Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Adipex-P

If you're considering Adipex-P (Phentermine) for weight loss, your first step is finding a doctor who can prescribe it. Because Adipex-P is a Schedule IV controlled substance, not every provider writes prescriptions for it — and some clinics specialize in weight management more than others.

This guide walks you through who prescribes Adipex-P, how to find them, and what to expect once you get an appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Adipex-P?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Adipex-P, including:

• Primary care physicians (PCPs) — Your family doctor or internist is often the first place to start. Many PCPs prescribe Phentermine for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27+ with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Bariatric medicine specialists — Doctors who specialize in obesity medicine are very familiar with Adipex-P and often have established protocols for prescribing and monitoring it.
• Endocrinologists — If your weight is connected to a hormonal or metabolic condition, an endocrinologist may prescribe Phentermine as part of a broader treatment plan.
• Weight loss clinics — Dedicated weight loss clinics frequently prescribe Adipex-P and similar medications. These clinics often combine medication with diet counseling and exercise programs.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs with prescriptive authority can also prescribe Schedule IV medications like Phentermine.

If you already have a doctor you trust, that's the best place to start. If they don't prescribe it themselves, they can refer you to someone who does.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are several practical ways to find a doctor who prescribes Adipex-P in your area:

1. Check Your Insurance Provider Directory

Log into your insurance company's website and search for providers in specialties like "obesity medicine," "bariatric medicine," or "weight management." This ensures the doctor you find is in-network, which keeps your costs lower. Most directories let you filter by distance, gender, and languages spoken.

2. Use Zocdoc or Similar Booking Platforms

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty and read patient reviews. Search for "weight loss doctor" or "obesity specialist" in your ZIP code. Many of these platforms show real-time availability so you can book right away.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If your PCP doesn't prescribe Adipex-P, ask for a referral. They likely know local specialists who do. A referral also helps if your insurance plan requires one before seeing a specialist.

4. Consider Telehealth

Several telehealth platforms now offer weight management consultations and can prescribe Phentermine in states where it's allowed. This is a convenient option if you live in a rural area or have trouble getting to a clinic. Be aware that some states have restrictions on prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, so check your state's rules.

5. Search for Local Weight Loss Clinics

A simple Google search for "weight loss clinic near me" or "Phentermine doctor near me" often turns up local clinics that specialize in prescription weight loss. Read reviews carefully and make sure they're run by licensed medical providers.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Once you find a provider, here's what a typical first visit looks like:

• Health history review — Your doctor will ask about your medical history, current medications, and previous weight loss attempts.
• Physical exam — Expect a basic exam including blood pressure, heart rate, and weight/BMI measurement.
• Lab work — Some doctors order blood tests to check thyroid function, blood sugar, and cholesterol before prescribing.
• Discussion of risks and benefits — Your doctor will explain how Adipex-P works, its potential side effects, and why it's only approved for short-term use (typically a few weeks).
• Treatment plan — If Adipex-P is appropriate for you, your doctor will write a prescription — usually for 37.5 mg tablets taken once daily before breakfast.

Keep in mind that Adipex-P is FDA-approved for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. If you don't meet these criteria, your doctor may suggest other approaches first.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have a prescription in hand, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. Most pharmacies carry generic Phentermine, which costs as little as $4 to $15 for a 30-day supply with a discount coupon. Brand-name Adipex-P is more expensive at around $115 retail.

If you want to compare prices before heading to the pharmacy, check out our guide on how to save money on Adipex-P. You can also use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock.

Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up visit within 2–4 weeks to check your progress, monitor side effects, and decide whether to continue treatment. Regular follow-ups are standard with controlled substances.

What If Your Doctor Says No?

Not every doctor will prescribe Adipex-P, and that's okay. Some reasons a provider might decline include:

• You have a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or glaucoma
• You're taking MAO inhibitors or certain other medications
• Your BMI doesn't meet the threshold
• The practice has a policy against prescribing controlled weight loss medications

If one doctor says no, you can seek a second opinion — especially from a bariatric medicine specialist or weight loss clinic. You can also ask about alternatives to Adipex-P like Contrave or Qsymia that may be appropriate for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Adipex-P doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your primary care doctor, check your insurance directory, or explore telehealth options. The key is finding a provider who takes the time to evaluate your health, explain the risks and benefits, and create a treatment plan that works for you.

Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with Adipex-P in stock near you — so you can start your treatment without delays.