Phentermine

Phentermine is currently the most common appetite suppressant ("diet pill") used today in the US. It is available in low-cost generic form but also sold under the brand names of Adipex-P, Ionamin, among others. It is a controlled drug in the US, and of course is available by prescription only. It comes in tablet or capsule form.

Technically, it is stimulant similar to amphetamine, however does not have the same abuse and side effect potential of amphetamine. Nevertheless, there is always the risk of addiction/abuse with medicine like this and the FDA recommends it for short-term use.

Uses

It is indicated for treatment of obestiy defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater or for the treatment of overweight patients (having BMI 27 or greater). It is important to know that the medicine should be used only in conjunction with behaviorial modification of diet and exercise level. Also it is only recommended for adults.

How Phentermine Is Taken

The typical dose is 18.75mg to 37.5mg a day, taken in the AM. Occasionally doctors will prescribe it as 18.75mg twice a day, and rarely will go higher than 37.5mg a day.

Interactions

Phentermine should not be taken with drugs referred to as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. In past a serious side effects such as cardiac valve disease and pulmonary hypertension developed in patients taking phentermine along with other diets pills such as fenfluramine or Redux. For this reason, neither fenfluramine or Redux are sold in US. Furthermore, these side effects have not been seen with patients taking phentermin alone.

Side Effects

It can however cause other side effects: insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, a rise in blood pressure and/or pulse rate, irritability, personality changes, and skin rashes. Espcially when used for longer periods of time, the cessation of phentermine can be associated with fatigue, lethargy or mental depression. It is not used in pregnant or nursing women.