Ruqayyah Snyder
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that is used as a short-term treatment for obesity. It is one of five medications currently approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for obesity management. However, it is banned in certain contexts, such as under the Australian Rules of Racing, due to its potential for abuse and performance-enhancing effects. This article will explore the legality of phentermine in Australia, its medical uses, and the reasons for its banned status in certain contexts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality in Australia | Phentermine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for obesity management in Australia. However, it is banned under the Australian Rules of Racing and in sports with weight categories. |
| Use | Phentermine is a sympathomimetic and anorectic agent used as a short-term treatment for obesity. |
| Mechanism of Action | Phentermine stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain, reducing hunger and the perception of hunger. |
| Side Effects | Phentermine can cause increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, heart tremors, restlessness, and sleeplessness. It has a high risk of dependency and abuse. |
| Dosing | The recommended dose of phentermine is 7.5 mg, with a maximum dose of 15 mg. |
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What You'll Learn
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic agent
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic agent. It is chemically related to amphetamine and is commonly referred to as an atypical amphetamine. It was introduced in 1959 as part of an anti-obesity combination drug. Phentermine is a very weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in vitro. It specifically inhibits monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Its potency as an MAOI is far below that of a monoamine releasing agent.
Phentermine is a norepinephrine and dopamine releasing agent (NDRA) and produces stimulant, rewarding, and appetite suppressant effects. It is a central nervous system stimulant. It is also a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) to a lesser extent. The drug elevates brain norepinephrine and dopamine levels in animals. Phentermine is more potent in its effects on norepinephrine than on dopamine and the drug shows only weak effects on serotonin.
Phentermine is used as a short-term adjunct therapy included in a regimen of weight reduction in cases of exogenous obesity. It is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program in individuals with an initial body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 or those with a BMI of over 27 in combination with at least one obesity-related comorbidity. Phentermine has two metabolic pathways: hydroxylation and oxidation. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 primarily metabolizes phentermine. About 70 to 80% of a dose is excreted as unchanged phentermine in urine. The phentermine terminal half-life is about 20 hours.
Phentermine is one of five medications currently indicated for obesity management in Australia. It is available in Australia, either as monotherapy or in combination with medications like topiramate. However, the combination of phentermine with extended-release topiramate is approved for chronic weight management in the United States but not in Australia.
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Phentermine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Phentermine is a prescription medication that acts as an appetite suppressant by stimulating the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain, including the hypothalamus. This reduces hunger and the reward associated with eating, leading to weight loss. It is meant to be used in conjunction with lifestyle interventions such as exercise, diet (calorie/kilojoule restriction), and behaviour modification.
While phentermine is approved by the TGA for obesity management, it is important to note that the combination of phentermine with extended-release topiramate, another weight-loss medication, is not approved in Australia. This combination is approved for chronic weight management in the United States but has not received approval in Australia. The recommended dose of this combination in the US contains 7.5 mg of phentermine and 46 mg of topiramate, with a maximum dose of 15 mg phentermine plus 92 mg of topiramate.
Phentermine is a regulated substance in certain contexts in Australia. For example, it is banned under the Australian Rules of Racing, and athletes are prohibited from using it as a performance-enhancing drug. Appetite suppressants like phentermine are seen as a way of gaining an advantage in sports with weight categories, and they can pose risks to health and wellbeing. Additionally, phentermine has the potential for dependency and abuse, and it can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure and heart palpitations. Therefore, while phentermine is TGA-approved for obesity treatment, its use is carefully monitored and regulated in Australia.
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Phentermine is banned under the Australian Rules of Racing
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic agent that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1959. It is used to treat obesity by reducing hunger and reward-related eating. Phentermine stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in the body, which can give a sense of fullness and reduce hunger.
In Australia, phentermine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for obesity management in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater. However, it is banned under the Australian Rules of Racing. This decision is likely due to its classification as an appetite suppressant, which could provide an unfair advantage to athletes in sports with weight categories.
