Phentermine is a drug that has been used to treat obesity for a very long time. You may not know this drug by the name Phentermine, but chances are that you have heard of it at some point.
Phentermine history is a colorful one that goes back further than many know. It has been used in many forms to help those who are obese to lose weight. It is considered a short-term drug that should be combined with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. If you are seeking help with weight loss, you may run into this drug at some point.
To learn more about Phentermine history, check out the information below. But, if you are thinking about giving Phentermine a try so that you can achieve your weight loss goals with greater ease and speed, you will need to talk to your doctor first. He or she will thoroughly evaluate your health and weight loss needs in order to determine if you are the right candidate for this popular prescription diet pill. If you aren’t the right candidate, the good news is that you can still find a diet product, such as one that you can purchase over the counter, that you can use instead when you need some extra support.
Here is what you need to know about Phentermine history to help you make the right choice for your weight loss journey.
Phentermine History: The Beginning
Phentermine history begins many years ago when this drug was first approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the year 1959. It was approved as a treatment for obesity used only for short term help. For the most part, it is considered an appetite suppressant. In the early 1970s, Phentermine Hydrochloride was introduced. This is the most prescribed diet and weight loss medication (up to 50% of all medical prescriptions) because it is fairly effective and also because it is much cheaper than the other drugs for weight loss on the market today – Xenical and Meridia.
Phentermine Goes by Other Names
Phentermine is used and has been used in quite a few different brand name prescriptions for weight loss. An important part of Phentermine history was Fastin, which was one such incarnation. This was a drug developed by King Pharmaceuticals (for SmithKline Beecham). This was used until it was taken from the market in the year 1998 as withdrawn by the company. Today one form called Ionamin is market by a company called Medeva Pharmaceuticals. The other and most popular version, Adipex-P, is sold by Teva Biologics & Specialty Products. As with other drugs, it also goes under the generic name of Phentermine.
The Dark Side of Phentermine History
One of the most recognizable incarnations in Phentermine history was when it was used in the prescription drug Fen-Phen. This drug was eventually pulled from the market. Part of the reason may have been that there have not been any safety trials for a very long time until one was done in the early 1990s when Fen-Phen was tested. Fen-Phen was a powerful drug that did not have the jittery/speed effect that many diet pills before it had. That made it a great alternative in the treatment of obesity. Once it hit the market with FDA approval, prescriptions skyrocketed.
In a rather dark part of Phentermine history, it was found that the combination drugs in Fen-Phen lead to problems with heart valve disease. As time went on, more and more cases were reported and the drug was eventually discontinued due to health and safety issues. However, as it turned out, Phentermine was not the problem in the drug Fen-Phen. Rather, it was the Fenfluramine part of the cocktail that was the problem. The FDA did not request that Phentermine be pulled from the market. It is still around, considered safe, and going strong today.
What to Expect from Phentermine Today
Now that you know quite a bit about the history of Phentermine, it is time to take a look at what this prescription diet pill has to offer dieters today.
According to WebMD, Phentermine can help individuals who are obese, as well as those who are overweight and have been diagnosed with a medical problem that is related to their weight.
The goal of taking Phentermine is to not only lose the extra weight, but also keep it off. Doing so can help reduce the risk of developing a variety of obesity related ailments, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
How does Phentermine work?
Well, it can help reduce your appetite, making it easier for you to eat fewer calories every day. Plus, it can boost the energy that you have throughout the day, making it easier for you to lead that all-important active lifestyle that burns calories and fat naturally.
How do you take Phentermine?
To take Phentermine, you will need to follow your doctor’s directions closely. This prescription diet pill does come with the risk of becoming addicted or dependent on it, so you need to only take the recommended dose, and avoid taking more than your doctor tells you to take. Also, it is important to remember that this not a product that you will be taking long-term. Once you are close to finishing up your prescription, your doctor might help you wean yourself off so that you can again avoid addiction and side effects.
Speaking of side effects, the common side effects of today’s Phentermine include:
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- irritability
- trouble sleeping
- high blood pressure
- pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- changes in mood
- changes in sexual interest or sexual ability
- uncontrolled muscle movements
If you experience any side effects while taking Phentermine, you should tell your doctor right away. He or she will then tell you how to proceed. You might not be able to continue taking Phentermine if it is too dangerous to do so. At that point, your doctor can recommend other prescription or non-prescription weight loss products that you can try instead.
Phentermine History: A Diet Pill That’s Been Around a Long Time
Now that you have a greater understanding of Phentermine history, you know what it had to offer years ago, as well as what it has to offer to obese patients today. As mentioned above, if you are thinking about giving Phentermine a try, you will need to consult with your physician first. Do not purchase this product without having a prescription, and only purchase it from reputable pharmacies, as there is the risk of coming across fraudulent products and sellers if you aren’t careful.
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