MEDICAL WEIGHTLOSS

ADIPEX (PHENTERMINE)

Phentermine, (Brand Name ADIPEX) a contraction for "phenyl-tertiary-butylamine", is an appetite suppressant of the amphetamine and phenethylamine class. It is approved as an appetite suppressant to help reduce weight in obese patients when used short-term and combined with exercise, diet, and nutritional counseling. It is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight and works by helping to release certain chemicals in the brain that control appetite. How it works...

Phentermine (Adipex), like many other prescription drugs, works with neurotransmitters in the brain. It is a centrally-acting stimulant that stimulates neuron bundles to release a particular group of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines; these include dopamine, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). The weight loss activity seen with these compounds is thus likely due to their effect on the central nervous system, which is consistent with current knowledge about the central nervous system and feeding behavior. This is the same mechanism of action as other stimulant appetite suppressants such as diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. The neurotransmitters signal a fight-or-flight response in the body which, in turn, puts a halt to the hunger signal. As a result, it causes a loss in appetite because the brain does not receive the hunger message.

Generally, Phentermine appears to be relatively well tolerated. It can produce side effects consistent with its catecholamine-releasing properties, e.g., tachycardia (increased heart rate) and elevated blood pressure, but the incidence and magnitude of these appear to be less than with the amphetamines. You should not take phentermine if you have high blood pressure.

Your physician here at East West Physicians will do a thorough physical and lab work to see if Phentermine is right for you. Our weightloss program consists of nutritional and lifestyle counseling as well. Acupuncture for weightloss can also be combined with phentermine to reduce the possibility of the drug's side effects and to facilitate the weightloss process in general.

Read about Natural Weightoss with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs