Phentermine hydrochloride is a medication designed as a short-term appetite suppressant for weight loss. This medication is only a part of a weight-reduction program that includes dieting, exercising and counseling. Phentermine hydrochloride should only be used in cases in which the patient's excessive weight could lead to serious medical problems. Phentermine hydrochloride is marketed under the brand name Adipex-P.
Cardiovascular Stimulation
Phentermine hydrochloride causes cardiovascular stimulation that makes the body think it does not need food. By quickening blood flow, the body does not feel the need for additional energy. Gate Pharmaceuticals warns, however, that this increased cardiovascular stimulation may also lead to the side effects of elevated blood pressure, fast heart beat, palpitations and primary pulmonary hypertension or regurgitant cardiac valvular disease, all of which prove serious.
Central Nervous System Stimulation
Phentermine hydrochloride also causes central nervous stimulation. This is necessary for appetite suppression and "telling" the brain that the body no longer feels hungry. According to Gate Pharmaceuticals, this stimulation may accompany side effects such as restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremors and headache.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
The nature of phentermine hydrochloride and its treatment of obesity makes gastrointestinal disturbances unavoidable. Disturbances beyond general unease as listed by Gate Pharmaceuticals include diarrhea, constipation, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and dryness of the mouth.
Endocrine Depression
Endocrine depression may occur while taking phentermine hydrochloride. This occurs because of changes in the central nervous system. Gate Pharmaceuticals lists impotence and changes in libido as the primary symptoms of endocrine depression.
References
- Gate Pharmaceuticals: Adipex-P Prescribing Information, 2009
- RxList: Adipex-P (Phentermine Hydrochloride) Drug Information
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