Description
Phentermine
Phentermine is one of the best anorectic agents used to treat obesity. The drug belongs to sympathomimetic amines and is widely used as an appetite suppressant and contributing to a rapid weight loss.
The action mechanism of Phentermine is based on the stimulation of the saturation center and suppression of the hunger center, located in the hypothalamus. As a result of this actionmechanism, people stop overeating, quickly become saturated even with small portions of food and effectively lose weight.
Prescribing Information
Phentermine is prescribed for adults and adolescents to effectively reduce excess weight and treat obesity. Phentermine is recommended for use:
- If the body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30 kg/m2.
- If the patient’s BMI is between 27 and 29.9 kg/m2 and the person has at least one of such risk factors, as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia.
Dosage
For an effective weight loss, the therapeutic dose of Phentermine is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the efficacy and tolerability of the anorectic.
- The recommended dose of Phentermine is 30 mg per day. The daily dose can be adjusted depending on the patient’s clinical response to treatment.
- If a weak response to therapy is obtained with the recommended dose of Phentermine, the therapeutic dose of the anorectic can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg per day (provided that the anorectic is well tolerated).
- If Phentermine is poorly tolerated by the patient, the daily dose of the drug should be reduced to 15 mg.
The duration of the treatment course for obesity should not exceed 12 weeks, because the risk of dependence increaseswith a longer use of Phentermine.
Interactions
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors potentiate the action of Phentermine, which can lead to the development of a hypertensive crisis. Therefore, the anorectic should not be used concurrently with MAO inhibitors or within 2 weeks after the end of their use.
It is not recommended to combine Phentermine with other sympathomimetics. Combined use of the anorectic with alcohol depresses the central nervous system and increases the risk of adverse effects.
Side effects
Although Phentermine is generally tolerated well, some patients may develop side effects. Since Phentermine is a psychostimulant, side effects from the side of the central nervous system are most common, such as insomnia, nervousness, headaches, euphoria or depression.
Other side effects noted during Phentermine use are increased blood pressure, decreased libido, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
Tips
To suppress appetite throughout the day, Phentermine is taken in the morning before breakfast or an hour after breakfast. To avoid insomnia or other sleep disorders, you should refrain from late administration of this appetite suppressant.
As research shows, Phentermine helps almost everyone to get rid of excess weight quickly. However, to achieve the best result, anorectic is recommended to be combined with adequate physical loads and calories restriction.