Phentermine
Phentermine
first received approval from the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) in 1959 as an appetite suppressant for the short-term treatment
of obesity.
Phentermine
resin became available in the United States in 1959 and Phentermine
Hydrochloride in the early 1970s.
In the US,
Phentermine is currently sold under the brand names Ionamin®
(Medeva Pharmaceuticals) and Adipex-P® (Gate Pharmaceuticals).
It is also available as a generic medication, known as 'phentermine'.
Phentermine
is an appetite suppressant and central nervous system stimulant.
Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation
of blood pressure.
Drugs of this
class used in obesity are commonly known as "anorectics"
or "anorexigenics." It has not been established that
the action of such drugs in treating obesity is primarily one
of appetite suppression.
Adult obese
subjects instructed in dietary management and treated with "anorectic"
drugs lose more weight on the average than those treated with
placebo and diet, as determined in relatively short-term clinical
trials.
Phentermine
stimulates the satiety (feeling of fullness) center in the hypothalamus
and limbic regions of the brain, where appetite and hunger are
controlled. To be effective, phentermine must be used along with
a sensible eating plan, behavior modification, and a regular exercise
program. However, weight loss may be temporary only, especially
after the drug is discontinued. To maintain weight loss or to
continue to lose additional weight after stopping phentermine,
it is necessary to follow a sensible eating plan and an exercise
program.
DOSAGE
INFORMATION
The usual adult dose is one capsule or tablet (30 mg) daily, taken
before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast. For some patients
1⁄2 tablet (15 mg) daily may be adequate, while in some
cases it may be desirable to give 1⁄2 tablet (15 mg) two
times a day. You should avoid taking phentermine late in the evening
because it could cause insomnia.
For more information
on Phentermine, see the following parts of this review:
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