People looking to lose a few pounds or many pounds are often interested in products that may aid them to reach their goals. Phentermine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1959 as an appetite suppressant, according to the Mayo Clinic, is one such product. No product, natural or synthetic, comes without potential for side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefit. Consult your health care provider before using phentermine.
Background
Phentermine is the generic name of an appetite suppressant that is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine that has has effects on the central nervous system, Drugs.com explains.
When approved by the FDA in 1959, phentermine was recommended for short-term use--12 weeks or less--due to its slight potential for abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Significance
Dr. Donald Hensrud, preventative medicine specialist, explains at MayoClinic.com that the weight loss achieved through the short-term use of phentermine is likely to be regained once the medication is stopped unless the medication is used along with changes in diet and physical activity.
Expert Insight
The December 2009 edition of the "Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association" published the results of a study done on one morbidly obese woman. In addition to being overweight, the woman also had high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. She was prescribed phentermine to assist with weight loss. After 18 months, she had lost 13 percent of her original weight, along with a return to normal blood pressure readings and improved blood glucose levels.
The conclusion reached by the study authors is that phentermine has a place in the medical treatment of obesity.
Considerations
Drugs.com advises that you should not take phentermine if you are allergic to it, have coronary artery disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or are allergic to other diet pills, cold medications, amphetamines or stimulants.
The use of phentermine during pregnancy has not been researched; it is unknown what effects it may have on an unborn baby. Because this medication can pass into breast milk, Drugs.com recommends you do not breastfeed while on phentermine.
Warning
Phentermine's best use is in conjunction with changes in diet and physical activity levels.
Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not take phentermine with MAOIs or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.
Taking phentermine with other diet medications, Drugs.com advises, may cause a rare fatal lung disorder, pulmonary hypertension.
Tell your health care provider about all medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter.
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