Duromine is a brand name used in certain countries for the prescription drug phentermine. The medication is an appetite suppressant and stimulant used to help obese patients lose weight. Among the many other trade names that are or have been used in the United States or other parts of the world are Phenterex, Phentromin, Redusa and Zantryl. In the United States, the drug is a Schedule IV controlled substance under federal law. Phentermine is short for phenyl-tertiary-butylamine.
Uses
Duromine and other brand names of phentermine are used by patients who need to lose significant amounts of weight for health reasons. The patients may, for example, have obesity-related issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol. The medication should be taken in concert with behavioral changes, such as exercise and healthy eating. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends phentermine for short-term use--generally no more than 3 months.
Phentermine reduces hunger by stimulating production in the brain of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The result is a fight-or-flight response. The medication should be taken first thing in the morning, before any food is consumed. Because the drug is a stimulant, taking it in the latter part of the day can cause insomnia.
Warnings
Use of Duromine (and other brands of phentermine) is not recommended for people with heart disease, very high blood pressure, glaucoma, overactive thyroid or a history or alcohol or other drug abuse. It can be habit forming and can cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. It can cause dangerous, and even fatal, reactions when taken with certain other medications, including isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl or Emsam), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). The reactions can happen if phentermine is taken within 14 days of the other medications.
Take only your recommended dose, as the medication can be fatal in overdose.
Side effects can include dry mouth, nervousness, headaches, dizziness and changes in bowel habits. Other, severe side effects can also occur, in which case you should stop using the drug and call your doctor. They include chest pain, rapid or unusual heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, unusual thoughts, shortness of breath, swelling and extremely high blood pressure.
Fen-phen
Phentermine was combined with fenfluramine in a combination weight-loss prescription called Fen-phen. The combination drug sold well in the 1990s. It was marketed by American Home Products, which now goes by the name of Wyeth. Fenfluramine and the related chemical dexfenfluramine were eventually shown to cause pulmonary hypertension and heart valve issues, and were taken off the market. The company was hit with legal damages exceeding $13 billion.
