Rankings / Weight Loss — Other
Phentermine
Weight loss · Sympathomimetic
Tier B-
What this is
Oldest weight loss drug still on market (1959). Pulled from combination (fen-phen) after valvular heart disease reports in 1997. Modern use typically short-term and with cardiovascular monitoring.
Mechanism
Amphetamine-derivative; stimulates norepinephrine release in hypothalamus; appetite suppression via catecholaminergic signaling
Dose & route
15-37.5 mg PO daily morning; intended for short-term (12 week) use
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30932373/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574573/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12119565/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.