# Phentermine for Weight Loss in Lehi, Utah - Link: https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/phentermine/ - Published: 2026-10-14T22:19:26-06:00 - Author: Restoration Health **Starting phentermine requires an in-person visit; refills can be virtual.** Our practice prescribes phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled medicine, only after an in-person evaluation and exam at our Lehi, Utah clinic. After that first visit, refill visits can be completed by secure video. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy; we do not write paper prescriptions. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that has been used for decades. It is inexpensive and may reduce appetite and support short-term weight loss for some patients. It is FDA-approved for short-term use, together with diet, exercise and behavior change, in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. Here is how we use it, who it is for, and what side effects to watch for. ## How we use phentermine ### As a starter Phentermine can help get weight loss moving while you build new eating and activity habits, or while you decide on a longer-term medicine such as a [GLP-1](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/glp-1-medications/). ### Longer or on-and-off use The FDA label approves short-term use (a few weeks). Using it longer or in cycles, such as 3 months on and 3 months off, is off-label; your physician may consider it case by case, after discussing the uncertain long-term benefits and risks, with regular check-ins. ### As part of a program Utah rules require it to be part of a full weight-loss program with nutrition, activity and regular monitoring, not a prescription on its own. ## What starting phentermine involves 1. **In-person visit in Lehi** with a complete history and physical exam, including blood pressure and heart rate. 2. **Review of past weight-loss efforts** and your medical records. 3. **Informed consent.** Utah requires a signed consent that includes the statement that the long-term effects of controlled substances for weight loss are not known. 4. **Electronic prescription** sent to your pharmacy. No paper prescriptions. 5. **Regular follow-up** to check your weight, blood pressure and side effects. Refill visits can be done by secure video; bring your home blood-pressure readings. Phentermine is stopped if it isn’t helping, if a reason not to take it develops, or if it isn’t taken as directed. Visit fees are the same as our other weight-loss visits: $199 for the first visit and $149 for monthly follow-ups ([see all prices](https://restorationhealth.clinic/pricing/)). Generic phentermine is usually inexpensive; your pharmacy sets the price. ## How to take it * Once a day in the morning. Taking it late in the day can keep you awake. * Avoid alcohol, and be careful driving until you know how it affects you. * Don’t take a higher dose if it seems to stop working; tell us instead. * If you have diabetes, tell us: because you’ll likely eat less, your diabetes medicines may need to be lowered to prevent low blood sugar. * Don’t combine it with other weight-loss medicines or supplements unless your physician directs it. * Tell us about all your medicines, including stimulants, decongestants and medicines for depression or ADHD, and any history of substance use. ## Common side effects * Dry mouth or an unpleasant taste * Trouble sleeping, restlessness or feeling “wired” * Faster heartbeat or a pounding heart * Higher blood pressure * Headache or dizziness * Constipation or diarrhea (see our [constipation guide](https://restorationhealth.clinic/primary-care/constipation/)) * Changes in sex drive ## Potentially serious side effects These are rare. Stop phentermine and get care right away if you notice: * **Pulmonary hypertension:** new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or swelling of the legs or ankles. This is rare but can be fatal. * **Heart valve problems:** rare cases have been reported, mostly when phentermine was combined with other weight-loss drugs. * **Very high blood pressure, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.** * **Misuse or dependence:** phentermine is related to amphetamines; take only as prescribed and never share it. * **Serious allergic reaction:** hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. For a medical emergency, call 911. ## Who should not take phentermine People with heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, stroke, irregular heart rhythms or heart failure), uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of drug misuse, or agitated states; anyone who has taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days; and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. ## Phentermine or a GLP-1? In clinical trials, GLP-1 medicines produced more average weight loss over the long term than is reported with short-term phentermine, and they are used long term, but they cost more and have different risks; see the [Wegovy pill](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/wegovy-pill-utah/) and [Zepbound without insurance](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/zepbound-without-insurance/). Phentermine costs less and may help some people early on, but is approved for short- term use. Had weight-loss surgery before? Read [GLP-1s for weight regain after bariatric surgery](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/glp-1-weight-regain-after-bariatric-surgery/). A home blood-pressure cuff is helpful on phentermine; see [virtual monitoring](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/virtual-weight-loss-monitoring/). ### Ready to talk it through? Your first phentermine visit must be in person at our Lehi clinic (choose the in- person Lehi option when you book); refill visits after that can be by secure video. New weight-loss patient visit $199; monthly follow-up visit $149. Medication is billed separately by your pharmacy. [See all prices](https://restorationhealth.clinic/pricing/). [Book an In-Person Visit in Lehi](https://book.carepatron.com/Restoration-Health-Medical-Group--PLLC/Jacob?p=zu9bREdaRDG9RWFfr-HNVw&s=j.iKpj0w) ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I get phentermine by video visit? Not to start it. Our practice prescribes phentermine only after an in-person evaluation and exam at our Lehi clinic. After that, refill visits can be completed by secure video. ### Can I get a paper prescription? No. Our practice sends all controlled-substance prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy; we do not write paper prescriptions. ### How long can I take phentermine? The FDA label approves phentermine for short-term use as part of a weight-loss program. Using it longer or on and off, for example 3 months on and 3 months off, is off- label; some physicians consider it case by case when it is safe and working, with regular check-ins. Your physician decides whether that fits you. ### What are the most common side effects? Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, restlessness, faster heartbeat, higher blood pressure, headache, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, and an unpleasant taste. ### Who should not take phentermine? People with heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of drug misuse, agitation, those who recently took an MAO inhibitor, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. ## Related guides * [GLP-1 medications: how they work, benefits and side effects](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/glp-1-medications/) * [Wegovy pill in Utah: self-pay cost and how to start](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/wegovy-pill-utah/) * [Zepbound without insurance: the real monthly cost](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/zepbound-without-insurance/) * [GLP-1s for weight regain after bariatric surgery](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/glp-1-weight-regain-after-bariatric-surgery/) * [Virtual monitoring: smart scales, glucose and blood pressure](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/virtual-weight-loss-monitoring/) * [Medical Weight Loss program overview](https://restorationhealth.clinic/medical-weight-loss/) * [All self-pay prices](https://restorationhealth.clinic/pricing/) * [Primary care for our weight-loss patients](https://restorationhealth.clinic/primary-care/) * [Browse all patient guides](https://restorationhealth.clinic/patient-guides/) Reviewed by a fellowship-trained physician at Restoration Health Medical Group. Last updated October 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice for you; whether a medication is right for you is decided at your visit. For a medical emergency, call 911. ## Sources * [Phentermine hydrochloride FDA prescribing information (DailyMed, National Library of Medicine)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=phentermine+hydrochloride) * [Utah Admin. Code R156-37-604: Prescribing of controlled substances for weight reduction or control](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R156-37-604)