What Is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription medication designed to treat obesity. The drug is prescribed on a short-term basis for only a few weeks, and it is intended for use by obese patients (individuals with a body mass index of thirty or higher) who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. First developed in the late 1950s, this medicine is the most commonly prescribed weight loss drug in the United States. Patients who take phentermine are also asked to follow a weight loss program approved by their doctor. The program includes a reduced-calorie diet, an exercise routine, and a behavior modification course. When considering patients for phentermine use, doctors will conduct a physical examination to determine whether the patient has weight-related health issues that could be improved with the medication. They will check the patient's blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose measurements, and they may also run tests to check the patient's cardiovascular health. While obese patients with high cholesterol or glucose may be prescribed this drug, doctors do not normally prescribe it for individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and medication interactions associated with phentermine are outlined below.

How It Works

The active ingredient in phentermine is phentermine hydrochloride. This ingredient is known as a sympathomimetic amine anorectic, and it functions as a stimulant for the central nervous system. Phentermine works similarly to amphetamines. They suppress the patient's appetite and raise their heart rate and blood pressure. An increased heart rate makes the body use more energy and burn more calories. Additionally, the medication helps patients feel full for longer, and this improves weight loss. Some patients take phentermine alone, and others may be prescribed a pill that is a combination of phentermine and topiramate, a medication originally used for the treatment of epilepsy. The addition of the topiramate makes food taste less appealing, and this could enable patients to eat less than they normally would. While phentermine alone is only intended for short-term use, patients can take the combination pill with phentermine and topiramate for long periods, and it is available in an extended-release tablet.

Get familiar with the uses and benefits linked to phentermine next.