PHENTERMINE

DRUG NAME: Phentermine

USE: Anti-obesity, weight loss/control

Phentermine is a centrally-acting appetite suppressant that is used as a weight control medication. It is indicated for the management of obesity.

Phentermine works by blocking the nerve cells that release and reabsorb serotonin, thus increasing serotonin levels. The increased serotonin acts in the brain and enhances feelings of fullness so that you eat less. By eating less, you consequently lose weight.

This medicine can help you reduce weight or maintain a lower weight by suppressing your appetite.

Cautions:

Do not use if:

You have heart problems (eg. coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrythmias)

You have uncontrolled high blood pressure

You have had a stroke

You have an overactive thyroid

You have a psychiatric disorder

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Caution is also advised if you have epilepsy or sleep apnoea.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (discuss with doctor).

Side effects:

Insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure.

Phentermine has been associated with valvular heart disease and the rare but serious risk of pulmonary hypertension.

Interactions:

Contraindicated if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs).

Some antifungals and some antibiotics may increase blood levels (eg.ketoconazole, erythromycin, cylclosporin).

Some antiepileptic drugs make Phentermine less effective by reducing blood levels (eg. phenobarbitone, phenytoin, carbamazepine).

Should not be used at the same time as other medicines that increase serotonin levels in the brain (eg. sumatriptan, some opioid pain killers).