Phentermine is a drug used for weight loss as part of a regimen of exercise, calorie restriction, and behavior modification. It is an appetite suppressant that affects the brains neurotransmitters and is thought to cause weight loss by suppressing appetite. Phentermine hydrochloride USP is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic agent that is available as a tablet containing 37.5 mg of phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent to 30 mg of phentermine base) . The drug is chemically related to amphetamine and is commonly referred to as an atypical amphetamine.
Here are some positive and negative details about phentermine:
Positive:
- Phentermine has been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss when used as part of a short-term plan, along with a low-calorie diet and exercise.
- Patients treated with phentermine have shown increased maintenance of weight after treatment discontinuation.
Negative:
- Phentermine may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.
- The drug carries a risk of dependence and abuse, which is why it is a controlled substance and only available on prescription.
- Some of the adverse effects of phentermine may include heart palpitations, raised blood pressure, a feeling of restlessness, headaches, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, hives, and a higher or lower libido.
- Concomitant alcohol use may result in an adverse drug reaction.
- Use caution in patients with even mild hypertension (risk of increase in blood pressure) .
- Phentermine is not recommended for use in children 16 years of age and younger.
The inactive ingredients in phentermine tablets include starch, lactose anhydrous, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, and stearic acid.
