According to Dr Hensrud of MayoClinic.com, Phentermine is mostly prescribed as a short-term management of obesity. It comes in capsule or tablet form, with strengths of 15mg, 30mg and 37.5mg. Phentermine is the generic name and it is distributed under the brand names such as Adipex-P and Oby-Trim. Phentermine is not a substitute for proper diet, but it is used as an adjunct to weight reduction program and low caloric diet. The medicine does have negative side effects to be aware of.
Main Risks of Phentermine
Mild side effects of phentermine are blurred vision, sleeplessness, stomach upset or constipation during the first few days and irritability. The moderate side effects are chest pain, difficulty urinating and breathing difficulties. The severe side effects are cardiac valvular disease especially when phentermine is combined with another medication known as fenfluramine, and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). Abusing phentermine will lead to excessive activity, changes in personality, mental illness, severe difficulty sleeping and skin disorders.
Fatigue and Depression
Urine screening tests for amphetamines turn out positive due to a similar chemical structure of amphetamines and phentermine. After ceasing the use of phentermine, the body needs to adjust. Stopping its use abruptly may cause fatigue and depression. This is why physicians recommend weaning off the drug gradually.
Other Medical Risks
Due to the medical risks mentioned, phentermine is not given to people who are only mildly overweight. Phentermine users may tend to be physically and psychologically dependent to it and for this reason, it has been successful in achieving weight loss for short term use. Reports also showed that phentermine has reduced the risks of medical problems and complications associated with obesity.
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