Phentermine, a prescription appetite-suppressant that is still prescribed today as a short-term aid in treating obesity, is one of two drugs in the group known as “fen-phen”. Its counterpart, fenfluramine, has since been withdrawn, and phentermine remains effective in suppressing appetite through a process of binding receptors to the hypothalamus. This process allows for both a boost in energy and suppression of appetite that is conducive to weight loss.
In terms of chemical composition, phentermine is similar to amphetamines and is thus considered a controlled substance. Side effects of phentermine can include dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness, and constipation, though many of these effects dissipate after a certain amount of usage. More serious side effects can run the gamut from severe headaches and fever to high blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and even fatal conditions affecting the lungs.
Phentermine is also banned in some countries and is a drug reserved for bariatric patients who have tried everything they know of to lose weight, to no avail. Because of these circumstances around the prescription and use of phentermine, many dieters and bariatric patients seek out over-the-counter alternatives with safe, all-natural ingredients that help them lose weight and suppress appetite effectively without the need for it a prescription.
If you’ve been wondering, “What are the best over-the-counter phentermine alternatives?” here are 6 potent and safe alternatives to help you lose weight. Before you embark on any weight-loss journey, however, always make sure to consult with your doctor first!
Reviews of the 6 Best Over the Counter Phentermine Alternatives
Here are the latest reviews of the 6 best over the counter phentermine alternative diet pills to Buy in this year.
1. PhenGold
PhenGold is one of the most popular diet pills that work fast without exercise. PhenGold is a phentermine alternative that is designed to be a comprehensive weight loss supplement that produces results. Its main goals are to burn stored body fat, suppress appetite, boost energy, improve mood, and block fat production to prevent the accumulation of excess body fat. PhenGold, along with Phen24, is easily one of the more popular over-the-counter phentermine alternatives currently on the market.
Fat burns are achieved through thermogenesis, or increasing the body’s temperature to make your body burn more calories in order to stay cool; meanwhile, its appetite suppressant and mood-boosting properties are intended to work together in order to make cutting calories easy without putting you in a bad mood while you work to lose weight.
PhenGold boasts a unique blend of scientifically-proven weight loss-enhancing ingredients, including a unique formula known as α-Lacys Reset, which aids in thermogenesis and hastening metabolism. Each package of PhenGold comes with 90 pills, with a formula produced in both the US and UK in FDA and GMP-approved facilities. This supply lasts one month and is taken in a similar fashion to Phen24: however, instead of taking it with breakfast and before dinner, PhenGold is taken with breakfast and lunch. Vegetarians and vegans can be assured that PhenGold is free of animal products. To avoid sleep disruption, PhenGold is not recommended to take it after 3pm because of its caffeine content.
An extensive clinical study on α-Lacys Reset has been shown to have a notable effect on weight and body fat, and even an increase in muscle mass, which also aids in the body’s ability to burn calories. When compared to placebo, α-Lacys Reset allowed subjects to lose 7.24% of body fat, lose 3.44% of body weight, and increase muscle mass by 3.8%.
Key ingredients of PhenGold’s unique formula include:
- Capsimax powder is a blend of piperine, caffeine, capsicum, and niacin. This blend, largely derived from the natural properties of the black pepper plant, encourages thermogenic processes in the body that aid in burning calories and boosting your metabolism. Capsicum is another natural substance that is correlated with clinically significant weight loss.
- Chromium picolinate serves a similar purpose as it does in Phen24 Night: curbing cravings by regulating blood sugar levels and facilitating the absorption of glucose by your cells to maximize their energy potential and keep your body from craving more sugar than it needs to keep your cells energized. Chromium picolinate is a mineral found in meats, vegetables, and whole grains. Studies have shown that chromium supplements can curb cravings and excessive appetite in people with depression.
- Caffeine is a staple in many weight loss supplements because its stimulant properties suppress appetite, boost energy, and reduce fatigue, which encourages weight loss without leaving you hungry and tired during the day. Its thermogenic properties also encourage your body to burn more fat and improve your exercise results.
- Nopal, a fiber-rich variety of cactus, is also high in amino acids that are essential in flushing excess fluid from your body, leaving you with more energy and less weight on your extremities from excess fluid. Fiber also helps in maintaining satisfaction after eating, so you’re fuller for longer periods.
- L-carnitine fumarate, a naturally-occurring amino acid found in foods such as meats, nuts, and green vegetables, is a natural means of both burning stored fat for energy and keeping your energy levels up during the day.
