Phentermine

Phentermine is controlled substance and an appetite suppressant weight loss medication or diet pill that has been on the market for over 50 years in the United States.

Indications for Phentermine
­ADIPEX-P® is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic weight loss medication indicated as a short-term adjunct in a regimen of weight decrease based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric limit in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with:


 * a primary body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, or
 * ≥ 27 kg/m2 along with other risk factors such as controlled hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia etc.

Adverse effects of Phentermine
Phentermine is generally well tolerated and most people may not experience any major side effects.

Treatment should be discontinued inpatients who develop new, unexplained symptoms of dyspnea, angina pectoris, syncope or smaller extremity edema, and patients should be evaluated for the possible occurrence of pulmonary hypertension.

Common (1% or more in incidence) adverse effects include:
 * Xerostomia (dry mouth)
 * Restlessness
 * Nervousness
 * Euphoria
 * Agitation
 * Arrhythmia
 * Tachycardia
 * Hypertension
 * Diarrhea
 * Vomiting
 * Headache
 * Rash
 * Urinary frequency
 * Facial oedema
 * Unpleasant taste
 * Urticaria
 * Impotence
 * Changes in libido

Rare (1% or less incidence) adverse effects include:
 * Primary pulmonary hypertension
 * Valvular heart disease (in combination with dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine; causal relationship unclear)
 * Increased seizure activity in people with epilepsy
 * Psychosis
 * Withdrawal symptoms on stopping
 * Dysphoria
 * Ischaemic events

Cautions and interactions
Phentermine use is contraindicated in those who are: Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to sympathomimetic amines Taking amphetamine (i.e., Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse), dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, furazolidone, guanadrel, guanethidine, or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) in the last 14 days Hyperthyroidism Glaucoma Peptic ulcer Prostatic hypertrophy Epilepsy Simultaneous treatment with drugs that increase blood pressure Contraindicated in cardiac disease (e.g. advanced arteriosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke) Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding Those receiving serotonergic medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, due to the potential for serotonin syndrome to be precipitated by the treatment.

Mechanism of action
It is believed to suppress the appetite and increases the metabolism by its actions on the appetite center

Dosing and administration
It is avaiilable in 15mg, 30mg and 37.5mg in tablet and capsule form.

Brand names available

 * Adipex P (immediate release)
 * Anoxine-AM
 * Ionamin (slow-release resin, Australia, discontinued in the US)
 * Mirapront
 * Obephen
 * Obermine
 * Obestin-30
 * Phentermaxx
 * Phentrol
 * Phenterex
 * Phentromin
 * Pro-Fast SA
 * Qsymia (with topiramate)
 * Redusa
 * Panbesy
 * Phentermine Trenker
 * Obenix
 * Oby-Trim
 * Teramine
 * Zantryl
 * Suprenza (disintegrates orally)

Locations for Physicians that prescribe

 * W8MD medical weight loss centers locations do offer Belviq, Qsymia and other weight loss medications when medically appropriate.