One of the medications that should be prescribed with caution is phentermine — its action is aimed at losing weight, but it also shows psychotropic properties. Addicts quickly learned about this fact and began using the drug to “expand consciousness.” And now doctors have to deal with a new kind of so-called pharmacy addiction.
General information
Phentermine is a drug that is a derivative of amphetamine. It is taken orally (inside), released for this purpose in two dosage forms — in the form of tablets and capsules. Treatment is carried out strictly according to the doctor’s prescription and under his regular supervision. The recipient loses weight because the compound reduces appetite.
As a means for weight loss, phentermine is not too in demand — for this purpose it is used in a fairly limited number of countries. But they know more about the psychotic properties of the compound.
Phentermine: action and properties
The compound causes effects similar to those that occur when using sympathomimetics. These substances enhance the release of catecholamines (norepinephrine). In addition, their reuptake is also slowed down (in fact, neutralization).
Excessive release of catecholamines leads to a decrease in the synthesis of neuropeptide, which is responsible for:
- the emergence of hunger;
- feeling full of food;
- storage (accumulation) of adipose tissue.
This is not the only mechanism of action of phentermine that contributes to weight loss. Due to an increase in the level of catecholamines, lipid metabolism is accelerated, resulting in additional energy being released. This improves a number of body functions that require energy expenditure — in particular, motor. That is why those who take the described medicine become more active. Thanks to such properties, it is popular with athletes and bodybuilders – it allows them:
- quickly lose weight;
- maintain high activity in training;
- achieve the desired results in competitions.
Contraindications and precautions
The remedy should not be used for violations such as:
- hypertension;
- deterioration of heart and kidney functions;
- increased intraocular pressure;
- hyperthyroidism;
- previously identified addiction to narcotic substances.
If this medicine is still taken, then it should be done with caution in cases such as:
- heart and vascular diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- pregnancy and the period of preparation for it;
- lactation and breastfeeding;
- old age.
Psychotropic effect
When phentermine enters the bloodstream, the drug not only increases the amount of norepinephrine in the blood, but also promotes the release of:
- serotonin;
- dopamine;
- endorphin.
These are neurotransmitters, which are also called “happiness hormones”. When they bind to the receptors (sensitive structures) of nerve cells, biochemical reactions are triggered in those cells, which are physiologically manifested by pleasant sensations. This is the reason why people who need artificial generation of positive emotions use phentermine — its effect is to:
- improving mood;
- mental stimulation;
- reducing the importance of life problems.
Please note: The euphoria caused by the described drug is not as pronounced as the one that occurs under the influence of amphetamine. But medical experts warn that other psychotropic effects provoked by this drug may be more significant.
The pathological effect of phentermine should be taken into account — the drug provokes the same consequences as amphetamine. Therefore, the medical community regularly demands to ban its release. According to experts, it does more harm than good. So, users are often disturbed:
- increased blood pressure;
- insomnia;
- aggressive attacks and irritability;
- feeling of numbness in the upper and lower extremities;
- dehydration (dehydration);
- tachycardia;
- arrhythmia.
Less often observed from the side:
- CNS – impaired consciousness, headache, dizziness;
- organ of vision – decreased visual acuity;
- gastrointestinal tract — nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea;
- urinary system – urination disorder;
- reproductive organs – impotence;
- skin – rash, itching.
Addiction and withdrawal
If the substance is used for more than 10-12 days, then addiction develops. This means that the sensitivity of the body to this drug is reduced, so a large dosage is required. There is a “snowball” effect: the more the drug is used, the more addictive it is — the greater the dosage is needed, and so on incrementally.
The body can no longer do without the action of the described compound, therefore, when its dose is reduced or completely canceled, a typical withdrawal syndrome occurs. It is manifested by a number of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This:
- hallucinations;
- loss of consciousness;
- tremor;
- comatose state
- trembling all over the body;
- feeling of panic.
Somatic manifestations also often occur. Usually these are arrhythmias from the cardiovascular system and increased breathing from the respiratory organs. There is a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract — nausea appears with the urge to vomit. In some patients, severe hyperthermia is detected. In any case, with phentermine addiction, the intervention of narcologists is required.