PhenGold has no known side effects. However, if you have health conditions or take prescription medication, consult with your doctor before taking PhenGold to ensure no potential conflicts with your treatment. PhenGold can also be safely taken in conjunction with oral contraceptives because it is made entirely of naturally-derived nutrients. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or under 18 should not take PhenGold.
2. Phen24
Phen24 is an over-the-counter alternative to phentermine that is arguably one of the most popular on the market today and works by combining two supplements: one for daytime and one for nighttime–in order to facilitate fat loss and boost metabolism 24 hours a day, especially in conjunction with a healthy diet, proper exercise, and sleep. Like phentermine, Phen 24 aims to boost energy levels and suppress appetite and even purports itself as improving sleep with a stimulant-free supplement taken at night.
The idea behind Phen24 is that most weight loss supplements only help with daytime weight loss while not addressing the fact that factors such as low-quality sleep can have a negative impact on metabolism and stress levels, which also impact the body’s ability to burn energy properly.
To take Phen24 properly, its Day counterpart should be taken with breakfast in the morning, while Phen24 night should be taken 15 minutes before dinner with 1 or 2 glasses of water. Each package of Phen24 contains a month’s supply: 30 Day capsules and 60-night capsules. Vegetarians and vegans will be happy to know that this supplement is free of animal products.
With that in mind, let’s examine the two supplements that come with this package: Phen24 Day and Phen24 Night.
Phen24 Day’s ingredients are tailored to boost metabolism while aiding in digestion and the regulation of thyroid function to keep your weight loss stable and consistent in conjunction with diet and exercise. Key ingredients include:
- Caffeine is a natural appetite suppressant and energy booster that any coffee or tea enthusiast will be familiar with. It also aids in weight loss by upping the body’s internal temperature.
- Guarana extract is another natural substance that contains more caffeine than your standard cup of coffee–3.6% to 5.8%, in fact, over the 2% caffeine you might find in coffee! Studies have indicated that incorporating guarana extract in weight loss supplements can improve exercise-related fat loss.
- Cayenne powder isn’t just a delicious spice to bring your favorite foods to life: this pepper derivative also increases body temperature, which means the body has the burn more calories to keep you cool. Cayenne can also increase metabolic rate by as much as 25% and aid in digestion and blood pressure maintenance.
- Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid that facilitates appetite suppression through the release of an intestinal hormone called cholecystokinin, helps you feel satisfied after eating and regulates your brain’s ability to tell when your body is full. This curbs appetite by preventing overeating.
- Zinc citrate works in tandem with many other nutrients in order to accomplish vital metabolic processes. With vitamins A and E, for example, zinc citrate works to support proper thyroid function. With vitamin B6, zinc citrate can aid in the creation of essential enzymes in the pancreas that facilitate proper digestion, which also helps prevent the storage of undigested calories as fat.
Phen24 Night’s B vitamin-rich, the stimulant-free formula includes the following active ingredients to facilitate better sleep and weight loss:
- Glucomannan is the key ingredient to Phen24’s success and dietary fiber that helps keep you fuller and longer. Glucomannan does this by absorbing more water as you digest, which keeps you fuller and more satisfied for a longer period of time and helps inhibit cravings and nighttime eating.
- Chromium picolinate is well-known among strength trainers as a key ingredient for building muscle and metabolizing carbohydrates. Chromium picolinate has also been associated with a notable increase in weight reduction due to its ability to facilitate the conversion of macronutrients into glucose, giving your body the energy it needs to metabolize food as you sleep properly.
- Green tea extract is well-known among dieters as a fat-burning powerhouse that is rich in an antioxidant known as EGCG, which increases your body’s enzyme output for breaking down a chemical called norepinephrine, which helps instruct fat cells in the breakdown of fat. This enzyme increase also leads to an increase in norepinephrine, meaning more fat breakdown in the body. Caffeine and EGCG are also thought to work well together because of caffeine’s similar effects on the body’s fat-burning capabilities.
- Various B vitamins, including B6, B5, and B1, are included in the Phen24 Night formula to boost metabolic function and convert carbohydrates into glucose that your body can burn for energy and fat loss.
- Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a vital component in metabolizing proteins, much like B vitamins. However, vitamin C is also a known anti-inflammatory, which means that while it helps you metabolize proteins, it also blocks the synthesis of proteins meant to cause infection or inflammation in the body, which can improve recovery after workouts. According to one study, those taking proper amounts of vitamin C oxidize as much as 30% more fat than while exercising than those without.
