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Information on Fastin

The American Journal of Medical Association reports that obesity has continued to rise at alarming proportions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Fastin was the brand name of the drug phentermine, prescribed for short-term management of obesity. With controlled diet and exercise, it's normally given to obese patients with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

  1. History

    • Fastin has a long and turbulent history. In 1959, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration initially approved the introduction of phentermine resin, which was marketed as an appetite suppressant. Eleven years later, a combination of phentermine and hydrochloride, under the brand name Fastin, was produced by King Pharmaceuticals for Smith Kline Beecham.

    FDA Withdrawal

    • Due to issues about the harmful side effects of popular cocktail diet pills such as phen-fen (phentermine-fenfluramine and dex-fen (dexfen-fluramine), the FDA withdrew them from drug stores in1998. More strict monitoring of drugs containing phentermine were implemented after these issues.

    New Versions of Fastin

    • Today, phentermine is sold in various types and is also prescribed to people who are not necessarily obese. These are the brand names Adipex, Ionamine, Doromine and the generic Phenermine.

    Side Effects

    • Fastin is a drug that increases the heartbeat and blood pressure, while decreasing appetite, and is known to cause a number of side effects. Among the least serious ones are headache, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation and itching. Some patients may also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, rapid weight gain, seizure and more.

    Considerations

    • Taking phentermine, such as Fastin, requires careful deliberation. Drugs with this ingredient may be habit forming. It can cause impaired thinking or reactions, so that seemingly simple jobs like driving a car may become dangerously difficult. It is strongly advised that phentermine is not taken with other drugs without advice from qualified health personnel. It is also absolutely prohibited to combine phentermine with alcohol.

      Phentermine should not be administered to patients suffering from thyroid problems, anxiety disorder, diabetes, epelipsy and other seizure disorders. It is best for pregnant women and nursing mothers to stay away from phentermine as well.

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