Can You Take Phentermine While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Phentermine While Breastfeeding?

It's not recommended to take phentermine while breastfeeding. Phentermine, which is part of the amphetamine family and often used for weight loss, can pass into your breast milk and potentially impact your baby. 

Moreover, it's important to know that phentermine has a long half-life of about 20 hours 1 , which means it takes about 20 hours for your body to clear just half of the dose. So, even 12 hours after taking it, there can still be a significant amount of the drug in your system.

While there isn't extensive research 2 on phentermine and breastfeeding, we know that weight loss drugs can sometimes lead to issues such as restlessness or sleep disruption in infants. 

Given these potential risks, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. "Phentermine"https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00191.

  2. National Library of Medicine"Phentermine"Jul 18, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582102/.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Take Phentermine While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Phentermine While Breastfeeding?

It's not recommended to take phentermine while breastfeeding. Phentermine, which is part of the amphetamine family and often used for weight loss, can pass into your breast milk and potentially impact your baby. 

Moreover, it's important to know that phentermine has a long half-life of about 20 hours 1 , which means it takes about 20 hours for your body to clear just half of the dose. So, even 12 hours after taking it, there can still be a significant amount of the drug in your system.

While there isn't extensive research 2 on phentermine and breastfeeding, we know that weight loss drugs can sometimes lead to issues such as restlessness or sleep disruption in infants. 

Given these potential risks, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Phentermine"https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00191.

  2. National Library of Medicine"Phentermine"Jul 18, 2022https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582102/.


Share via