While Phen-24 is an effective supplement when taken properly, women who are pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18 should not take it. People on anti-depressants and dieters with diabetes should also avoid using Phen24, as well as those with endocrine or autoimmune disorders, liver or kidney disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or testicular cancer.
3. FENFAST 375
FENFAST 375 is a weight loss supplement manufactured in the USA that seeks to achieve weight loss that stays off with ingredients such as caffeine, L-phenylalanine, L-theanine, and hordenine HCl. In conjunction with a calorie-reduced diet and regular exercise, FENFAST 375 seeks to suppress appetite, improve energy and eliminate fatigue, facilitate thermogenesis in the body, and improve your mood.
All of these factors contained in natural, scientifically-proven ingredients mean a healthier metabolism and the focus and drive you to need to reach your goals. In order to take FENFAST 375, two pills should be taken daily with 8 ounces of water 30 minutes or so before your meals. Be sure to use it with diet and exercise, and don’t take it within 5 hours of sleep to maintain healthy sleep cycles.
The key to the huge energy boost provided by FENFAST 375 is its use of extensively-researched stimulants from natural sources and avoidance of potentially harmful stimulant ingredients such as ephedra and synephrine. These ingredients include:
- L-Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, is derived from ingredients such as milk, meat, fish, and eggs and is a “building block” of protein synthesis. L-phenylalanine aids in releasing the intestinal enzyme cholecystokinin, also known as CCK, which is linked to reduced food intake.
- Caffeine, which you will find in most weight loss supplements, is well-known for its “triple threat” effect of energy-boosting, appetite suppression, and thermogenesis. This means less need to eat while burning more calories, encouraging weight loss and calorie reduction without being fatigued and unfocused. Caffeine also encourages fat oxidation and leptin suppression, meaning more effective, reliable fat burning and weight loss for you.
- L-theanine, a natural amino acid found in tea, works wonders for weight loss when combined with caffeine. L-theanine not only helps to reduce side effects from caffeine such as headaches but also aids in suppressing the accumulation of body fat, leading to more effective weight control. All in all, L-theanine, especially in conjunction with caffeine, leads to more reliable, fat-suppressing energy boosts that leave you headache-free and focused on your goals.
- Hordenine HCl, also known as Peyocactin and Anhaline, among other names, is an alkaloid that is commonly derived from barley and has been extensively studied for over a decade. When combined with the right ingredients, such as in a formula like FENFAST 375, Hordenine HCl is a potent weapon in combating accumulating body fat and fatigue.
Before you take FENFAST 375, keep in mind that this supplement is not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women, those under 18, or women attempting to become pregnant. Consult a physician before taking FENFAST 375 if you have or are at risk for high blood pressure, cardiac issues, kidney or liver disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, asthma, and other conditions. Also, consult your doctor before using FENFAST 375 if you are using other dietary supplements or over-the-counter drugs containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.
Also of note, FENFAST 375 should not be taken with other sources of caffeine, nor should it be taken in conjunction with prescription medications. If you are especially sensitive to caffeine, consult your doctor before starting this supplement.
As with any supplement, read the label before use, and when taken properly, there should be nothing more than mild side effects, such as jitters or mild headaches for those sensitive to caffeine intake. If you notice any unusual side effects while taking FENFAST 375, such as an allergic reaction, discontinue its use immediately.
4. PHENBLUE
PHENBLUE is a phentermine alternative that intends to reduce calories from fat intake while increasing energy and focus and supporting a healthy metabolism through the facilitation of thermogenesis in the body. Active ingredients in PHENBLUE include NeOptunia, which is derived from prickly pears; 150mg of caffeine, organic matcha green tea leaf powder, and theobromine.
This clinically-tested supplement alters the interaction of fats through the use of patented NeOptunia so you can enjoy your favorite meals in moderation without craving more. In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, PHENBLUE is a potent tool in reliable calorie reduction for more mindful, moderate, and satisfying meals. Ingredients such as caffeine work to facilitate fat oxidation and thermogenesis to help you burn calories faster while giving you more energy throughout the day.
The patented “sword and shield effect” of the compound NeOptunia is tailor-made to reduce the absorption of fats from food, an effect bolstered by the other ingredients in PHENBLUE. This effective supplement is made in the US in facilities compliant with FDA and CGMP regulations and uses natural ingredients that are safe to avoid the side effects of stimulants with adverse side effects such as ephedra or synephrine.
