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Phentermine enhances the levels of several neurotransmitters
including dopamine and norepinephrine affecting blood flow,
heartbeat, and reactivity to stress. This makes people eat
more rapidly but to eat less. Another appetite suppressant,
fenfluramine, acts on a different neurotransmitter, serotonin.
Serotonin is involved in controlling mood and reduces the
feelings of agitation associated with hunger.
Phentermine
is a generic name, which is sold under various brand names
including Ionamin, Adpex-P, Fastin, etc. Phentermine first
became available for consumers in the late 50s, and later
modified as Phentermine Hydrochloride (HCl) in the 70s.
Phentermine
became popular again in the 90s in the form of 'cocktail',
Fen-Phen. In 1992, Dr. Weintraub from University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry published a paper with a
study that Fen-Phen works more effectively than diet or exercise
in chronic obese cases. Fen-Phen became an overnight sensation.
While
phentermine and fenfluramine are both approved by FDA separately,
their mixture, 'Fen-Phen' never was, and their prescription
by doctors was considered "off-label".
Dexfen-Phen
is another combination including phentermine. In this case,
the other ingredient is dexfenfluramine or redux. Dexfenfluramine
was also used as an appetite suppressant. Dexfen-Phen again
followed the suit, and became widely popular.
In
1997, Mayo Clinic reported 24 cases of heart valve disease
in the patients who had taken fen-phen cocktail. Further findings
suggested fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine may be related
to heart valve disorder, and accordingly, FDA issued a public
health advisory and requested drug manufacturers to voluntarily
withdraw fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
Unlike
fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, phentermine was not taken
off the market. Phentermine is again used in various cocktail
forms. It was necessary since phentermine's appetite suppressing
effect decreases rather rapidly over time.
One
of the new cocktail involving phentermine is "Phen- Pro",
phentermine plus prozac, a popular antidepressants. Phen-pro
cocktail makes phentermine work longer and has no significant
psychological effect.
Even
though phentermine cocktail works better in controlling appetite,
you should always discuss with your doctor about the possible
side effects. Also, it's always a good idea to eat right and
exercise regularly however great the drug seems to work.
Jim
writes for Health info resources.
About
the Author
Jim
Lendolff actively researches and writes on new findings and
important news in healthcare fields from 1800pill.com
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