Weight Loss Drugs: Phentermine

What is PHENTERMINE?
Oral Phentermine Hydrochloide (HCL) is sold for weight loss. It is in the family of appetite suppressants. When used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and behavior therapy, PHENTERMINE may help you to lose weight while you are learning new ways to eat and to exercise.

How does PHENTERMINE work?
PHENTERMINE works by stimulating the hypothalamus gland and affecting certain neurotransmitters to decrease appetite. The hypothalamus is the region of the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system, regulating sleep cycles, body temperature, appetite, etc.

What is the proper use of PHENTERMINE?
PHENTERMINE should be taken on an empty stomach, once daily, prior to breakfast. If in tablet form, the tablet may be broken or cut in half. Do NOT break, crush, or chew tablets.

As PHENTERMINE may disrupt normal sleep patterns, avoid taking a dose late in the day. If taking more than one dose a day, take the last dose approx. 4-6 hours prior to going to bed.

What are the maximum dosage recommendations of PHENTERMINE?
Take PHENTERMINE ONLY as directed by your doctor.
Do NOT take more of it.
Do NOT take it more often, and
Do NOT take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If too much PHENTERMINE is taken, it may cause unwanted effects or become habit-forming.

Please speak with your doctor if you think that PHENTERMINE is not working properly after you have taken it for a few weeks. Do NOT increase the dose.

What drug interactions are there with PHENTERMINE?
PHENTERMINE should not be taken by patients with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or a history of drug abuse or psychotic illnesses. PHENTERMINE is not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart disease including rhythm problems, hypertension, etc. Patients on PHENTERMINE should have their blood pressure closely followed. Insulin requirements may change in patients on PHENTERMINE. Abrupt stoppage of the drug can cause withdrawal with fatigue and depression. PHENTERMINE is potentially addicting.

What are possible side effects of PHENTERMINE?
Side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, an unpleasant taste, hives, impotence, palpitations, high blood pressure, and fast heart rates. Central nervous system side effects include overstimulation, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and dizziness.

What is the clinical use of PHENTERMINE?
Generally, it is recommended by the FDA that PHENTERMINE should be used short-term (usually interpreted as 'up to 12 weeks'), while following nonpharmacological approaches to weight loss such as healthy dieting and exercise. However, recommendations limiting its use for short-term treatment may be controversial. One reason given behind limiting its use to 12 weeks is drug tolerance, whereby PHENTERMINE loses its appetite-suppressing effects after the body adjusts to the drug. On the contrary, it has been shown that PHENTERMINE did not lose effectiveness in a 36-week trial (PMID 11054601). However, the risk of drug addiction may be a significant reason in limiting PHENTERMINE for short-term use.

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