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A part of the Phen
– Fen anti obesity drug, phentermine
is the commonly prescribed appetite suppressant, accounting
for 50% of the prescriptions. The other part of Phen-Fen was
Fenfluramine. It was withdrawn from the US market in 1997
because of its side effects like pulmonary hypertension and
heart valve disease.
Phentermine work with neuro transmitters in the brain. It encourages neuron bundles to release a group of neuro transmitters called catecholamine. It includes dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. They decrease hunger pangs in the body. Therefore, the brain doesn’t get the hunger message and you lose your appetite.
In 1959, Phentermine got approval from the Food and Drug
Administration as an appetite
suppressant for treating obesity. Phentermine resin came
in for sale in US during this year where as Phentermine hydrochloride
entered the market in 1970’s.
Phentermine diet pills are sold under two brand names
in the US, Ionamin and Adipex. It is also available in the
form of a generic medication as Phentermine.
Formerly King Pharmaceuticals for SmithKline Beecham produced Phentermine. It was sold under the name Fastin. However, in 1998 Fastin vanished from the market because of its severe side effects.
The truth about Phen-Fen
Phen-Fen refers to the combination of Fenfluramine and Phentermine. In 1973, Fenfluramine got the approval from FDA for the short-term treatment of Obesity. Fenfluramine then joined with Phentermine to produce a dream drug. It was the Phen-Fen combination.
The FDA didn’t approve it as there were studies showing side effects as severe as primary pulmonary hypertension and heart valve problems. Though Phen - Fen emerged as a successful combination and people prescribed it, they stayed out of it as soon as the FDA cautioned them of its side effects. Soon, FDA banned Fenfluramine. But Phentermine was still available for use.
The new Phen-Pro cocktail
The latest combination involving Phentermine is Phen-Pro. The term ‘pro’ stands for Prozac. The anti depressants like Luvox, Celexa, Zoloft, Trazadon, Effexor etc can be used in lieu of Prozac. The use of an anti depressant helps Phentermine because Phentermine drug effect decreases over time. The Phen-Pro combination helps Phentermine to effect for a longer period. It does not have any side effects unlike the Phen- Fen combination. This combination is regarded as ‘off label use’. It means that FDA has not approved it. The FDA has voiced concern over some combination medications and is adamant to approve it without proper research and analysis. That’s why Phen-Pro falls in the ‘off label’ category.
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