Phentermine
Generic Name:
Phentermine
Brand Names:
Adipex-P, Anoxine-AM, Duromine, Fastin, Ionamin, Mirapront, Obenix, Obephen, Obermine, Obestin-30, Oby-Cap, Oby-Trim, Phentremene, Phentrol, Phenterex, Phentromin, Pro-Fast SA, Redusa, Teramine, Zantryl
Phentermine Description:
Phentermine is a popular weight loss medication prescribed for the treatment and management of obesity in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Phentermine is used in combination with diet and exercise to provide weight loss, with chemical properties similar to those of amphetamines.
The drug acts as a central nervous system stimulant and is approved for short-term use only (less than 12 weeks) in patients over 16 years of age.
In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a Public Health Advisory to report findings from the Mayo Clinic that off-label uses of phentermine in combination with fenfluramine (“Fen-Phen”) or dexfenfluramine (“Dexfen-Phen”) had been linked to multiple cases of heart valve disease, as well as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market soon after, but phentermine is still available and widely used.
Phentermine Uses:
Phentermine acts as a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant to help with weight loss in the treatment of obesity. Phentermine has properties similar to amphetamines and elevates blood pressure.
The medication is approved for short-term use, as the weight loss effectiveness wears off after the first few weeks of treatment as tolerance to the drug increases.
Phentermine Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Phentermine is typically prescribed as one capsule or tablet taken daily, either before breakfast or one to two hours after breakfast. Doses should not be taken in the evening, as insomnia may occur.
Missing a Dose:
If a dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if it is late in the day, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule the following day. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed on this medication. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety attacks
- Confusion
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Rapid breathing
- Restlessness
- Stomach cramps
- Tremor
- Vomiting
Phentermine FDA Approval:
May 4, 1959
Phentermine Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are currently no recalls or Black Box warnings for phentermine.
Other Warnings
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
A rare, often fatal disease of the lungs called primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) has been reported to occur when phentermine is combined with fenfluramine ( “Fen-Phen”) or dexfenfluramine (“Dexfen-Phen”). In rare cases, PPH has been reported when phentermine was used alone. Early symptoms of PPH include dyspnea (sudden shortness of breath), chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the lower extremities.
Valvular Heart Disease
The combination of phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine has been reported to cause serious cardiac valvular disease affecting the mitral, aortic, or tricuspid valves in otherwise healthy patients. In rare cases, valvular heart disease has been reported when phentermine was used alone.
Drug Abuse and Dependence
Phentermine is chemically related to amphetamine, a stimulant drug that can be abused and cause intense psychological dependence and social dysfunction. Abrupt stopping of high doses of the medication may cause withdrawal symptoms such as extreme fatigue and depression.
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