The brand name "Fastin" is used for two unrelated weight loss formulations. The prescription drug Fastin (active ingredient phentermine) is no longer sold in the United States, however, there are several phentermine drugs that are still available. Prescription Fastin, like other phentermines, can cause cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal side effects, and addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The non-prescription supplement Fastin, purportedly useful for dieters, contains phenethylamine and caffeine. As a close relative of amphetamines ("uppers"), supplemental Fastin might cause addiction and jitters.
Prescription Fastin: Cardiovascular Effects
Fastin was a prescription drug for obesity based on phentermine hydrochloride, an appetite suppressant. Although prescription Fastin is no longer available in the United States, other phentermine-based drugs, including Adipex-P, are still available by prescription to treat obesity.
Phentermine was half of the notorious Fen-Phen obesity drug that was banned due to cases of fatal cardiovascular side effects. Fastin, containing phentermine alone, was safe enough although it could cause heart palpitations, a racing heart beat (tachycardia) and high blood pressure. You should not use any phentermine drug if you have even slightly high blood pressure.
Prescription Fastin: Central Nervous System
Prescription Fastin worked by interfering with the level of chemicals in the satiety center of the brain that regulates feelings of hunger. The stimulant effect of Fastin could lead to insomnia, restlessness, dizziness and shaking, a feeling of euphoria and headaches. Very rarely, even correct dosages of prescription Fastin caused episodes of psychosis.
Prescription Fastin: Gastrointestinal Effects
Prescription Fastin can cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth or a dry mouth. It can also cause diarrhea or conversely, constipation. If you have insulin-dependent diabetes, you might need to modify your insulin intake while you are taking prescription Fastin.
Prescription Fastin: Addiction and Withdrawal
The active ingredient of prescription Fastin, phentermine, is closely related to amphetamines, and if you exceed the recommended dose you might become psychologically addicted. If you exceed the recommended dose and then abruptly stop using prescription Fastin, you might experience insomnia, fatigue and depression.
Fastin Supplement: Side Effects
If you search the Internet for Fastin, you will find several sites advertising a weight loss supplement. This non-prescription formula called Fastin is completely different from the prescription version of Fastin and there is no clinical evidence that this supplement is effective for weight loss. Because it is a supplement and not a prescription drug, the manufacturers are not required to publish information on side effects. However, the active ingredient of supplemental Fastin, phenethylamine, is a stimulant closely related to amphetamines ("uppers"). Amphetamines do promote weight loss but they are also highly addictive and they cause jitters. The other main ingredient of supplemental Fastin is caffeine, which can also cause jitters, headache and accelerated heart beat.
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