Do I have to stop taking phentermine pills before having SculpSure?

Question

I have my second appointment this Friday, I have been taking phentermine 37.5 for 3 weeks now, , and I am in a low carb diet. My question is, do I have to stop the pills to do Sculpsure? (Because of the side effects I have some times, I am afraid it will be too much for my heart) Appreciate your comments.

W. John Bullis, MD · Answer

Phentermine, like any derivative of amphetamine, can raise your heart rate and BP, therefore, I routinely have my surgical patients discontinue it for surgery.  For SculpSure, there is no reason that you would have to stop, however, you may not want to take it on the day of the procedure, as you are less likely to need it on that day.  Check with the doctor who is responsible for the SculpSure to get his or her opinion on it, but at my office, that would be OK.

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello crisss01, Thank you for your question and sharing your concerns.  While I don't necessarily make patients stop most medications before SculpSure, I am concerned that you are having side effects.  I would consult your prescribing physician about the side effects that you are having and any cardiovascular impact they could have.  I hope that is helpful.All my best!  Dr. Elizabeth

David Chappell, MD · Answer

Phentermine is an old appetite suppressant that is FDA-approved for short-term treatment of obesity. It works down the adrenergic pathway (like adrenaline). It can increase your heart rate, cause tremors, and keep you awake at night. If so it may be advisable to cut the pills in half. The 37.5 mg tablets are easily split. Unless you are very sensitive to phentermine it should not matter if you take the medicine on the day of your SculpSure treatment. Qsymia is a recent timed-released combination of phentermine and topomirate, which is FDA-approved for long-term treatment of obesity. It is (usually) a better drug both with respect weight loss and tolerance than phentermine alone. However, it is expensive and often not covered by health insurance. It is important to maintain your healthy habits and lose weight to get the most out of SculpSure treatments.

James Okamoto, MD · Answer

There is no known contraindication between taking Phentermine and having Sculpsure, however since you have had side effects with phentermine at your current dose, I would discuss with your physician going to a lower dose. The best dose is the lowest effective dose without side effects.  (Phentermine also comes in 15mg and 30mg strengths)

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I don’t require my patients to stop medications before a SculpSure treatment. Please consult your provider and always seek treatments from a board-certified dermatologist.

Do I have to stop taking phentermine pills before having SculpSure?

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Answer: Phentermine & Sculpsure

Answer: Phentermine & Sculpsure

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Do I have to stop taking phentermine pills before having SculpSure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Phentermine & Sculpsure

Answer: Phentermine & Sculpsure

Answer: SculpSure

Answer: SculpSure

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Everything you need to know about SculpSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.