Phentermine-diet pills that work

 

 

Phentermine is a famous drug primarily used as an appetite suppressant. Although very famous, not too many people know that basically – it has a chemical structure of an amphetamine, which means that it can cause stimulation, elevation of blood pressure, and faster heart rates. Phentermine is in a class of drugs called anorectics which decrease appetite by possibly changing brain levels of certain neurotransmitters. Phentermine is available in 30 mg and 37.5 mg tablets. It is a short-term use drug that normally has a diet and behavior modification plan to treat obesity.

The fact is that, although often abused in other purposes, it is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight, as opposed to cosmetic weight loss. Because of that, it has been removed from the market by FDA agency! Phentermine is still available by itself in most countries, including the U.S. but the problem is that, because it is an amphetamine, individuals may develop an addiction to it. Because of that- it is classified as a controlled substance in many countries and internationally, phentermine is a schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.   

Phentermine is also known under following brand names:

 

Not too many people know that this drug first time received an approval from the FDA as an appetite suppressing drug early in 1959. It could be important to point out that it was previously sold as Fastin® from King Pharmaceuticals for SmithKline but later, in 1998, it was removed from the market. What’s also characteristic for this medication- since the drug was approved in 1959 there have been almost no clinical studies performed. Experts are saying the most recent study was in 1990 which combined phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine and became known as Fen-Phen. What is proven in this study? Well, although this combination has never been approved by the FDA, a study has proven that Fen-Phen was more effective than diet and exercise with few side effects. However, some future studies later proved that nearly 30% of people taking fenfluramine of dexfenfluramine had abnormal valve findings and that’s why-it has been taken off the market by the FDA.

 

Like we have already mentioned- this drug is chemically almost identical to amphetamine, and, like many other prescription drugs, works with neurotransmitters in the brain. How come? Well, experts are saying that it is a centrally-acting stimulant which means that phentermine stimulates neuron bundles to release a particular group of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines. Catecholamines are a special kind of neurotransmitters which include dopamine, epinephrine (also known as adrenalin), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and has anorectic properties! What is the main thing there is to know about this property? Experts are saying that the anorectic activity is present most likely due to this effect on the central nervous system because it is basically the same mechanism of action as other stimulant appetite suppressants such as diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. The fact is that all this is based on the regulation of the “fight-or-flight response”! Everyone should know that the neurotransmitters activate a fight-or-flight response in the body which, in turn, puts a halt to the hunger signal. The result is logical -it causes a loss in appetite because the brain does not receive the hunger message.

 

It is extremely important to know that presently- it is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration that phentermine should be only used short-term. It is considered that this period is usually interpreted as 'up to 12 weeks'. And then- person should follow with some ordinary non-pharmacological approaches to weight loss. Under term “non-pharmacological approaches to weight loss” we consider healthy dieting and exercise. Why is the usage of this mediation so limited!? Well, the main reason is drug tolerance because the body adjusts to the drug! This is also a bit controversial because many clinical studies have been done on this mater and it is showed that phentermine did not lose effectiveness in a 36-week trial. Second reason is increased risk of insomnia! That’s why- in order to avoid these problems with insomnia- it is generally recommended that the drug be taken either before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast.

 

Every person that plans to start with this medication should know that the Phentermine should be taken on the empty stomach, once daily, 30-60 minutes before breakfast. Because it is rather big- the tablet may be broken or cut in half and it should never be crushed or chewed. Like it has already been told- the medication should be avoided in the evening because it may cause sleeplessness.  

Good thing about this drug is that, in generally, phentermine appears to be relatively well tolerated. Like all medications –it may cause some side effects because of catecholamine-releasing properties. Most common side effects that could be caused by these substances are:

 

Like it has already been told- phentermine is habit forming. Patient can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. That’s why- all patients should practice stopping this medication gradually.

Every patient should report to a doctor any previous unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, methamphetamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, terbutaline, or other appetite suppressants.  

During the usage of this medication, patient should follow a reduced-calorie diet in order to lose weight. Even after the patient has stopped with it- he or she should continue to diet and exercise in order to keep the new weight!

It is extremely important to point out that, if a pregnant woman takes this medicine in high doses or more often than the doctor has directed, it may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby.  

Several researches done in the past have proven that medications such as Diethylpropion and benzphetamine pass into breast milk but- it is not known if other sympathomimetic appetite suppressants pass into breast milk. However, use of sympathomimetic appetite suppressants during breast-feeding is not recommended.

Although there are no good proven reasons why- every expert should tell the future patient that the use of these medicines by children younger than 16 years of age is not recommended.

Other contraindications:

 

Because of mediations used for these conditions, several researches have proven that Phentermine should not be taken by patients with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or a history of drug abuse or psychotic illnesses. The fact is also that this medication is not recommended in patients with high blood pressure that is not well controlled. Experts are also saying that insulin requirements may change in patients on phentermine which means that diabetes could also be contraindication! Like with any other medications- alcohol can cause a drug interaction.  

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.  When we are talking about appetite suppressants, it is especially important that we mention that there are several possible contraindications with other medications such as:

·          Amantadine

·          Amphetamines or

·          Caffeine  

·          Chlophedianol  

·          Cocaine or

·          Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems

·          Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies  

·          Methylphenidate  

·          Nabilone  

·          Pemoline  

·          Appetite suppressants (diet pills)

·          Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram [e.g., Celexa], fluoxetine [e.g., Prozac], fluvoxamine [e.g., Luvox], paroxetine [e.g., Paxil], sertraline [e.g., Zoloft])

·          Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (furazolidone [e.g., Furoxone], isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])

·          Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil])