Ask Mary

Phentermine, sold as Fastin, Afipex and Oby-Trim, is a prescription appetite suppressant for obese people with health risks who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.  It is prescribed for only 12-weeks because it is habit-forming.  It should not be used if uncontrolled high blood pressure, mental and mood problems, vascular heart disease, glaucoma, pregnancy, and other conditions are present. It also interacts with several medications.  Dry mouth, palpitations, insomnia, irritability, and other side effects may occur.  Phentermine should be part of program that includes diet, exercise and lifestyle changes because the drug alone is no guarantee of long term success.