Fentermine is a common misspelling of phentermine, a common weight-loss drug. Many common prescription weight-loss drugs contain phentermine, including Adipex, Duromine and Ionamin, and it's also available in generic form. Some patients take phentermine once a day, either shortly before or after breakfast, but it can also be taken in smaller doses three times a day, about a half-hour before eating a meal.
How It Works
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works similarly to an amphetamine. It works best in people who take it along with a change in diet and exercise to lose weight.
Phen-Fen
Phentermine was one of the two drugs in the deadly diet pill called Phen-Fen, which combined phentermine with fenfluramine. Phentermine should never be taken in conjunction with fenfluramine or similar drugs because it may cause pulmonary hypertension, a rare but possibly life-threatening condition.
Side Effects
Phentermine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, irritability or dry mouth. When taken late in the day, some users may experience trouble sleeping. None of these is cause for concern. However, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, unusual thoughts or behavior, swelling, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure.
Warnings
People with certain medical conditions should not take phentermine. These include glaucoma, some mental illnesses, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism and some types of heart disease. It is also not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines are known to interact with the effectiveness of phentermine or may increase the risk of serious side effects. Insulin, oral diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications and several types of antidepressants should not be taken with phentermine.
