What Is the Difference Between Phentermine and Fastin?

Phentermine is a weight loss medication that is only available with a prescription. Fastin is another drug used for weight loss, but it can be purchased over the counter. Both medications belong to a class of drugs known as appetite suppressants.

Facts

• Phentermine is the generic name for the brand name drugs, Adipex and Ionamin. Fastin is a brand name medication that does not have a generic equivalent.

History

• Fastin was once a prescription medication that contained phentermine. In 1998, the original drug was discontinued and the trade name was purchased by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals. The company then began to market a different weight loss supplement under the name "Fastin".

Misconceptions

• Hi-Tech pharmaceuticals replaced the active ingredient in the original Fastin, 37.5 milligrams of phentermine hydrochloride, with 37.5 milligrams of phenylethylamine hydrochloride. This caused many consumers to believe that the medication had not changed. The company also used the fact that Fastin was once available only by prescription as a part of its marketing campaign.

Time Frame

• Both Fastin and phentermine should not be taken for longer than 12 weeks, as both medications may be addicting.

Fun Fact

• Phenylethylamine, the active ingredient in Fastin, is the same chemical responsible for the mood-altering effects some people may experience when eating chocolate.

Warning

• Phentermine and Fastin can be dangerous if taken improperly. Always follow the advice of your physician when using any weight loss aid.