Phentermine was first introduced to the diet pill market in the early 1950s, and by 1959 it had been given the approval of the FDA as a successful appetite suppressant. Taken from the name Phenyl-tertiary-butylamine, Phentermine dominated the market as an appetite suppressant and was frequently used for the treatment of obesity.
Soon, cocktails of various drugs were being combined with Phentermine in an attempt to maximize the weight loss results. Fen-Phen was introduced to the market as a combination of Phentermine and Fenfluramine, and quickly became the most popular weight loss product available. Unfortunately, few tests were conducted with regards to the safety of the combination, and after several serious health complaints related to the use of Fenfluramine, the FDA called for it to be taken off the market. General sale of Phentermine has now been banned in the UK, mostly due to its chemical closeness to amphetamines and risks of side effects, however it is still used as a prescription drug as a short-term weight loss aid.
High rates of obesity and huge emphasis on body image were what led drugs like Phentermine to become so popular in the first place. It is estimated that around 60% of adults in the UK are overweight, and it is argued that obesity causes more health implications than smoking. There is a long list of health problems associated with being overweight. These include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and indigestion to name but a few. Lifestyles are changing, and people are becoming ever more conscious of their health and body image. Unfortunately, weight loss can be a lengthy process, and people are keen to see results as quickly as possible.
The banning of Phentermine for general sale has seen a massive increase in weight loss pills and serums on the market. There is now a huge range of diet products on the market to aid in weight and fat loss and supposedly give people a helping hand towards achieving the body they want. Unfortunately many of these over the counter weight loss supplements have neither been tested for safety nor effectiveness and it is widely recommended that you talk to your doctor before taking any of these supplements.
Phentermine works by stimulating the adrenal glands, releasing norepinephrine and reducing hunger. The most common dose of Phentermine prescribed by a doctor for an adult looking to lose weight would be 8mg orally, three times per day, 30 minutes before meals. The recommended dose should never been increased without seeking medical advice, and doing so will not necessarily increase the effectiveness of the drug. Phentermine should only be taken for a short period of time. It needs to be taken before 6pm to avoid sleeplessness.
There are a number of potential side effects that come with taking Phentermine. These side effects may be increased by alcohol consumption. Some of the reported side effects include, shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, extreme feelings of happiness or sadness, high blood pressure, pounding heartbeats, sleep problems and having a dry mouth. It should also be noted that, due to its closeness to amphetamines, taking Phentermine might cause you to fail a drugs test. Phentermine is classifed as a Schedule 4 controlled substance by the FDA, which implies that it is also mildly addictive.
After taking Phentermine for a prolonged period of time, many users build up a tolerance to its side effects, and along with this, a tolerance to its weight loss benefits. At this stage, the dose is sometimes increased (this should only be done under professional medical guidance) and the effectiveness of the product will be restored.
Phentermine is most appropriate for people who are at a significant health risk due to their weight, and it should not be used by people who are only slightly overweight and using it for cosmetic reasons. It is important to remember that taking Phentermine to aid weight loss needs to be part of an over all diet and exercise regime to be successful in the long run. Many people find that it entirely suppresses the appetite and causes a complete loss of interest in food and this obviously leads to a rapid weight loss. However, this can mean that once the course of Phentermine is finished, eating habits go back to the way they were and the weight that was lost, is put straight back on. It is vital during this time to change eating and lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy weight after you have stopped taking Phentermine.