How Does Phentermine Work

If you have been prescribed the drug phentermine as a part of your weight loss program, it is but natural to be curious about how does it work. Every drug is meant to subtly modify normal functioning of the body, for the purpose of treating a medical disorder. Obviously it comes with its share of risks and side effects, along with benefits. So, it's best to know about them before going ahead.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is an abbreviation of 'Phenyl Tertiary Butylamine'. Chemically, it is known as 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine. It is a schedule IV drug in United States of America, which means that falls in the category of a controlled substance. It can be administered orally, intravenously or through insufflation. It received approval from the FDA in 1959 as an anorectic or appetite suppressant, for short term obesity treatment. It is sold under various trade names like Fastin, Adipex, Ionamin. The 'Food and Drug Administration' recommends that phentermine should be strictly used as very short term treatment, that is about 12 weeks or less. The weight loss treatment should be wholesome and include exercise, as well as dieting. This drug should not be consumed by people affected with glaucoma, heart disease high blood pressure or those who have an overactive thyroid gland. Also, dosage of phentermine should not be accompanied with other weight loss medications.

Phentermine Side Effects
There have been certain reported side effects of phentermine which you should know about. Phentermine may cause side effects in the form of constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision and increase in blood pressure.

How Does Phentermine Work and Aid Weight Loss?

Appetite suppressing drugs like phentermine work by stimulating the body's natural hunger control mechanism. Hunger can be controlled indirectly, through the action of certain hormones and neurotransmitters (also known as catecholamines) like epinephrine or adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine or noradrenaline. Catecholamines are hormones that are released by the adrenal glands, which initiate a flight or fight response in the body. They are naturally released in times of stress and prepare the body for physical action. An indirect effect of their secretion is the suppression of hunger.

Phentermine stimulates the secretion of norepinephrine in particular, which causes a reduction in hunger. It also stimulates adrenaline secretion causing a break down in stored fat. However, the prime mechanism that helps in weight loss is the reduction of hunger. Subsequently, the person eats less and that helps in weight loss, when combined with regular exercise and dieting. However, it does come with its share of side effects which I mentioned before. They are all a result of the 'Fight or Flight' response, initiated by the secretion of catecholamines.

Due to its pronounced side effects, phentermine obviously cannot be used for long term. The artificial control on hunger achieved through this drug is temporary and unless the urge to eat is voluntarily controlled, it will lead to a regaining of weight. So, many medical practitioners advise caution regarding the use of this drug. A planned dieting program, combined with regular exercise is a better option for weight loss. There is no easy way out!