Phentermine (a contraction for “phenyl-tertiary-butylamine”) is a popular appetite suppressant. This drug works by helping to release certain chemicals in the brain that control appetite. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its short term use for obese patients who are at increased medical risks because of their weight.
Not all types of patients are prescribed with Phentermine. Patients who are pregnant (or are still planning to be pregnant), have history of substance abuse, have allergies to general sympathomitetics, and those with high blood pressure are not allowed to take Phentermines. These types of patients are usually prescribed with other centrally-acting antiobesity drugs such as Amfepramone, Benflourex, Benzphetamine, Cathine, Fenfluramine, Lorcaserin, Mazindol, Sibutramine, and Tesofensine.
Phentermine is relatively a well tolerated drug, but like any other medicine, it still produces side effects especially when abused. Because Phentermine acts through sympathomimetic pathways, it may increase blood pressure and heart rate. It may also cause the following symptoms: Insomia, Irritability, Nervousness, Dry mouth, diarrhea, psychosis, itching, and fatigue.
Phentermine is sold under the following commercial trade names: Adipex P, Anoxine-AM, Ionamin (Australia),Duromine (New Zealand & Australia), Fastin, Mirapront, Obephen, Obermine, Obestin-30, Phentrol, Phenterex, Phentromin, Pro-Fast SA, Redusa, Panbesy, Phentermine Trenker, Obenix, Oby-Trim, Teramine, Zantryl, Sinpet, Supremin, Umine, and Weltmine.