Adult obesity has led people concerned about their weight to seek assistance from medication to help them lose weight. Phentermine is a prescribed form of oral appetite suppressant that may help some people lose weight when the product is combined with a reduced calorie diet and exercise. As with any appetite suppressant, you must continue to exercise and eat healthy to maintain your weight loss.
History
In 1959, the FDA approved the appetite suppressant phentermine to be used for a short-term. Phentermine is prescribed more than other appetite suppressants on the market, but mostly because it is less expensive than comparable products. Phentermine is offered under the brand names of Ionamin and Adipex-P, and is also available generically under the name of phentermine. In the mid-1990s, phentermine was combined with fenfluramine to create Fen-Phen. This highly effective product was prescribed by doctors for chronically obese people, despite the fact that the combination of drugs was not approved by the FDA. Following a connection of heart disease to fenfluramine, in 1997, the FDA requested drug manufacturers cease making fenfluramine and withdraw it from the market. The FDA request for withdrawal of fenfluramine did not extend to phentermine.
How Phentermine Works
Available in capsule or tablet form, phentermine is taken on an empty stomach the first thing in the morning. When ingested, phentermine will decrease appetite stimulation of the hypothalamus gland. In addition to appetite, the hypothalamus regulates sleep and blood pressure. Because of its habit forming nature, phentermine is to be taken for a maximum of three months, so it is important to establish an exercise routine and balanced diet to sustain weight loss after you stop taking phentermine.
Storage
Keep phentermine in its original, labeled bottle away from children, heat, direct light and moisture-ridden areas like near a sink, cooking area or other humid areas. The medical compound of phentermine can breakdown when exposed to heat, direct light or moisture. If any of the medicine remains after the expiration date, dispose of bottle with the pills inside by tossing it into the trash. Do not flush the pills down the toilet where they could taint the septic system or municipal water supply.
Side Effects
After the first few days of taking phentermine, you may experience some sleeplessness, blurred vision, stomach upset or constipation. These side effects should be reported to your doctor if they do not clear-up after a few days. Insomnia and dizziness may also occur while taking phentermine. Phentermine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should not take the drug if you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure. In addition, phentermine should not be taken if you are pregnant, have thyroid problems or suffer from seizures. Talk to your doctor about other conditions that can prohibit the use of phentermine.
Stopping Phentermine
As with many powerful drugs, when you stop taking phentermine, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms like drowsiness, tremors, tiredness or depression. Do not stop taking phentermine without your doctor's knowledge and guidance. Your doctor may prescribe successively lower doses of phentermine, or advise you to take the drug less often to gradually take you off the medication.
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