Skip to content

Phentermine (Adipex)

Phentermine is one of the most widely prescribed weight loss medications in the U.S. We prescribe it carefully when it fits, with the monthly in-person visits Alabama law requires, and each prescription covers no more than a 35-day supply.

How phentermine works

Since the 1950s, phentermine has been shown to be safe and effective when used under medical supervision. Phentermine supports weight loss by reducing hunger signals in the brain. It:

  • Helps control appetite and reduce food intake
  • Supports steady, sustainable weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes
  • Can be used long term with appropriate medical supervision
  • Requires monthly in-person follow-up in Alabama

Benefits of phentermine

Patients using phentermine under medical supervision may experience:

  • Decreased appetite and fewer cravings
  • Consistent weight loss results
  • Improved motivation and energy for lifestyle changes
  • A very affordable option compared with many newer therapies

Who is a candidate for phentermine?

Phentermine may be considered if you:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or higher, even without other health issues
  • Have a BMI greater than 25 with at least one weight-related condition (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or PCOS)
  • Have a body fat percentage ≥25% for men or ≥30% for women
  • Have an abdominal circumference of at least 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women
  • Struggle with appetite and cravings that interfere with weight loss
  • Do not have medical conditions or medications that make stimulant use unsafe
  • Are able to attend monthly in-person visits for safe prescribing and monitoring

Phentermine is a controlled substance. By law in Alabama, it must be prescribed with monthly in-person visits and may only be dispensed in limited supplies.

Phentermine at PrecisionMD

When you choose PrecisionMD for phentermine treatment, you’ll receive:

  • A thorough in-person consultation and health screening
  • A personalized prescription plan, if appropriate
  • Guidance on safe and effective use
  • Monthly in-person visits to monitor progress and refill prescriptions
  • Ongoing support with nutrition, lifestyle, and weight management

Get safe, physician-supervised care with a proven and affordable medication.

Phentermine (Adipex) in Decatur, Madison, and across North Alabama

Phentermine care is provided in person only at our Decatur and Madison clinics, with monthly visits required for refills. Patients from Huntsville, Athens, Cullman, Hartselle, Hazel Green, Harvest, and New Market also come to us for physician-supervised weight loss care.

Dr. Traci McCormick, MD

Physician-led care

Every plan at PrecisionMD follows the protocols of Dr. Traci McCormick, MD, triple board-certified in Obesity Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine and Radiation Oncology.

Meet Dr. McCormick

Questions

About Phentermine (Adipex)

Still unsure? Call or text (256) 286-1888.

Phentermine is a stimulant that reduces appetite. It has decades of data showing safety when prescribed with monitoring. Unlike some newer weight loss medications, phentermine is available at a much lower cost.

No. In Alabama, phentermine requires monthly in-person visits for prescribing and refills.

It depends on your health needs and progress. Some patients take it for a defined period, while others continue long term under medical supervision. You’ll still need monthly in-person visits for ongoing prescriptions.

Weight regain is possible if healthy habits aren’t continued. At PrecisionMD, we pair phentermine with nutrition, lifestyle coaching, and long-term strategies to help you sustain results whether or not you continue the medication.

Not in the traditional sense. We don’t require a strict or highly restrictive diet plan. Instead, we encourage balanced eating and healthy habits that support long-term success. Phentermine helps manage appetite, but lasting results come from combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes.

Phentermine is one of the most affordable prescription weight loss medications available. Most patients can fill it at their local pharmacy for $10–$20 per month, depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage.

Results vary widely. On average, patients taking phentermine under medical supervision lose about 5–10% of their starting body weight over time. Some people may lose more, others less, depending on factors like metabolism, lifestyle, and how consistently they follow their plan. The key is that phentermine works best when paired with balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits, not as a stand-alone solution.

Common side effects can include dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, increased heart rate, or jitteriness. These effects are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts. Because phentermine is a stimulant, it may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions or for those taking specific medications. At PrecisionMD, we monitor you closely with monthly in-person visits to make sure the medication remains safe and effective.

More in Weight Loss

Other options to ask about.

An injection pen on folded linen beside a glass of water and a weekly planner

Wegovy (Injection & Pill)

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 medication for long-term weight loss. We prescribe all three forms: the weekly injection, the higher-dose Wegovy HD, and the once-daily pill.

A smiling woman with silver hair walking along a tree-lined path

Zepbound

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection that acts on two hormone pathways, GLP-1 and GIP, to reduce appetite and support your metabolism.

A small tablet in a ceramic dish beside coffee and yogurt with blueberries

Foundayo (Orforglipron)

Foundayo (orforglipron), approved by the FDA on April 1, 2026, is the first oral GLP-1 weight loss pill you can take at any time of day, with or without food, so the medication fits your routine instead of the other way around.

A woman in her fifties laughs over a cup of tea as a clinician listens, in a sunlit room

Your first visit

Start with a conversation that isn't rushed.

Every new patient begins with a consultation: your history, your goals, and a clear plan. In person in Decatur or Madison, or by telehealth anywhere in Alabama.

Decatur · Madison · Telehealth across Alabama