What exactly is fen-phen? Well, fen and phen are the names of the two drugs, which were used for treating obesity. However, the drugs were taken off the market in 1990s. As per FDA, the use of fen-phen had some dangerous side effects. Fortunately, the third most popular weight loss drug, Phentermine, was not withdrawn and in fact is still in use.
Why were fen-phen taken off the market?
As per the press release given by FDA in 97, a large number of individuals, who were taking Fen/Phen showed abnormal echocardiograms. These individuals did not show any severe symptoms, but as per there echocardiograms, which showed abnormal heart functions, they were at the potential risk of facing a serious health problem.
As the study continued, it was verified that 24 cases of rare heart valve issues resulted from the combination of the drugs Fenfluramine and Phentermine. Nearly 66 reports of heart valve disease were reported and linked to fen-phen in that duration. This was even the case with individuals who were only taking dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine without combining it with Phentermine.
It was concluded that the drug’s ability to activate serotonin receptor cells was the reason for potential heart damage in individuals.
Is Phentermine safe for use?
Think of it like this, if it wasn’t safe, why doctors and bariatric experts would prescribe it. However, when your doctor prescribes Phentermine for weight loss, make sure to discuss all the pros and cons of the supplement. Also, discuss a little about fen-phen history and make sure that the drug you are prescribed with is completely safe to use.
Phentermine is basically a strong drug and therefore using it carefully is crucial. When used incorrectly or in higher than recommended dosage, it can cause severe adverse reactions. It may affect your central nervous system, cardiovascular system as well as gastrointestinal tract.
Some of the symptoms of overdose of Phentermine are:
- tremors
- restlessness
- aggressiveness
- confusion
- a sense of paranoia
- erratic heart rate
- nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- seizures
- coma
Also, keep in mind that there is always a chance of drugs interacting with each other. So, if you are taking medications for depression, diabetes or any hormonal contraceptives, consult a doctor before starting with Phentermine.
To conclude we can say that compared to fen-phen, Phentermine is completely safe for use, but you have to stick to its recommended dosage and cycle.