Obesity is a chronic condition that affects many people. Phentermine is a diet pill used to help control a hefty appetite. Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Pro-Fast, Teramine and Zantryl are some of the brand names for medications containing phentermine. This appetite suppressant is a short-term medication used for up to 12 weeks.
Uses
Phentermine, used in combination with diet and exercise, helps obese individuals lose weight by curbing the appetite. This medication helps those who are extremely overweight and is not for people needing to drop a few pounds. Generally, to qualify for a prescription diet pill, an individual must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or with a BMI of 27 and a medical condition necessitating weight loss.
Availability
Phentermine is available in the United States by prescription. The active ingredient is common to many different brand names and several different drug companies produce the medication. Capsules, tablets and resin capsules are all available forms of phentermine.
Administration
The recommended dose of phentermine is 30 mg, taken two hours after breakfast. One dose of phentermine suppresses the appetite for approximately 12 to 14 hours. Taking phentermine later in the day may cause insomnia. Follow the physician orders for calorie restriction and exercise plans while taking phentermine. Take the medication orally, without crushing, chewing or opening the pills. Use phentermine daily for up to 12 weeks.
Side Effects
Common side effects from using phentermine include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, anxiousness, dizziness, headache, itching and gastrointestinal upset. Stop taking phentermine immediately and seek immediate emergency help for signs of an allergic reaction to the medication. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, hives, swelling of the face and airway and difficulty breathing. Report other serious side effects to a physician immediately and stop taking phentermine. Serious side effects include swelling to the body with rapid weight gain, difficulty catching a breath, and mood swings with personality changes. Phentermine may also cause high blood pressure, characterized by a pounding headache, a buzzing noise heard in the ears, chest pain, abnormal heartbeat and possible seizures.
Considerations
Once the body builds up a tolerance to phentermine, discontinue the medication. A decrease in the effectiveness in appetite suppression and weight gain are both signs of a tolerance to the effects of the medicine. Increasing the dosage of phentermine will not allow an individual to regain the appetite suppressant effects of the medicine. Do not use phentermine in children under the age of 12 years. Avoid using phentermine in pregnant women or in women who are nursing a child because the safety to the mother and child is unknown. Report all medical conditions to the physician before beginning a prescription for phentermine. Some conditions or medications may prohibit the use of phentermine.
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