Acutrim :: Research Paper Essays

AcutrimAcutrim is a stimulant which has two put togethers on the body. It is a decongestant and an proclivity suppressant. The active ingredient in Acutrim is a compound c eached phenylpropanolamine. Its is an FDA approved, nonprescription appetite suppressant to be used with a weight loss program. The drug is initially effective in controlling excessive eating (unc-clos.tierranet.com/phenylpropanol.htm). Acutrim acts similarly to its chemical substance cousin amphetamine. The phenylpropanolamine acts on the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that controls the appetite, by increasing the amount of serotonin-- the chemical that affect mood and appetite. This decreases the appetite and increases the feeling of being full. Like all stimulants, it increases warmth rate and blood pressure (www.phys.com/b_nutrition/02solutions/08diet/phenylprop.htm & www.clos.net/aaceobesity.htm). This supposedly can assist weight loss by increasing weight loss by some an additional five p ercent by taking 25 milligrams thirty minutes before eating three times a day, or by taking 75 milligrams of a slow-release formula every morning (unc-clos.tierranet.com/phenylpropanol.htm). When used as part of a diet plan, it may help you lose almost an extra one-quarter of a pound each week. But the effect will only last for the first month of your diet. After that, the drug has no effect on weight loss. The weight loss may non be permanent, especially after the drug is discontinued (www.phys.com/b_nutrition/02solutions/08diet/phenylprop.htm). The most common side make of Acutrim and the active phenylpropanolamine are nervousness, sleeplessness, throbbing heartbeat, irritability, headache, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and constipation (www.healthsquare.com/pdrfg/pd/monos/acutrim.htm).. It is seriously dangerous to take this medication while taking any antidepressant drug in the chemical family called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO), such as Nardil, Marplan and Parn ate. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, depression, or an eating disorder, or if you have heart disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, do not take Acutrim unless you will be monitored by your doctor. This product should not be given to children under the term of twelve (www.phys.com/b_nutrition/02solutions/08diet/phenylprop.htm). Although Acutrims utility for weight loss has been recognized for many years, however the research and medical findings confirm the theory that the active ingredient phenylpropanolamine is not an safe or permanent means of weight loss. An article by Andrew Jenkins in The Journal of Physical Education briefly describes one of the dangers