From time to time, I get into a discussion with my colleagues at Total Shape about natural weight loss supplements versus prescription medications.
Recently these conversations keep turning to PhenQ vs. phentermine and the pros and cons of each, and I decided to explore the matter more thoroughly to gain a better grasp and deeper insight into the matter.
First, I spoke with our resident medical professional, read a ton of online material and user testimonials, and compiled all that information here so you and my clients could have the head-to-head comparison and make an informed choice.
What Are the Key Differences between Phentermine and PhenQ?

The main difference between phentermine and PhenQ is that phentermine is a prescription-only controlled substance, and PhenQ is a vegan fat-burner supplement containing all-natural ingredients.
The main ingredient in phentermine is phentermine hydrochloride, which has amphetamine-like properties.
Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure while suppressing appetite [1].
The main active ingredient in PhenQ, however, is a-Lacys Reset, a patented combination of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and Cysteine, a non-essential amino acid essential for making protein and promoting metabolic functions [2].
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is naturally made in the body, and, among other things, it breaks down carbohydrates to produce energy [3].
A-amino-b-thiolpropionic acid or Cysteine is an amino acid that is important for protein building and metabolism. It has antioxidant properties, and it is involved in the production of collagen [4].

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PhenQ vs. Phentermine: Head to Head
Now that we know the main difference between phentermine and PhenQ, let us take a closer look at each of these diet pills and their efficacy in the weight loss process.
Phentermine

Phentermine is a diet pill intended and FDA approved for short-term use, generally less than twelve weeks.
Phentermine diet pills aim to aid weight loss in obese individuals who need to burn fat, lose weight, and keep other health conditions like blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes in check.
Also read: Phen375 vs. Phentermine
Brief history
Back in the 1950s, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved phentermine as an obesity treatment. Some 25 years later, manufacturers began combining phentermine with two appetite-reducing compounds, fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, commonly known as phen-fen.
However, the FDA eventually pulled fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine from the market for significant heart-related complications.
This brief history lesson on phentermine shows that today’s phentermine might be safer than the infamous old phentermine pills, but as with any medication, it still has its risks that must be considered.
Benefits
The best feature of phentermine is its appetite suppression effects, potentially leading to weight loss in conjunction with proper diet and physical exercise.
Though researchers can’t pinpoint exactly how phentermine works, they suggest it increases the release of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, potentially decreasing hunger [5].
Apart from decreasing hunger, phentermine also works toward fat loss and weight reduction, especially when combined with a good diet and workout routine.
Research has reported that phentermine may increase weight loss by a pound per week, with the highest rate in the first few weeks [6].
- Appetite-suppressant that can contribute to weight loss
- The inclusion of Cysteine, which aids in producing collagen, benefits skin elasticity and texture
- Sold as name brands Adipex-P and Lomaira, but also available as a cheaper generic drug
- Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider
- Phentermine weight loss pills are for short-term use only
- People with a medical condition like an overactive thyroid, heart disease, or high blood pressure should not take it
PhenQ

On the other hand, PhenQ diet pills are an all-natural Phentermine alternative that focuses on a formula of ingredients that encourages fat burning, increases energy levels, and suppresses appetite.
A great feature of PhenQ is the inclusion of a-Lacys Reset, in which alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is one of the star ingredients.
A systematic review of several clinical trials on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation as an obesity treatment yielded positive conclusions, including significant average fat loss, reduced BMI, and weight loss [7].
Caffeine is also a good addition to the PhenQ formula. Research shows it boosts metabolism and improves athletic performance and focus, all critical processes when looking to increase fat loss, burn more calories, and lose weight [8]. However, caffeine-sensitive people should opt for stimulant-free supplements to avoid jitters and sleep problems.
How PhenQ is performing against other supplements:
For best results with losing weight, PhenQ, like the prescription phentermine pills, should be used in combination with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
“Caffeine increases both noradrenaline and dopamine release, and therefore stimulates neuronal activity in several brain regions, which in turn can decrease weight and body fat.”
- Reza Tabrizi, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
- It does not require a doctor’s prescription
- PhenQ weight loss pills are completely safe for long-term use
- It contains clinically tested, and patented a-Lacys Reset for its fat-burning properties
- Produced in approved FDA pharmaceutical registered labs
- Some users may find it pricey, especially when not purchased in bulk quantities
- Only available on the manufacturer’s website
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Stand Out Features

PhenQ’s strong safety record is worth noting here. Users report no significant side effects when taking PhenQ vs phentermine weight loss pill’s well-documented side effects.
On the other hand, multiple side effects associated with phentermine use include headache, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, insomnia, stomach issues, dizziness, and changes in sex drive [9].
Furthermore, phentermine pills come with the risk of rare but dangerous side effects, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, which is high blood pressure in the lungs), seizures, chest pain, trouble speaking, and vision changes [10].
If you want the real story on a product, in my experience, user reviews and testimonials are the best way to go. There are a lot of online platforms where people make unbiased opinions of these supplements. Avoid trusting influencers introducing products since they're likely sponsored by companies.
Unlike phentermine, PhenQ are probably the best diet pills on the market and users generally leave positive reviews saying it delivers real-world results without common side effects associated with weight loss products.
PhenQ Versus Phentermine: Which Is Better?
In my opinion, PhenQ edges out phentermine in this PhenQ/phentermine comparison because it is an all-natural alternative with no known side effects, which will always have my vote over prescription medications.
PhenQ, when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise routine, provides the same benefits in helping you burn excess fat, and suppressing food cravings, all without the need for a legal prescription.
I’ve been advising my fitness clients to include it in their regimen for a few years now, and the feedback is predominantly positive, which is why I feel free to recommend it with a clear conscience.
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PhenQ
- Suppresses your appetite
- Blocks body fat production to stop weight gain
- Improves your mood and energy levels
- High-quality, all-natural formula
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
- Can be only purchased through the company website
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