Phentermine

Phentermine is a drug primarily used as an appetite suppressant, chemically being an amphetamine and a phenethylamine. It is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight being approved by the FDA.

Phentermine is sold either as an immediate-release formulation or as a slow-release resin recommended by the FDA on short-term (usually interpreted as 'up to 12 weeks'), while following non-pharmacological approaches to weight loss such as healthy dieting and exercise. However, recommendations limiting its use for short-term treatment may be controversial as one reason behind limiting its use to 12 weeks is drug tolerance. It is told to loose its appetite-suppressing effects after the body adjusts to the drug, but studies exist showing that phentermine did not lose effectiveness in a 36-week trial.

Aside the risk of tolerance, due to the risk of insomnia, it is generally recommended that the drug be taken either before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast.

Serious side effects

Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine, known as an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system. Used together with diet and exercise it is taken to treat obesity in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Generally, phentermine appears to be relatively well tolerated but it can produce side effects consistent with its catecholamine-releasing properties. After taking phentermine, tachycardia, increased heart rate, increased alertness can appear, but the incidence and magnitude of these are to be less than with the amphetamines as it acts trough sympathomimetic pathways. It may also cause palpitations, restlessness and insomnia and by taken on a long-term basis individuals may develop euphoria and a psychological addiction to it.

In case of taking the drug, do not take phentermine if you have used an MAO inhibitor as serious, life-threatening side effects can occur. It is also important to know that an overdose of phentermine can be fatal. Symptoms of a phentermine overdose may include confusion, hallucinations, feeling restless or aggressive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions) so seek immediate medical help in case of an overdose.