The Ultimate Guide to Over-the-Counter (OTC) Phentermine ByDr. Hannah England Updated onJune 28, 2023 The popular weight loss medication phentermine cannot be bought over-the-counter (OTC) because it requires a prescription. However, you can buy effective over-the-counter diet pills similar to phentermine without seeing a doctor. Too busy for the full read? Here’s what you need to know: Buying phentermine over the counter is not possible. Phentermine is a class IV controlled substance due to its risk of addiction and serious side effects. You can purchase alternative weight loss supplements without a prescription. Supplements may have no side effects and can be taken long-term. Unlike phentermine, OTC diet pills are not monitored by a doctor. Best for Appetite SuppressionPhen Caps9.4✅ Suppresses appetite✅ Boosts energy levels✅ All-natural ingredients✅ No negative side effects✅ Over 35,000 customers✅ Real testimonials❌ May interfere with sleep if taken in the eveningCheck PriceBest Fat Burning5 Star Fat Burner9.1✅ Increases metabolism✅ Burns fat✅ Controls hunger✅ 100% natural✅ No caffeine✅ Vegetarian❌ Lack of caffeine may mean energy levels do not feel boostedCheck PriceBest with Keto DietKETO Charge8.7✅ Helps your body reach ketosis more quickly✅ Aids fat burning✅ Avoids keto flu✅ Boosts energy✅ Once daily capsule❌ Works best with a keto diet❌ Not suitable for vegetarians or vegansCheck PricePhen Q8.3✅ Burns fat✅ Suppresses appetite✅ Blocks fat production✅ Boosts energy levels✅ Enhances mood✅ Vegan❌ May interrupt sleep if taken after 3pmCheck Price Can You Get Phentermine Over-the-Counter? No, buying phentermine over the counter is not possible as it is a class IV controlled substance. Branded versions of phentermine, including Adipex-P, are also subject to the same prescribing rules of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Controlled Substances Act is regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Its role is to determine how medications should be accessed based on the likelihood of addiction, dependence, or abuse ( 1 ). As phentermine has a similar chemical structure to amphetamines, there is a risk of dependence. For this reason, in most cases, phentermine is only prescribed for three months at a time. Phentermine can also cause a range of common and serious side effects, such as headaches, dry mouth, mood changes, and hallucinations. It is, therefore, not considered safe to buy phentermine or Adipex over the counter ( 2 ). Related: Side Effects of Phentermine Prescription Phentermine vs. Over-the-Counter Alternatives The good news is many over-the-counter phentermine alternatives do not require you to consult a doctor for a prescription. However, there are differences between prescription phentermine and over-the-counter diet pills. Key Differences Unlike phentermine, over-the-counter diet pills can be purchased without a prescription from CVS, Walgreens, and even Amazon, making them a convenient choice. There’s no need to speak to a doctor or pharmacist; you can often have the pills delivered to your door whenever you need them. ALTERNATIVE Buy Phen Now! No Prescription Required. No Side Effects. Made in USA. Get 20% off now! Whereas Adipex-P has a long list of irritating, and in some cases, serious, side effects, over-the-counter equivalents to phentermine may have no side effects at all. For this reason, if you find that an OTC weight loss pill is helpful, you may be able to take it long-term rather than being limited to three months as with phentermine ( 3 ). Compared to phentermine, over-the-counter diet pills can help you lose a similar amount of weight. Using natural ingredients, weight loss supplements promote fat burning while reducing the appetite and boosting energy levels. Unlike phentermine, weight loss is achieved without the risk of side effects or the potential for addiction ( 4 ). Who Should Consider OTC Alternatives? You may consult a doctor and find that, based on your weight and medical background, they are willing to prescribe phentermine for you. However, many people eligible for a phentermine prescription choose to take an alternative instead. For example, you may prefer to try an over-the-counter diet pill to focus on losing weight without worrying about serious side effects or the potential for addiction. Some people cannot take phentermine because they have conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of addiction. In this case, an over-the-counter equivalent to phentermine may be recommended. Alternative weight loss pills can help reduce the appetite and burn calories without putting your health at risk. Top Over-the-Counter Phentermine Alternatives Many diet pills are available, each promoting weight loss in a different way. There are four great OTC alternatives to phentermine. Phen Caps Phen Caps are taken twice daily for an average weight loss of around 1-2 pounds per week, giving similar results to prescription phentermine. The natural ingredients suppress the appetite, boost energy levels, and burn calories. This makes it easier to eat less and exercise more to lose weight more quickly ( 4 ). Ingredients: Phenylethylamine, Caffeine, Theobromine, Caralluma, Synephrine, L-Carnitine, Raspberry Ketone, Chinese Hawthorne Berry Extract, and Selenium. Best Appetite Suppression9.4/10Our ScoreGet 20% OffSuppresses appetiteBoosts energy levelsAll-natural ingredientsNo negative side effectsOver 35,000 customersReal testimonialsMay interfere with sleep if taken in the evening 5 Star Fat Burner 5 Star Fat Burner is an all-natural capsule that promotes fat burning 24/7. It contains Capsimax and GreenSelect Phytosome, which have been proven to increase calorie burning. In clinical trials, participants taking the active ingredients showed significant weight loss results compared to those taking a placebo ( 5 ). Ingredients: Capsimax, Greenselect Phytosome, Raspberry Ketone, Pomegranate Seed Extract, Chromium, Oligofructose, and Griffonia simplicifolia plant (5-HTP). Best for Fat Burning9.1/10Our ScoreGet 20% OffIncreases metabolismBurns fatControls hunger100% naturalNo caffeineVegetarianLack of caffeine may mean energy levels do not feel boosted KETO Charge KETO Charge capsules are designed to help those trying to lose weight when following a keto diet. The nutrients make it easier to reach ketosis and help to manage symptoms of keto-flu associated with a high-fat, low-carb diet. Fat burning is promoted, and you may feel more energetic ( 6 ). Ingredients: Magnesium Beta Hydroxybutyrate, Calcium Beta Hydroxybutyrate, Sodium Beta Hydroxybutyrate, Gelatin, and Rice flour. Best With Keto Diet8.7/10Our ScoreCheck PriceHelps your body reach ketosis more quicklyAids fat burningAvoids keto fluBoosts energyOnce daily capsuleWorks best with a keto dietNot suitable for vegetarians or vegans PhenQ PhenQ is a vegan-friendly natural capsule that has no side effects. It burns fat, controls the appetite, and boosts energy levels to help you lose weight. It can be taken indefinitely to aid weight loss and help you maintain your target weight ( 7 ). Ingredients: Capsimax, Chromium Picolinate, Caffeine, Nopal Cactus, L-Carnitine Fumarate, Innoslim, B-Vitamins, and Iodine. 8.3/10Our ScoreCheck PriceBurns fatSuppresses appetiteBlocks fat productionBoosts energy levelsEnhances moodVeganMay interrupt sleep if taken after 3pm Table of ContentsCan You Get Phentermine Over-the-Counter?Prescription Phentermine vs. Over-the-Counter AlternativesKey DifferencesWho Should Consider OTC Alternatives?Top Over-the-Counter Phentermine AlternativesPhen Caps5 Star Fat BurnerKETO ChargePhenQWhat to Consider Before Taking OTC Diet PillsConclusionFAQsWhere can you get phentermine over the counter?Can you get Adipex over the counter?Are over-the-counter phentermine alternatives safe?Can I take over-the-counter phentermine alternatives with other medications?How long should I use an over-the-counter phentermine alternative?Can I use multiple over-the-counter alternatives at once?What to Consider Before Taking OTC Diet Pills Although diet pills can be bought without seeking medical advice, it is still important to do some research before you start a new weight loss supplement. Despite containing natural ingredients, diet pills are often contraindicated for individuals under 18, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have a medical condition or take any other prescribed, over-the-counter or herbal medications, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist to check that the diet pill will suit you. Taking over-the-counter phentermine alternatives can be safer than taking phentermine. Still, it is important to remember that, unlike phentermine, supplements are not monitored by a doctor. If you have concerns, you should consult a trained healthcare professional. The final consideration is that while many diet pills have shown promise in clinical trials, the best weight loss outcomes are always achieved when supplements are taken in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. It is therefore essential to also make lifestyle changes. Conclusion It is not possible to buy phentermine over the counter. Still, you can purchase various alternative weight loss supplements without a prescription. Natural supplements can suppress the appetite and boost fat burning for increased weight loss without the severe side effects of phentermine. FAQs Where can you get phentermine over the counter? Phentermine cannot be bought without a prescription because it is a controlled substance. However, a range of effective, over-the-counter diet pills similar to phentermine can be bought without seeing a doctor or getting a prescription. Can you get Adipex over the counter? No, you cannot get Adipex over the counter. Adipex is a branded version of phentermine, and as phentermine is a class IV controlled substance, it is not possible to buy Adipex or generic phentermine without a prescription. Are over-the-counter phentermine alternatives safe? You may choose a diet pill containing natural ingredients because you want a safer way to lose weight or wish to avoid side effects. However, some diet pills are not suitable for under-18s, pregnant women, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. You must read the label and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help determining whether a medication is safe for you. Can I take over-the-counter phentermine alternatives with other medications? If you take other medications, it is essential to always check with your doctor before you start taking a diet pill or any other new supplement. How long should I use an over-the-counter phentermine alternative? Unlike phentermine, over-the-counter diet pills can often be taken for as long as they continue to help you lose weight. While phentermine can only be taken for three months at a time, some people take natural weight loss supplements indefinitely to promote weight loss and maintain their target weight. Always read the label to check how long you can take a supplement. Can I use multiple over-the-counter alternatives at once? No, it is best only to take one phentermine alternative at a time. If one supplement does not have the desired effect, stop it and try a new one. Once you have found the right diet pill, persevere with a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity for maximum weight loss. References Drug Enforcement Administration (2018). The Controlled Substances Act Kim, K. K., Cho, J., Kang, C., Youn, B., & Lee, R. (2006). Effects on Weight Reduction and Safety of Short-Term Phentermine Administration in Korean Obese People. Yonsei Medical Journal, 47(5), 614-625. What is Phentermine? (2023) Phentermine.com. Phen.com (2023) Phen.com. 5 Star Fat Burner (2023) Phen.com Keto Charge (2023) Ketocharge.com PhenQ (2023) PhenQ.com
