Phendimetrazine is an FDA-approved medication for weight loss, designed for obese adult patients. The main compound is an appetite suppressor and it works as a prodrug to phenmetrazine, one of the main products approved to enhance weight loss. Phendimetrazine is commercialized under the brand names of Adipost, Anorex-SR, Appecon, Bontril PDM, Bontril Slow-Release, Melfiat, Obezine, Phendiet, Plegine, Prelu-2, Statobex.
The drug is a derived from phenmetrazine, functioning as a less aggressive version of it. Both of the drugs act as norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agents (NDRA) and stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), which raises the heart rate and blood pressure in order to meet the purposes of suppressing appetite. It is used as short-term treatment for obesity, according to the recommendation of the physician.
History of Phendimetrazine
Phentermine received the approval of the FDA in 1959 and it remained until 1996 as one of the two drugs available for weight loss. However, phendimetrazine only started to be used in the U.S. for patients who suffer from obesity in 1976, following a rigorous scientific process conducted by the agency. There are currently other available drug treatments for obese patients, but both phentermine and phendimetrazine-based drugs are still therapies with proven success.
Despite the fact that the mechanisms of action of phentermine and phendimetrazine were evaluated by physicians, statisticians, chemists, pharmacologists, and other scientists, few studies were conducted following the approval of the generic form of phentermine. Researchers are still assessing the effects of a combined therapy with phentermine and fenfluramine.
How Phendimetrazine Works
Resembling an amphetamine, phendimetrazine enhances weight loss by stimulating the nerves and the brain, which results in an increase of the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as decrease of the appetite. The prescription drug is used as short-term treatment, in combination with an healthy diet and regular physical activity. It should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before the first meal of the day and it is expected to result in a weight loss of about four pounds in the first month of treatment.
Other Details About Phendimetrazine
Similarly to phentermine, the use of phendimetrazine is not recommended in patients with an history of heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucome, drug or alcohol abuse or by pregant women. In addition, patients who were administered with an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks before, in combination with other diet pills, such as fendluramine or dexfenfluramine, or by pregnant women.
Side effects include anxiety, burning while urinating, chest pain or discomfort, decreased ability to exercise, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, irregular heartbeat or pulse, warmth feeling, headache, hyperventilation, increased need to urinate, irritability, nausea, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, restlessness, shakiness in the members, shortness of breath, sweating, swelling, difficulties in breathing or sleeping, vomiting and weakness.
