Phentermine is a popular diet drug that has been in mainstream use since the early 60s and 70s. It is primarily an appetite suppressant that works by triggering the release of specific neurotransmitters in the brain that reduce the appetite. Because it is classified as an amphetamine, Phentermine is a controlled substance and must be obtained with a prescription. It is typically prescribed to people who suffer from obesity to the extent that their health is at serious risk. The FDA recommends that Phentermine only be used for short periods of time, of twelve weeks or less.
Phentermine has been marketed under several different brand names over the past few decades, but it gained notoriety during the 90s when physicians began combining it with another effective weight loss aid, Fenfluramine. Although Fenfluramine was an effective appetite suppressant, it had a tendency to make people drowsy, so it became common practice to combine it with the amphetamine phentermine no prescription to counteract this effect. The combination became known as Fen-Phen, and it was heavily marketed and prescribed to millions of people in the USA alone. Fen-Phen was pulled from the market in the late 1990s, when it was discovered that increasing numbers of people who had taken the popular diet formula were developing heart valve abnormalities. Such abnormalities were considered to be rare, but they were occurring with a frightening regularity among Fen-Phen users. Fenfluramine was removed from the market at the request of the FDA, and Phentermine’s manufacturers voluntarily removed it as well, even though the FDA had not asked them to. Phentermine remained off the market temporarily until further studies confirmed that it was safe to use without the addition of Fenfluramine.
Today, Phentermine is produced by several pharmaceutical companies under various names including Adipex and Ionamin. It is considered to be safe for use by most people, provided that they are free from certain allergies and medical conditions. Phentermine should only be used under the supervision of a physician to ensure that it is being used in safe dosages and for an acceptable time period. Phentermine is not compatible with some prescription medications, and should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing, or by people who have a history of substance abuse. Be sure to tell your doctor about all allergies and medical conditions you may have and any medications you may be taking so he or she can make an informed decision about whether or not you can safely take Phentermine.
