Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Its exact
mechanism of action is unknown. It probably decreases appetite by acting on
centers in the brain that control appetite. Phentermine is similar to
amphetamine. It stimulates the nervous system, elevates blood pressure, and
increases heart rate.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 30 and 37.5mg.
STORAGE: Phentermine should be stored in a tight container at room
temperature.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Phentermine is combined with
diet and
exercise for the
short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a
body mass index greater
than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors
for heart disease. Phentermine should not be combined with other weight loss
agents. The combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (FEN-PHEN) is associated
with serious heart problems. Fenfluramine is no longer available in the United
States.
DOSING: The recommended dose is 30 mg once daily about 2 hours after
breakfast. Evening doses should be avoided because phentermine causes insomnia.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Phentermine is similar to amphetamine and may share some
of the interactions associated with amphetamines. Combining phentermine with
tricyclic antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep)] or monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(for example, tranylcypromine) may result in high blood pressure and other serious
reactions because of elevated serotonin levels in the blood.
PREGNANCY: Use of phentermine during
pregnancy has not been adequately
evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether phentermine is excreted in
human
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of phentermine include
nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea,
dry mouth, constipation, an unpleasant taste, hives,
impotence, palpitations,
high blood pressure, and fast heart rates (palpitations). Central nervous system
side effects include hyperactivity, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and
dizziness. Phentermine, especially when combined with fenfluramine, has been
associated with high pressures in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary
hypertension) and defects in heart valves, both serious complications. Physical
and psychological dependence may occur with the long-term use of phentermine. A
withdrawal reaction, which includes excessive drowsiness, fatigue, tremors and
depression may occur after prolonged use.
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been
considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.
That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and
build.
The definition of obesity varies depending on what one reads, but in general,
it is a chronic condition defined by an excess amount body fat. A certain amount
of body fat is necessary for storing energy, heat insulation, shock absorption,
and other functions. The normal amount of body fat (expressed as percentage of
body fat) is between 25%-30% in women and 18%-23% in men. Women with over 30% body
fat and men with over 25% body fat are considered obese.
The calculation of body mass index (BMI) has also been used in the definition of obesity. The body mass index (BMI) equals a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by their height in meters (m) squared. Since BMI describes body weight relative to height, it is strongly correlated with total body fat content in adults.
"Obesity" is defined as a BMI of 30 and above.
How common is obesity?
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. One i...
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