What is Phentermine?

• Phentermine, also known as Fastin, is a prescription strength medication for the relief of exogenous obesity. Phentermine is a potent amphetamine-like prescription drug, used to help overweight patients with appetite suppression and weight loss. Phentremine is only to be used for short periods of time (six to 12 weeks), and may cause serious side effects if it is used for longer than that.
  
  

How does it work?

• Phentermine works by stimulating the fight-or-flight instinct of the human body. When a fight-or-flight stimulation occurs, the brain automatically sends a signal to the digestive system. This signal acts as if the stomach was full, in essence stopping hunger. Phentermine achieves this by stimulating the hypothalamus, causing it to produce norepinephrine. Norepinephrine in turn stimulates the fight-or-flight reaction in the body.
  
  

Immediate Side Effects

• Since Phentermine activates the fight-or-flight reaction, immediate side effects are the same as if the reaction were to be triggered by a real event. These immediate side effects include an increased heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, heart palpitations, diarrhea, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
  
  

Long-Term Weight Loss Effects

• After about a week of use, anorectic effects (drastic loss of appetite such as in anorexia) starts to set in. This in essence gives the user a chance to change her eating patterns long enough to get into a habit of eating smaller meals and portions. With this habit established, the body takes in much fewer calories causing permanent weight loss effects as long as the eating habits continue. Phentermine is not a magic pill that causes weight loss; it is more of a tool to help change the patients eating habits.
  
  

Long-Term Health Effects

• Phentermine is very similar to the controlled illicit drug amphetamine. In fact, the structures are similar enough that many of the effects of amphetamines are the same as the effects of Phentermine. Unfortunately, this means that Phentermine is also as addicting as amphetamines. If the drug is used for too long, or if the patient increases his dosage without doctor approval, severe dependence can occur. Breaking from Phentermine after dependence can cause long-term serious depression, and other mood disorders including schizophrenia.
  
  

Dangers

• Along with the possibility of drug dependence, Phentermine can also cause serious risks for those suffering from hypertension and diabetes. Though very rare, deaths have been caused due to heart and lung complications brought on by Phentermine. These risks are heightened the longer the drug is used.