PHENBLUE’s ingredients include:
- NeOpuntia is a proven fat-binding supplement derived from the prickly pear (opuntia ficus-indica). In a major study, patients with metabolic syndrome were given NeOptunia and were shown to have improved blood lipid parameters, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular problems. Other clinical studies have associated NeOptunia with significant fat reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Opuntia ficus-indica was also shown in other studies to be correlated with an increase in the excretion of fat, leading to the indication that this plant was potentially vital in ensuring more fat is excreted instead of stored in the body.
- Caffeine is a tried-and-true, safe addition to any weight loss supplement and is well-known for its improvements in energy levels, focus, and alertness. Caffeine is also key in aiding the burning of fat while suppressing appetite to reduce calories with less hassle. Caffeine anhydrous was specifically chosen for PHENBLUE because of its ability to encourage fat-burning processes in the body. This ingredient is also correlated with improving the results of a healthy diet and exercise as well as lowering the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
- Organic matcha green tea leaf powder is a well-studied fat blocker and burner that is packed with health benefits. Matcha is a type of strong green tea most well-known for its use in a tea ceremony in Japan. When it comes to burning fat, this tea extract can assist the body in burning fats and calories, especially when paired with exercise. In one study, matcha extract was also shown to reduce 24-hour respiratory quotient while increasing adrenaline levels when compared to placebos, which can mean more effective workouts for you. Lipase inhibition, or fat blocking, and thermogenesis are more effects associated with matcha leaf extract, especially in the gastric and pancreatic systems of the body.
- Theobromine is another part of what makes PHENBLUE effective and works in tandem with other ingredients in order to enhance energy levels for longer periods. Theobromine is an appetite suppressant that also aids in avoiding energy spikes and “crashes” that can leave you sluggish throughout the day.
PHENBLUE is taken to similarly to FENFAST 375: two pills, twice daily, with 8 ounces of water 30 minutes before meals. Make sure to take similar precautions to FENFAST 375, such as not taking PHENBLUE 5 hours before you intend to sleep in order to maintain healthy sleep cycles. Women who are pregnant, nursing, under 18, or trying to become pregnant should not take PHENBLUE. Also, avoid this product if you are allergic to name, peas, beans, or peanuts. With proper use, there shouldn’t be side effects, but make sure to consult with your doctor if you are on prescription medication or have a preexisting condition.
5. APEX-TX5
APEX-TX5 is a dietary supplement packed with ingredients that are clinically proven to be effective in burning calories, supporting metabolic processes, increasing energy and focus, and improving exercise performance and thermogenesis. The active ingredients in APEX-TX5 include acetyl-L-carnitine HCl (also known as ALCAR), caffeine, beta-phenylethylamine HCl, L-tyrosine and theobromine.
A 30-day supply of APEX-TX5 comes with 120 capsules to be taken twice daily, two tablets at a time, with food. As with other weight loss supplements like PHENBLUE or FENFAST 375, don’t take this within 5 hours of sleep in order to maintain good sleep hygiene due to the caffeine content. Also, make sure to take this supplement with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Ingredients in APEX-TX5 include:
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (ALCAR) provides a plethora of benefits for weight management and personal health. Its metabolic support means more burning of fat, while its mood-boosting properties and brain function support help to combat symptoms of depression and act as an antioxidant. In studies conducted with ALCAR, not only were positive results quickly achieved, but they lasted longer, meaning this ingredient can extend the effectiveness of APEX-TX5 to achieve real results.
- Caffeine, a standard ingredient in many weight loss supplements, including over-the-counter phentermine alternatives, is a tried-and-true means of boosting energy while suppressing cravings and appetite to encourage fat loss and adopting a reduced-calorie diet.
- Beta-Phenylethylamine HCl is a safe, extensively-studied weight management tool that promotes thermogenesis, alertness, and mood, which keeps dieters happy and motivated to reach their goals while possessing the tools to keep them on track.
- L-tyrosine is an ingredient in APEX-TX5 that promotes stress relief, less anxiety, and alleviation of depression symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. L-tyrosine can also encourage thermogenesis, especially when combined with ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract, to optimize fat-burning.
- Theobromine, as discussed with PHENBLUE, is a supplement that works wonders in reducing the symptoms of caffeine intake while enhancing the benefits of caffeine, especially it’s providing of both energy and fat loss.
APEX-TX5 is an effective supplement but not intended for women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant or girls under 18. Consult your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions or are on prescription medication before taking APEX-TX5.
