Phentermine is a popular drug that is most commonly used to help patients lose weight. It is used as an appetite suppressant, and it belongs to the amphetamine class of drugs. This drug has been proven to successfully lead to a reduction in weight in patients who are morbidly obese. It is most effective when it is combined with a proper diet and exercise. However, it is only approved for short-term usage. Phentermine is mostly prescribed to patients who possess an increased risk for medical problems due to their weight. It achieves this goal by releasing chemical compounds into the brain that trick the brain into thinking an individual’s body is not hungry.
Phentermine was first marketed as an appetite suppressant in 1959 in the United States after receiving approval from the Federal Drug Administration. There are many different companies who sell Phentermine under a variety of different names. Two of the most popular forms of Phentermine are Ionamin and Adipex-P, which are sold by Medeva Pharmaceuticals and Gate Pharmaceuticals respectively. One disadvantage to this drug is that, since its introduction onto the market, there have been almost no clinical trials or studies to ascertain what the physical and mental side effects are from taking this drug. The last, well-known study was performed in 1990 on Fen-Phen. After multiple cases of heart valve defects were discovered in Fen-Phen users, this particular combination of Phentermine and fenfluramine was removed from the market. Phentermine, itself, was not removed from store shelves.
Because Phentermine belongs to the amphetamine class of drugs, it is classified as a controlled substance within the United States. It achieves its goal of appetite suppression by releasing norepinephrine to the brain. This chemical reduces hunger cravings in the brain, and subsequently, results in weight loss in obese patients. The chemical is also known to promote the breaking down of fat cells in stored body fat. The FDA strongly recommends that a patient does not use Phentermine for more than twelve weeks. It is considered to be only a short-term solution in the ongoing battle for weight loss, and it should only be used in combination with diet and exercise.
For those who wish to talk to their doctor about possibly using Phentermine, there are a few facts these individuals should know. Phentermine cannot be used by any patients who have allergies to any of the compounds in Phentermine, patients who have severe high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, or those who have a history of substance abuse or dependency. Furthermore, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone who has particular severe allergies, or those who have diabetes, high cholesterol, or brain or spinal cord disorders cannot use this drug.
For most patients who use Phentermine, there is an absence of noticeable side effects. The most common side effects for responsible users of this drug include mood swings, insomnia, nervousness, blurred vision, and heartburn. However, for those who are serious about achieving weight loss, Phentermine may be an ideal solution.