Adipex are some of the alternate brand names for this medication that the FDA approved in 1959. Although the drug is popular, it can cause unwelcome side effects, including those that affect your skin.

Common Side Effects

Side effects of Phentermine can range from feeling nervous and anxious to dry mouth and itching, according to Drugs.com. Severe allergic reactions, including rash, hives and itching, can occur and should be reported to the prescribing physician. Of course, this is not a complete list, and other unknown side effects might occur.

Acne

Itchy Skin From Phentermine

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Facial breakouts are one of the most common complaints from patients taking Phentermine. Although it is unknown why acne occurs after taking this medication, it has been noted in a wide range of individuals, from those who are young to patients in their 50s with no previous history of acne. Since Phentermine is a short-term use drug, common over-the-counter acne medications should help reduce blemishes.

Sagging Skin

For obese patients, one unfortunate result of any rapid weight loss program is sagging skin. Once the fat has dissolved and your body is left with loose folds, the only avenue to tighter skin is to go under the knife. If you are concerned about the appearance of sagging skin, the best advice is to lose weight slowly--no more than two pounds per week. While slow weight loss requires patience and time, it is by far the healthiest and most cosmetically appealing option. By losing weight over time, statistics show that you are less likely to have excess, bagging skin and more likely to keep the weight off.

Picking

Nioxin Side Effects

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One known side effect listed for Phentermine is a feeling of nervousness or anxiousness. These two issues can lead to a condition called picking, where a person will fidget and pick or peel their skin, sometimes causing it to bleed. This behavior is usually exhibited by biting fingernails or picking at cuticles, and is often done without being aware of it.

Scalp Sores

Irritation and goose bump-like sores on the scalp are another effect noticed after taking Phentermine. It is unclear if the medication triggers the condition or if the nervous and anxious feelings cause patients to sense an itchy scalp. In either case, the reaction can be intensified by scratching, and scabs can form on the head. Pain can be slightly noticed while brushing the hair and can be heightened by hair products or chemical treatment from a hairdresser. A dermatologist can prescribe a topical steroid lotion to relieve the itching.