While there shouldn’t be any side effects when taking APEX-TX5 as directed, some people who are sensitive to caffeine intake may notice headaches or a tendency to be excitable or jittery. If you have an allergic reaction or unusual symptoms, discontinue use, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe.
6. TRIMTHIN X700
TRIMTHIN X700 is a weight loss supplement that is formulated to be a safe, effective means of maintaining high energy levels and metabolic support, to make it easier for dieters to get in the habit of burning fat and keeping it off with the aid of thermogenesis, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. TRIMTHIN X700 also includes built-in pre-workout support to keep you exercising so you can burn fat and build healthy muscle to keep you on course to reach your weight loss goals.
Active ingredients in TRIMTHIN X700 include naturally-derived substances such as caffeine, green tea leaf and green coffee bean extracts, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), xanthinol nicotinate, cnidium monnieri fruit powder, and eleuthero root powder, which is a variety of Siberian ginseng.
Like APEX TX5, Take two capsules of TRIMTHIN® X700 with 8 ounces of water twice daily, around 30 minutes before your meals. To maintain healthy sleep, do not take within 5 hours of sleep. This supplement works best with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Ingredients found in TRIMTHIN X700 include:
- Green tea leaf extract, as discussed with PHENBLUE, is a potent fat-burning tool with appetite suppression and energy-boosting properties that make it a powerhouse for any weight loss management system. Green tea extract is also shown to directly impact the way fat is processed in the gastric and pancreatic systems, meaning more fat is burned quickly while inhibiting the accumulation of body fat.
- Green coffee bean extract is another natural substance that has been extensively studied in terms of its fat-blocking properties. This ingredient has been shown to decrease heart rate slightly while inhibiting fat absorption, especially regarding how the liver metabolizes fats. This means a healthier heart and a healthier body for those who take this potent, effective supplement. Green coffee bean extract
- Conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA, is a type of linoleic acid isomer that is typically found in meat and dairy products. CLA is often taken as a supplement on its own but works well in conjunction with other ingredients that boost is weight loss management properties. CLA has been shown in studies to aid in the decrease of abdominal fat in men while minimizing cardiovascular risks in the process.
- Caffeine, as discussed previously, is a standard ingredient in many weight loss supplements because of its reliable, safe, and effective means of attaining energy, focus, appetite suppression, and fat-burning properties.
- Xanthinol Nicotinate is also known as xanthinol niacinate and is a vasodilator. This blood vessel-opening ingredient also lowers lipids, as shown in a German study that examined patients which hyperlipoproteinemias, a condition that requires patients to seek medical assistance in order to properly break down fats in the body.
- Cnidium monnieri fruit powder, also known as Monier’s snow parsley, is a plant rich in coumarins. Three different varieties, in fact: are osthol, xanthotoxol, and imperatorin. These coumarins have several different functions that aid in weight loss. Cnidium monnieri also contains chromone glycosides, which act as fat-blocking chemicals within the body.
- Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) root extract, also known as Ciwuja, is a plant with many extensively-studied health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Siberian ginseng has been shown to aid in weight loss management because it can increase alertness and exercise performance. This all-natural ingredient also helps the body adapt to the stress of workouts so you can handle more and better reach your goals while keeping stress hormones that impede weight loss, such as cortisol, under control.
As with many other over-the-counter phentermine alternatives, there should be no side effects when taking TRIMTHIN X700. Some with sensitivity to caffeine may notice minor headaches or jitters. In case of unexpected side effects, severe symptoms, or allergic reactions, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
TRIMTHIN X700 is not intended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or women trying to become pregnant, as well as children under 18. Consult with your doctor if you have preexisting conditions or are on prescription medications before taking TRIMTHIN X700.
All in all, a myriad of safe, over-the-counter alternatives to phentermine successfully accomplish the same goal of suppressing appetite and boosting energy levels, largely through the use of such natural ingredients as caffeine. Their lesser potency per dose also makes these alternatives, such as PhenGold, much safer to take for a longer period of time than phentermine’s standard 3 to 6-week prescription time.
Choosing over-the-counter alternatives for boosting energy and suppressing appetite also means fewer harmful side effects. While phentermine is an incredibly potent weight loss drug, it is also a controlled substance reserved for patients who have tried everything else to mitigate life-threatening obesity through various weight loss methods.
Fortunately, many healthy alternatives to phentermine exist today that utilize natural ingredients and supplements found in foods, and these products are designed to help you lose weight and boost your energy levels with much less risk to your health.