This 2019 letter addresses concerns raised about the long-term use of phentermine for weight management. The authors acknowledge existing gaps in knowledge regarding the safety and efficacy of extended phentermine use but highlight emerging evidence suggesting its potential benefits. They reference observational studies indicating that prolonged phentermine therapy may lead
This 2001 review analyzed long-term (≥36 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of obesity pharmacotherapy published since 1960. The study found that weight loss attributable to pharmacotherapy over 36–52 weeks was approximately 8.1% (7.9 kg) for phentermine resin, 5.0% (4.3 kg) for sibutramine, 3.4% (3.4 kg) for orlistat, and −1.5% (−1.5 kg) for
This 1994 review analyzed 20 English-language studies from 1967 to March 1993, focusing on the impact of pharmacologic therapy lasting ≥6 months on weight loss and maintenance. Agents studied included phentermine, mazindol, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, and fluoxetine. While initial weight loss varied across studies, a plateau or weight regain was commonly
This 2015 survey-based study analyzed the prescribing practices of obesity medicine specialists prior to the 2012 approval of new anti-obesity medications. Among the 25% of 1,992 surveyed specialists who responded, many reported using stimulant medications like phentermine at higher doses and for longer durations than recommended. Off-label use of medications
This 2004 case series examines the clinical experiences of eight adult patients who utilized pharmacotherapy for obesity management over a period exceeding 10 years. The medications used included agents such as phentermine and sibutramine. Patients reported sustained weight loss, perceived benefits, and an absence of significant side effects. Notably, there
This 2014 retrospective audit evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of combination phentermine and topiramate therapy for weight maintenance in 103 patients at the Austin Health Weight Control Clinic. Patients initially achieved a 10% weight loss through a very low energy diet (VLED). Among them, 61 discontinued the combination therapy,
This 2013 review evaluates the efficacy and safety of phentermine/topiramate extended-release (PHEN/TPM ER) capsules, marketed as Qsymia, for obesity management. Clinical trials demonstrated significant weight loss ranging from 8.1% to 10.9% with mid to high doses, compared to 1.4% to 1.8% with placebo. PHEN/TPM ER also led to reductions in
This 2013 study analyzed national trends in the use of prescription antiobesity medications in the U.S. from 1991 to 2011. Findings revealed that phentermine dominated prescriptions, accounting for 86.6% in 2011. Usage peaked in 1996 and declined following the withdrawal of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine due to safety concerns. By 2011,
This 1968 randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of continuous versus intermittent anorectic therapy in 108 obese patients over 28 weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: continuous phentermine, intermittent phentermine (alternating with placebo), and continuous placebo. Both phentermine groups achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to placebo. Notably, the
This 2011 letter to the editor critiques a prior case report suggesting a link between phentermine monotherapy and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The authors argue that the case likely represents idiopathic PAH rather than being induced by phentermine. They reference epidemiological studies indicating no significant association between phentermine use and
