Hoodia vs. Phentermine: Similarities and Differences
About Phentermine
While there are a handful of new prescription weight loss drugs now on the market, phentermine has 
been around since the 1950s. Because of this, phentermine’s side effects are well known, and doctors are more familiar with its usage. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that’s indicated for short-term use; after about 12 weeks, it can negatively impact blood pressure and can become addictive (it is chemically similar to amphetamines). Chemically, it is an amphetamine and it is typically prescribed for individuals who are at increased medical risk because of their weight, as opposed to cosmetic weight loss. Reviews say that when used properly under a doctor’s supervision, phentermine can provide a short-term boost at the onset of weight loss for obese persons who use it in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan.
Phentermine® may cause:
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking phentermine and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
· hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion. - Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
- · restlessness or tremor,
- · nervousness or anxiety,
- · headache or dizziness,
- · insomnia,
- · dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
- · diarrhea or constipation, or
- · impotence or changes in your sex drive.
- Phentermine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.
About Hoodia
For each person that says hoodia gordonii works to control their appetite, another says it doesn’t. While some experts say hoodia seems safer than a lot of over-the-counter diet pills, there’s really no definite evidence for or against hoodia gordonii as research on the plant is still ongoing. If you do want to try hoodia, experts say to be sure you’re getting the real thing — Certified Hoodia Gordonii from South Africa. Many manufacturers mix hoodia with stimulants like bitter orange or green tea extract, and researchers take an even dimmer view of the safety of those ingredients. DEX-L10, like all diet supplements, hasn’t been approved by the FDA and hasn’t been subjected to clinical studies, but at least it contains authentic hoodia gordonii and no added stimulants. However, there are not enough studies to show its efficiency despite the many good reviews from the BBC to CBS’ “60 Minutes” to many others.
Both drugs are known appetite suppresants. While phentermine is an established, FDA Approved drug, it is not natural and does have side-effects. Hoodia however, is not yet approved by the FDA because of the little definite research studies done on it but it is all natural and has no reported or adverse side-effects.
For now, if you can tolerate the side-effects of phentermine, advocates recommend it over hoodia for weight loss. However, Hoodia has many good reviews and it is all natural and doesn’t require a prescription, thus, it is a good alternative for those looking to avoid unwanted side-effects and want to go all-natural.
Source: <”http://www.consumersearch.com”>
