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Effectiveness of Phentermine

Phentermine is a potent prescription weight loss aid. It is typically prescribed to patients struggling with obesity and obesity-related illnesses. The drug targets the hypothalamus and adjusts hunger receptors in the brain. Phentermine is not intended to increase weight loss by itself. When combined with a medically supervised weight loss regimen, phentermine can help with appetite suppression.

  1. History

    • Phentermine made headlines in 1994 as half of the drug Fen-phen. The drug gained incredible mainstream recognition as a powerful weight loss tool. In 1997 an article was published in The New England Journal of Medicine quoting Dr. Heidi Connelly of the Mayo Clinic. "We report 24 cases of unusual valvular disease in patients taking fenfluramine-phentermine,". Fen-phen was pulled from the market that same year.

      Phentermine has been on the market since 1959 and has not been known to cause any of the drastic side effects by itself.

    Features

    • Phentermine is a proven diet aid. In a study reported by British Medical Journal, patients taking phentermine lost 17 more pounds over a 36-week period than those taking placebo. While the drug itself does not speed metabolism or increase weight loss, the appetite suppressing effects of the drug will help you stay on a restricted calorie diet. Users of the drug typically experience less hunger and fewer cravings.

    Benefits

    • Most patients who are prescribed phentermine also are working closely with their doctor and many are on extremely low-calorie regimens. Scottsdale Weight Loss in Scottsdale, Arizona typically prescribes phentermine to all patients participating in their Optifast plan. Optifast is an 800-calorie per day liquid diet. You may find it extremely difficult to adhere to a low-calorie regimen without help from an appetite suppressant.

    Considerations

    • The Food and Drug Administration has classified phentermine as a Schedule 4 controlled substance, meaning that the drug is considered to be moderately addictive. Patients report a anxious or high feeling. If you tend to react strongly to caffeine or other stimulants you may have similar effects while taking phentermine.

      Phentermine is not a long-term solution. Most of its benefits are experienced in the first few weeks, after which the appetite suppressing effects are noticeably diminished.

    Warning

    • Reported side effects on phentermine include anxiety, dry mouth, sleeplessness, stomach upset and irritability. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

    Expert Insight

    • Richard A. Nelson, MD of the National Institute of Health recommends an average weight loss of 1.5 to 2 pounds per week. Weight loss at this rate is better for long-term health and weight maintenance. If you take phentermine, work closely with your doctor to determine how many calories you can safely cut from your diet.

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