Phentermine vs GLP-1 Medications in Denver, CO: Which Approach Fits?
Phentermine vs GLP-1 Medications in Denver, CO
Phentermine is an older appetite suppressant approved for short-term use. GLP-1 type medicines such as Zepbound, Wegovy, oral Wegovy and Foundayo are newer medicines used for chronic weight management. They work differently, and some patients use one as a starting point or when the other is not suitable.
Side by side
| Phentermine | GLP-1 type medicines | |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | An appetite suppressant that acts on the nervous system | Hormone-based medicines that affect appetite and digestion |
| Forms | Tablet or capsule | Weekly injections (Zepbound, Wegovy) or daily pills (oral Wegovy, Foundayo) |
| Length of use | Approved for short-term use, a few weeks | Approved for chronic weight management alongside diet and activity |
| Controlled substance | Yes, Schedule IV | No |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, increased heart rate or blood pressure, constipation, dizziness, restlessness | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain |
| Cost at the pharmacy | Generic phentermine is generally much less expensive than brand-name GLP-1 medicines, though prices vary by pharmacy and product | Cash prices typically run about $150 to $450 per month depending on the medicine and dose |
Who may not be a candidate
- Phentermine is not for people with heart or blood vessel disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, agitated states, a history of drug misuse, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and should not be used with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors.
- GLP-1 type medicines are not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, and not for use in pregnancy.
FAQs
Can I take phentermine and a GLP-1 medicine together?
Only if your physician directs it. Do not combine weight-loss products on your own.
Which approach is right for me?
It depends on your health history, goals, budget and how you tolerate each medicine. Your physician decides after a full evaluation.
What it costs to find out
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay: the initial consultation is $99, then $99 per month for physician follow-up, with savings on longer plans. Medication is a separate pharmacy cost, typically about $150 to $450 per month depending on the medicine and dose, and prices change over time. See our cost guide and insurance guide. We do not dispense medication and do not offer compounded GLP-1 medications.
Meet your physician
Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, DABIM, DABOM, FACP is Chief Medical Officer of TeleSlim Clinic. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and is licensed to practice in Colorado. All TeleSlim Clinic visits are conducted by video with a board-certified physician.
Request your free consultation to see whether TeleSlim Clinic is a fit for you in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado.
More comparisons: Zepbound vs Wegovy | Oral Wegovy vs Foundayo | Wegovy vs Ozempic and Zepbound vs Mounjaro | Phentermine vs Qsymia | Weight loss injection vs pill. Or see all options on our weight loss medications in Denver page and our online weight loss doctor page for Denver.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Whether a medication is appropriate is a decision made by a physician after an evaluation. Individual results vary.
