Phentermine diet pills

A great deal of controversy has surrounded the use of phentermine diet pills in recent years. The average consumer knows that there are risks and benefits associated with the use of most medications; diet pills, whether they are prescription only or available over the counter, are no exception. But what is phentermine and what are the risks and benefits associated with phentermine usage?

Phentermine is part of a class of drugs referred to as anorectics. Anorectics decrease appetite, possibly by changing serotonin levels in the brain though scientists are unsure of exactly how anorectics decrease appetite. Phentermine specifically works as a nervous system stimulator like the amphetamines, causing faster heart rates, stimulation, and elevated blood pressure.

Phentermine is the generic name of prescription only medications such as Apidex-P, Oby-Trim, and Obenix. A doctor can prescribe one of the brand names as treatment for obesity, or the generic phentermine diet pills are available as well. Phentermine is usually only approved for short term usage to achieve weight loss for those who are significantly overweight.

Obesity is usually defined as being 20% over an individual's ideal weight, based on height and body type. Health risks associated with obesity include high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, degenerative arthritis, and type II diabetes. Weight loss can improve diabetes control and lower high cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Phentermine diet pills have a variety of risks and side effects, including the possibility of addition. Common side effects include:

Dry mouth
Unpleasant taste
Diarrhea
Constipation
Impotence
Hives
Heart palpitations
Increased heart rates
High blood pressure
Over stimulation
Insomnia
Tremor
Dizziness
Restlessness

Some health risks that have been reported to be associated with phentermine diet pill usage including heart valve disease or primary pulmonary hypertension, though these diseases usually occurred when phentermine was combined with other medications, such as fenfluramine.

The combination of fenfluramine and phentermine resulted in the much talked about diet pill fen-phen, or phen-fen. Some people reported having developed heart related disease such as primary pulmonary hypertension since starting treatment with fen-phen and death has even occurred as a result, sparking a variety of lawsuits and class action suits filed across the county against the makers of fen-phen. Phentermine on its own has not been known to cause any deaths.

An herbal version of fen-phen has claims to be all natural and healthier, but it is made mostly of ephedra, which is also known for its dangerous side effects. Since 1997, the Food and Drug Administration has investigated a number of deaths said to be associated with severe side affects resulting from the ephedrine alkaloids in herbal fen-phen.

Users of phentermine diet pills as well as other diet medications should avoid taking them while pregnant or breastfeeding as they can have an adverse affect on both mother and baby. Alcohol, street drugs, asthma medication, and caffeine pills should be avoided while on phentermine. Also, there are certain health conditions such as kidney disease, glaucoma, hypertension, and some types of diabetes that make it unsafe to take phentermine and other diet pills. Always talk to you physician before you begin taking any medication, even herbal pills and other medications available over the counter.

Always take only the prescribed dosage. Some people are tempted to take more than the prescribed dosage when they do not see results as quickly as they would like. Symptoms associated with phentermine overdose include stomach cramps, panic, irregular heartbeat, overactive reflexes, restlessness, and hallucinations.

For those who take phentermine diet pills under the close observation of their physician, phentermine can be an effective weight loss tool. As with any diet pill, phentermine works best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.

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