Phentermine, which is short for Phenyl-tertiary-butylamine, is a popular appetite suppressant that has been in use since the 1960s. Part of the amphetamine class, Phentermine can be obtained via prescription for use by obese people whose health is at risk because of their weight. It releases specific chemicals in the brain that are related to appetite control, reducing the appetite in patients who have difficulty controlling overeating habits. For best results, doctors recommend that people who use Phentermine should do so in conjunction with exercise and a proper diet, and it is only recommended for short-term use, meaning 12 weeks or less.
Phentermine is one of the drugs involved in the notorious Fen-Phen scandal of the late 1990s, when it was found that the popular combination of buy phentermine without prescription and Fenfluramine was causing serious side effects in some people. Some people developed heart valve diseases and abnormalities after using the Fen-Phen formula, and the FDA ordered Fenfluramine to be removed from the market. Subsequent studies found valve abnormalities in as many as 30 percent of Fen-Phen users. At that time, the makers of Phentermine voluntarily removed it from the market as well, even though they had not been ordered to do so by the FDA. Phentermine has since re-emerged on the market, being sold by different pharmaceutical companies under different name brands such as Ionamin and Adipex. Because of its amphetamine properties, it is classified as a controlled substance, but can be obtained with a prescription.
Phentermine works by stimulating the hypothalamus to release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which reduces hunger by triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. Phentermine also works in the body by releasing adrenaline or epinephrine, which causes fat cells to break down, assisting with weight loss. Higher doses of Phentermine also stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin, but doses such as those are never medically used.
Phentermine is not for everyone, and should be used under a doctor’s supervision. People who have allergies to certain medications may not be able to use Phentermine, and some prescription medications are not compatible with Phentermine. Some medical conditions may cause negative reactions with Phentermine. For example, people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy or hyperthyroidism should not take Phentermine, nor should anyone who has a history of substance abuse. Your physician will know whether or not you are a good candidate for Phentermine or whether you should explore other avenues of weight loss.
