Catecholamine pathways for appetite suppressants
Amphetamine and phanmetrazine are no longer recommended because of their stimulant properties and addictive potential. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – approved drug in this category include amfepra-mone (diethylpropion), phentermine, mazindol, and phenylpropanolamine (PPA). They have been effective in helping obese patient’s lower caloric intake, reduce appetite, and shed weight. They have some sympathomimetic (mimics the stimulated sympathetic nervous system-increase in cardiac output, dilation of bronchioles, and usually produce constriction of blood vessels) and stimulant properties.
It is also noted that using diet pills containing PPA will not make a big difference in the rate of weight loss. Even the best studies show that only about a half pound greater weight loss per week is achieved using PPA combined with diet and exercise.
It is also important to not exceed the recommended dosage. This may cause elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations. There have been some reports linking PPA to an increased risk of stroke, but based on available data from a large-scale safety study begun in September 2004, as long as PPA is used at recommended dosages, increased risk of stroke should not be a concern. Also, be cautious when buying OTC (over-the-counter) cough-and-cold products because they may contain PPA, which is also used as a nasal decongestant. Two products that each contains PPA indicated for different uses should not be taken simultaneously.
