How Phentermine Works

Fen-Phen became the wonder drug for weight loss in the 1990s until it was linked with potentially fatal heart valve problems. Phentermine was one of the components of that drug. Because of this connection and a misunderstanding of how the drug works, many overweight people are reluctant to try phentermine. Understanding more about it can help alleviate these concerns.

It is important to note that it is the other half of Fen-Phen, fenfluramine, that was removed from the market and connected to the heart problems. Phentermine, by itself, has not been connected with any such issues and is considered safe when properly used by the FDA.

Phentermine actually helps patients lose weight in two different ways. The first stems from the fact that it is actually similar to amphetamines. One of the effects of amphetamine use is increased energy. Raising energy levels can help overweight people get enough energy to exercise, particularly those who are obese and suffering from other debilitating issues such as hypothyroidism. Getting into a regular exercise routine, of course, is vital for losing and maintaining weight in a healthy manner. It is this connection to amphetamines that makes phentermine a drug that should be dispensed and used under a doctor's supervision. Overdose or prolonged use and misuse can cause serious health problems. At the very least, the longer-term effectiveness of phentermine as a weight loss drug could be compromised. Used properly under a doctor's care makes the use of phentermine as safe as most other pharmaceuticals.

The second way phentermine works for weight loss is its effect on appetite. The correct dosage stimulates the brain's production of norepinephrine, which reduces appetite.

Other weight loss pills available with a prescription contain agents such as sibutramine, which has been labeled as dangerous and taken off the market in the U.K. Sibutramine affects levels of brain chemicals in order to control appetite, but unlike phentermine, it affects the chemicals differently and in different proportions.

Over-the-counter appetite suppresants are made up of products such as green tea and seaweed derivatives. These can be good choices for those concerned about keeping only "natural" products in their bodies, but the effects of such products for weight loss and appetite restriction are far less dramatic. Although it is suspected that the caffeine in it can speed up the metabolism slight amount to suppress appetite, scientific tests have yet to prove a connection between green tea and weight loss.

Users of phentermine appear to be largely satisfied with the results. While side effects do definitely occur, they are largely mild and dissipate within the first month. The best thing about phentermine is that it offers hope to those who have struggled to lose weight. The combination of appetite suppressant and increased energy levels can help even the obese lose weight and increase health. As long as patients follow their doctor's directions to the letter and develop a healthy diet and exercise routine, phentermine can be perfectly safe for the majority of patients.

References:

"Fen-Phen." Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org.

"Phentermine." Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org.

"Phentermine.com: The Official Site." Phentermine.com.