Jeffrey Salazar
Fastin, a brand name for the drug phentermine hydrochloride, was once a popular weight-loss supplement. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used for short-term management of obesity in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise. However, in 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Fastin and several other products due to the presence of an illegal and unsafe food additive, Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA). The ban was enforced after numerous reports of illnesses and deaths associated with supplements containing DMAA. While a generic version of phentermine is still available, it can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription due to potential side effects and risks, including increased blood pressure, heart valve problems, and the possibility of misuse and tolerance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Fastin (Phentermine) |
| Manufacturer | Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals |
| Availability | No longer available in the U.S. |
| Generic Version | Available |
| Use | Management of exogenous obesity over the short term |
| Dosage | 30 mg once a day, 2 hours after breakfast |
| Side Effects | Increased blood pressure, heart valve problems, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, etc. |
| Interactions | Alcohol, MAO inhibitors, certain medications |
| Precautions | Pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, medical conditions |
| Effectiveness | Clinical evidence lacking |
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What You'll Learn
Fastin is a supplement manufactured for weight loss
Fastin is a dietary supplement manufactured and marketed for weight loss by Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta, Georgia. Fastin was once a brand name for the drug phentermine, an appetite suppressant used in the short-term management of exogenous obesity. Phentermine belongs to a group of medicines known as sympathomimetic amines. The recommended dosage is one 30mg capsule per day, taken approximately two hours after breakfast. It is important to avoid late evening medication to prevent potential insomnia.
Fastin is no longer available under its brand name in the United States, although generic versions may be accessible. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Fastin and ten other Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals products due to the presence of Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA), an illegal and unsafe food additive. This decision was influenced by numerous reports of illnesses and deaths associated with supplements containing DMAA.
Phentermine, the active ingredient in the original Fastin brand, carries certain risks and side effects. It is important to consult a doctor before taking this medication, especially for individuals with specific allergies, medical conditions, or concurrent medication use. Phentermine may interact with similar medicines, such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and mazindol, and its use is discouraged during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby.
Some of the serious side effects associated with phentermine include increased blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension), which can lead to fatal outcomes, and heart valve problems (valvular heart disease). Phentermine may also cause tolerance, where the body adjusts to the medication, reducing its perceived effectiveness. Other potential side effects include restlessness, tremors, rapid respiration, confusion, hallucinations, panic states, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
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Fastin is the brand name for the drug phentermine
The recommended dose of Fastin is one 30 mg capsule per day, taken approximately 2 hours after breakfast for appetite control. Late evening medication should be avoided due to the possibility of resulting insomnia. It is important to note that phentermine may interact with alcohol, and patients should be cautious when engaging in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.
Phentermine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Fastin, is chemically related to amphetamines. The abuse of amphetamines and related drugs has been associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. There have been reports of patients increasing their dosage to many times the recommended amount. Abruptly stopping phentermine after prolonged high-dose administration can result in extreme fatigue and mental depression.
Fastin, as a brand name drug, is no longer available in the United States. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Fastin and 10 other products manufactured by Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals due to the presence of Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA), an illegal and unsafe food additive. Numerous reports of illnesses and deaths have been associated with supplements containing DMAA. However, a generic version of phentermine is still available.
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Phentermine is an appetite suppressant
Fastin, a brand name of Phentermine, was once a popular dietary supplement for weight loss. However, the brand name drug Fastin is no longer available in the US market. Phentermine, an appetite suppressant, is a medication used to help obese adults and children aged 12 years or older lose weight and maintain that weight loss. It is also prescribed to certain overweight adults with weight-related medical problems. Phentermine is typically combined with Topiramate, an anticonvulsant medication, to enhance its effectiveness. This combination therapy is known as Qsymia and is available only through a special restricted distribution program due to the risk of birth defects.
Phentermine belongs to a class of medications called anorectics, which work by decreasing appetite. It is often prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. The recommended dose of Phentermine is typically one capsule (30 mg) taken daily, approximately two hours after breakfast, to effectively control appetite throughout the day. It is important to avoid late evening medication as it may cause insomnia.
Phentermine is not without its side effects and risks. It can lead to psychiatric and cognitive disturbances, including mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Clinicians should closely monitor patients for suicidal ideations, depressed mood, and increased anxiety. Additionally, Phentermine has been associated with cognitive impairments, affecting memory, judgment, and concentration. Acute myopia and secondary angle-closure glaucoma have also been reported in some cases.
Furthermore, Phentermine interacts with other medications and conditions. It can alter insulin requirements in patients with diabetes mellitus and decrease the hypotensive effects of guanethidine. As with any medication, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking Phentermine to ensure safe and effective use, especially for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
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Phentermine has serious side effects
Fastin, also known as Phentermine, was once a popular brand-name drug for weight loss. However, it was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 due to the presence of an illegal and unsafe food additive, Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA). Phentermine is still available as a generic drug and continues to be prescribed for weight loss and appetite control. While it can be effective, it has been associated with a range of side effects, some of which can be serious.
Phentermine is a stimulant that can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the more common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, and headache. These side effects are typically mild and may go away as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it's important to be cautious as phentermine may lead to serious health risks.
One of the most concerning side effects of phentermine is its impact on cardiovascular health. It has been linked to an increased risk of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. This condition can be life-threatening. Additionally, phentermine may cause valvular heart disease, leading to improper closing and leaking of the heart valves.
Phentermine can also interact with other medications, particularly insulin and oral diabetes drugs. Taking phentermine with these medications can cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels, requiring careful monitoring and dosage adjustments. Furthermore, combining phentermine with certain drugs can lead to serious consequences. For example, taking phentermine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can result in a hypertensive crisis, a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Similarly, combining it with other weight-loss drugs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can increase the risk of arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm.
In addition to the physical side effects, phentermine can also impact mental health. It has been associated with mood changes, including feelings of agitation. In rare cases, individuals may experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that are not there. These mental health effects can be concerning and may require medical intervention.
While phentermine can be a short-term solution for weight loss, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks. The side effects of phentermine can vary from person to person, and some individuals may be more susceptible to adverse reactions. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking phentermine and to seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms arise.
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Fastin was banned by the FDA in 2013
Fastin (phentermine hydrochloride) was a popular weight-loss supplement that was manufactured and marketed by Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta, Georgia. The drug was an appetite suppressant used in the short-term management of exogenous obesity, alongside a regimen of caloric restriction and exercise. The recommended dosage was one 30 mg capsule per day, taken approximately 2 hours after breakfast. Fastin was a prescription drug, and doctors would weigh the risks and benefits for each patient before prescribing it.
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Fastin and 10 other products manufactured by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals due to the presence of Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA), an illegal and unsafe food additive. The FDA's decision was prompted by numerous reports of illnesses and deaths associated with supplements containing DMAA. U.S. Marshals seized more than $2 million worth of dietary supplements from the company at the request of the FDA.
The side effects of Fastin (phentermine) could be serious and even life-threatening in some cases. The drug could increase blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension), which could potentially lead to death. Additionally, phentermine could cause heart valve disease, with symptoms including restlessness, tremors, rapid respiration, and confusion. Cardiovascular effects such as arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse were also possible. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps could occur, and fatal poisoning could result in convulsions and coma.
Furthermore, Fastin had the potential to be habit-forming, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if an individual stopped taking it suddenly. It was advised that users not take phentermine if they were also using similar medications or MAO inhibitors. Pregnant individuals were warned against using the drug, as it could harm the unborn baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Fastin is a dietary supplement manufactured and marketed for weight loss by Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta, GA. It was once a brand name of a drug called phentermine.
Fastin was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 because it contains Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA), an illegal food additive that is deemed unsafe. Numerous reports of illnesses and death have been associated with supplements containing DMAA.
The most common side effects of Fastin are restlessness, tremors, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. More serious but less common side effects include increased blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary arterial hypertension) and heart valve problems (valvular heart disease).
Fastin should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those who are using similar medicines such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, or phendimetrazine. It should also not be taken with an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of using an MAOI.
