Phentermine

Brand Names: Adipex-P, Fastin, Ionamin, Obenix, Obephen, Oby-Cap, Oby-Trim, Panshape M, Phentercot, Phentride, Pro-Fast HS, Pro-Fast SA, Pro-Fast SR, Teramine, Zantryl

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant which is prescribed for short-term use (a few weeks) as part of an overall weight reduction program that also includes dieting, exercise, and counseling. The drug is for use only by excessively overweight individuals ( BMI > 27 or 30 depending on other health issues) who have a condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, that could lead to serious medical problems.

While diet pills would appear to be the answer to achieving to a leaner, healthier body, they need to be used in conjunction with a healthier eating / exercise plan if you plan to keep the lost weight from returning after you stop taking the diet pills. If bad eating and exercise habits are not changed while using Phentermine, or any other diet pill, the weight lost while using the diet pill will most likely be regained once you stop taking Phentermine.

How do I use Phentermine?

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Phentermine is usually taken once or twice a day before a meal on an empty stomach.

Do not take phentermine in the evening because it may cause insomnia.

Phentermine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much phentermine could be very dangerous to your health.

Who should NOT take Phentermine?

Do not take Phentermine if you have hardening of the arteries, symptoms of heart or blood vessel disease, an overactive thyroid gland, the eye condition known as glaucoma, or high blood pressure.

Also avoid this drug if you are agitated, have ever abused drugs, or have taken an MAO inhibitor, including antidepressant drugs within the last 14 days.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• problems with your thyroid,
• epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or
• diabetes.

What are the side effects of Phentermine?

The most common Phentermine side effects include but are not limited to:


Cardiovascular Side Effects:
Irregular, rapid beating or pulsation of the heart; elevation of blood pressure, chest pain.

Cardiopulmonary Side Effects:
Shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and ankles.

Central Nervous System Side Effects:
Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, inability to sleep, an exaggerated feeling of physical and mental well being, especially when not justified by external reality; anxiety, depression, or unease; tremor, headache; rarely psychotic episodes at recommended doses.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects:
Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste in mouth, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances.

Allergic Side Effects:
Difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Endocrine Side Effects:
Impotence, changes in sex drive.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Phentermine Dangers

You can become psychologically dependent on this drug. Consult your doctor if you rely on this drug to maintain a state of well-being.

If you stop taking this drug suddenly after you have taken high doses for a long time, you may find you are extremely fatigued or depressed, or that you have trouble sleeping.

If you continually take too much of any appetite suppressant it can cause severe skin disorders, a pronounced inability to fall or stay asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes.

Even if your blood pressure is only mildly high, be careful taking this drug.

Phentermine Drug Interactions

Doses of drugs used to lower blood sugar may need to be adjusted. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Taking Phentermine with certain antidepressants can increase chances of an emergency condition called "serotonin syndrome".

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: