Hydrochloride
is the generic name for Phentermine.The chemical is
Dimethyphenethylamine hydrochloride. By whatever name it is called, it is an
effective weight loss system short term. The structural formula is white,
crystalline powder, and odorless. It is soluble in chloroform but not in ether.
It is
designed for oral consumption in dosages of 37.5 mg. The pill contains
ingredients that are inactive that are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline
cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, and a starch that is pregelarized.
Phentermine
falls into the class used for obesity called amphetamines. It stimulates the
central nervous system and raises the blood pressure. The reactions of the drug
will act as an appetite suppressant resulting in weight loss.
When obese
adults use the medication along with a healthy diet research has proven there
is significant weight loss compared to the obese adults on other diets in short
term clinical tests. The adults in research studies showed higher amounts of
weight loss in the first weeks of the tests when using the medication in
combination with a low fat diet and regular exercise program.
The usage
of Phentermine is only for a few weeks with behavior changes, caloric
reduction, and exercise regimen. The amounts of exercise were as simple as
walking three days a week for thirty minutes to raise the heart rate. The
caloric intake was reduced to 1,800 calories a day. The behavior changes
included mentally thinking positive instead of the negative attitudes many have
when overweight.
Obesity is
measured by Body Mass Index that takes into consideration the height and weight
of individuals. To calculate the BMI, the weight is divided by the height squared
followed by multipled by 703. An example of this is a person who is weighs 150 pounds and is 5’9”
will have an BMI of 22.
Weight 150
Divided
by 4761 (
height in inches – 69 x 69)
Subtotal .0315
Multipled
by 703
BMI 22.148
The Body
Mass Index chart shows the results of this individual to fall into
the “normal” weight range.
BMI
Weight
Status
Below 18.5
Underweight
18.5 – 24.9
25.0 – 29.9
Overweight
30.0 and
Above
Obese
There are
significant reports of drug abuse associated with Phentermine, which has lead
to physicians monitoring the use of the drug closely.
Some of the
side effects include hypertension, glaucoma, increased heart rate, high blood
pressure, hyperthyroidism, and cardiovascular disease. Careful monitoring of
the patient by the physician can help reduce the side effects so it is very
important to report all changes or possible side effects immediately.
People
taking other medications such as serotonin inhibitors, insulin, heart pressure
medication, and muscle relaxers are not recommended to use the drug for weight
loss. Always discuss all medications with the attending physician before taking
Phentermine. Do not share the prescription with anyone that is not granted
permission by the physician. Take the dosages as prescribed. If a dosage is
missed, do not take a double dose at the next schedule prescription time as
this may lead to higher risks of side effects.
