friend taking weight loss pills, I'm concerned

[LanaBanana]

I just found out that a friend of mine is taking phentermine. She's been on it a few months and had her dose increased last week because it wasn't having the effect she wanted. I'm concerned because she was really stressed at work today and said she was having chest pains and couldn't take very deep breaths. I'm encouraging her to talk to her dr, as well as keeping an eye on her blood pressure and if it happens again to have it checked further but she's thinking it's just a stress reaction. I'm concerned about the phentermine. I'm not asking for any medical advice, just wondering if anybody has any experience with this drug? Also, where do you draw the line when trying to counsel friends? I told her I will check her BP as needed though. I just know about all the heart problems associated with Phen-fen.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My coworker, a 50 year old woman, took the aforesaid pills for about 3 days before she noticed chest pains. Since heart disease runs in her family, she immediately stopped taking the pills.

My friend's sister, a 22 year old woman, has been taking the aforesaid pills for about a month and has lost 15 pounds without any noticeable adverse reactions.

[cardiac.cure03]

Here is some info on this medication through the pharmacy website on our intranet at work. http://www.clinicalpharmacology-ip.com/

Some cardiac related side effects it listed was: angina, htn, palpitations. It also listed tolerance as a side effect.

On July 8, 1997, the FDA issued a 'Dear Health Care Professional' letter warning physicians about the development of valvular heart disease in women receiving the combination of fenfluramine and phentermine. On September 8, 1997, the use of phentermine in combination with fenfluramine was banned in Florida.

Clinical effects include CNS stimulation and elevation of blood pressure.

The mechanism of tolerance appears to be pharmacodynamic in nature; higher doses of phentermine are required to produce the same response. When tolerance develops to the anorexiant effects, it is generally recommended that phentermine be discontinued rather than the dose increased.

Personally, I doubt that she was having a stress reaction... but that's just me. As to whether or not to continue taking the medication, I think she should consult her doc.

[S723B]

I am currently on Phentermine. I have had fantastic results and I am feeling great. At the same time, my doctor has been very strict regarding what she expects of me on this medication. I don't know if this is common practice, but my doctor requires me to visit on a weekly basis. At this visit I get an evaluation, I am weighed and she decides if she believes it's in my best interest or if it's not to keep me on the medication. In the instances where I can't visit every week, we've worked out a deal where i call to report my BP 3 times per week.

Prior to beginning the medication I spoke with my doctor about the side effects. For the most part, hypertension , palpitations , tachycardia are the heart conditions related to this medication. Hypertension is the most common. The FDA does not approve the used of Phentermine in conjunction with fenfluramine (FEN-PHEN); however, use of the medication separately is approved.

It sounds like your friend needs to discuss things with her doctor. If the medication is really causing heart problems, that she didn't experience previously, it's worth mentioning. Good Luck

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

31 year old died in our town last week. Taking diet pills. BS was zero in ED. Had two little kids. So very sad.

[roro13us]

I've been taking Phentermine for a month and a half. I've had great results. The only side effect that I've had was a very dry mouth. But along with that, I exercise, eat healthy, monitor my vitals, and keep in close contact with my physician. When I went through nursing school, I became stressed and began to eat alot. I picked up 40 pounds very quickly. I became sluggish and I just didn't feel good. When I got off work, all I wanted to do was lie down on the couch and sleep. My BP went from normal to (for ex. 143/104). I had to do something. I decided to talk with my ob/gyn and I started eating right when taking the Phentermine. He did not prescribe the drug to me until my BP was stable. He also told me to limit my white food (bad carbs) when eating. Eating right, excercise, resting, plenty of water, and staying in touch with your physician is VERY important. Your friend needs to see her physician immediately so that he/she can find out what's going on with her. Have she had a history of heart problems or chest pains? Has she gone through stress before the meds? Please encourage her to go to her physician. Feel free to contact me. God Bless.

Ro

[Lisa CCU RN, RN]

I took it for four days, but stopped because my BP would not go down (180/120).