The use of phentermine in sports with weight categories could be seen as a way for athletes to gain an edge by reducing their body weight and competing in a lower weight class. Appetite suppressants like phentermine are banned in the wider codes of sports, as they can compromise the health and well-being of athletes. The drug has been associated with serious side effects, including increased blood pressure and heart palpitations, and has a high risk of dependency and abuse, according to the International Programme on Chemical Safety.
Phentermine is not without its risks and should only be used under medical supervision. It is typically recommended for short-term use, and users should be aware of potential side effects, including increased metabolic rate, heart tremors, restlessness, and sleeplessness. Gradual dose escalation and monitoring are crucial to improving tolerability and mitigating adverse effects.
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Phentermine is a short-term treatment for obesity
Phentermine is a low-cost medication that has been used for over 60 years in the treatment of obesity. It is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia as one of five medications for obesity management. Phentermine is typically administered for a short-term period of 12 weeks, with doses of 15 mg or 30 mg. It is a sympathomimetic agent that acts on the brain to reduce hunger and reward-related eating.
Phentermine is often used in conjunction with lifestyle interventions, such as exercise and caloric restriction, to effectively manage weight. In Australia, it is indicated for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or higher, or a BMI of at least 25 kg/m2 if there is at least one weight-related complication. While phentermine has shown effectiveness in reducing body weight, it is important to note that it should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects.
Phentermine has been studied in various populations, including a Mexican obese population, where its efficacy and safety were evaluated over three and six-month periods. The results indicated that 30 mg of phentermine was more effective than 15 mg in improving anthropometric variables at the three-month mark, but this difference was not significant after six months. Additionally, mild-to-moderate adverse events were more frequent with the higher dose.
It is important to note that while phentermine can be an effective tool in the short-term treatment of obesity, it should be complemented by lifestyle changes and medical supervision. The combination of phentermine with extended-release topiramate has been approved in the United States for chronic weight management, but this combination is not approved in Australia. Overall, phentermine plays a role in obesity management, particularly in the short term, by reducing hunger and promoting weight loss.
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Phentermine is not approved in Australia in combination with topiramate
Phentermine is a prescription medication that is approved for use in Australia as a short-term treatment for obesity. It is a sympathomimetic agent that stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in the body, leading to reduced hunger and reward-related eating. It is available in Australia under brand names like PHENTERMINE GENERICHEALTH, PHENTERMINE GH, and PHENTERMINE LAPL (modified-release capsule).
However, it is important to note that the use of phentermine is regulated and restricted in certain contexts. While it is approved for obesity treatment, it is not approved in Australia for weight management in certain sports codes, particularly those with weight categories. Phentermine is classified as a banned substance in the Australian Rules of Racing, as evidenced by the case of jockey Michelle Payne, who was prohibited from racing temporarily after testing positive for the drug.
The use of phentermine in combination with other medications also has specific considerations. While phentermine is approved for use in Australia, its combination with topiramate is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for obesity management. Topiramate itself is not approved by the TGA for this indication, although it is sometimes used "off-label" for weight management, either alone or in combination with other drugs. The specific combination of phentermine and extended-release topiramate is approved for chronic weight management in the United States but has not received approval in Australia.
The decision to not approve the combination of phentermine and topiramate in Australia may be influenced by the potential adverse effects associated with this combination. Common side effects of this combination include paraesthesia, dysgeusia (taste distortion), somnolence, memory issues, attention and concentration difficulties, and mood disturbances. Additionally, the International Programme on Chemical Safety has warned about the high risk of dependency and abuse associated with phentermine. Therefore, while phentermine is a legal and approved medication for obesity treatment in Australia, its combination with topiramate has not undergone the same approval process and is not authorized for use in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Phentermine is not illegal in Australia, but it is banned for athletes under the Australian Rules of Racing.
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that can cause weight loss. This could be abused in sports that have weight categories.
Phentermine can have serious side effects, including an increased metabolic rate, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, restlessness, and sleeplessness.
Phentermine is used as a short-term treatment for obesity. It stimulates the release of chemicals such as norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, which can reduce hunger.
No, Phentermine is a prescription medication in Australia. It is available as PHENTERMINE GENERICHEALTH, PHENTERMINE GH, and PHENTERMINE LAPL (modified-release capsules).
