Critics of phentermine claim it is a drug with many side effects whose benefit does not outweigh the risks. Although phentermine achieved fame because of its ability to suppress hunger, most diet experts now believe that other drugs—with fewer side effects—are much more effective. Phentermine is most frequently used with another drug because it doesn’t work independently.
Phentermine over the counter (or fen-phen) is a central nervous system stimulant for treating obesity. It controls your appetite by increasing the effects of serotonin (a neurotransmitter). Serotonin is made in the brain but is also found in other body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels. It’s essential to how well you regulate your weight. If it’s too low, you’ll overeat; if it’s too high, you’ll under-eat or have no appetite.
Many critics do not believe that phentermine is good for you. Barry Sears, the author of The Zone, says that phentermine works just as well as ephedra and should be avoided because it can cause the same negative side effects. He believes you can achieve the same results using only one drug.
Another thing to consider is the length of time between doses. Because only a limited amount of phentermine is permitted by the FDA, you must space out your doses over a 24-hour period to ensure that you stay within the recommended daily dosage for any three-day cycle. Many dieters need to find this more convenient. It is easy to forget a dose or take it at the wrong time, resulting in a need for additional medication. When you recall the drug ephedra, which was taken three times a day, you will realize that this phentermine scheduling could be more convenient.
Phentermine is also criticized for its serious side effects. The most frequently reported are insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, but some users complain of heart palpitations and light-headedness. Numerous studies confirm these negative side effects.
Another issue with phentermine weight loss pills is that some dieters experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking it. The most common symptom is a return of appetite and weight gain. This often leads to an increased dosage, which in turn causes even more side effects.
Quite a few people cannot use phentermine at all because of their individual biochemical makeup. Taking too many amphetamines may cause your brain to make too much dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel better by reducing anxiety and making you feel more energetic. If you have too much dopamine, you’ll be unable to get off the couch and exercise, let alone lose weight. A new drug called zenzedi works better for these people than phentermine.
