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Phentermine
Prescription: Your Weight Loss Solution?
Phentermine Prescription - Overview:
Phentermine prescriptions, like most prescriptions for weight loss medications,
 are really designed for obesity control when the advantages of losing weight
outweigh the disadvantages of the side effects. Phentermine prescriptions are
helpful for those with weight conditions which require immediate weight loss to
alleviate medical conditions such as diabetes and heart conditions. When used in
conjunction with diet, exercise and behavior therapy, a prescription of
phentermine may help you lose weight while you’re learning new ways to eat and
to exercise.
How
would my phentermine prescription work?
Phentermine prescription medication works by stimulating the hypothalamus gland
and affecting certain neurotransmitters which decrease appetite such as
serotonin. The hypothalamus is the region of the brain which controls the
autonomic nervous system, regulating body temperature, sleep cycles and
appetite. Prescription medications such as phentermine are known to increase
serotonin levels in the brain, which then trick the brain into believing your
stomach is full, and increasing your metabolic rate. Prescription phentermine
comes from the sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants, which are
usually used for short-term management of obesity.
Are
there dangers associated with my phentermine prescription?
All
weight loss medications including your phentermine prescription will have a
significant impact upon your blood pressure, metabolism and general health.
Weight loss pills should never be considered an easy or fast weight loss
solution. Whether they assist weight loss or not, most diet pills have
unpleasant side effects, are known to create drug dependency and interfere with
other necessary medications. As mentioned before, weight loss medications are
usually designed for obesity control or when the advantages of losing weight
outweigh the disadvantages of the side effects. They are usually short-term aids
for severely overweight dieters. Nearly all clinical trials of phentermine and
other weight loss medications show that pills are usually only effective as part
of a comprehensive weight management program of diet, exercise, behavior therapy
and weight loss support among family and friends.
Am I a
candidate for a phentermine prescription?
You
may be a candidate for a prescription of phentermine if some of the above
circumstances are applicable to your life. It’s appropriateness should always be
determined by a licensed physician. You should not take phentermine if you have
heart disease or high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries), have glaucoma, have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO I) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in
the last 14 days, or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Also, before
taking this medication you should tell your doctor if you have problems with
your thyroid, anxiety disorder, epilepsy or another seizure disorder or
diabetes. You may not be able to take phentermine or you may require special
dosing if you have any of the conditions described above.
By Paul
Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate (Health Psychology)
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