These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
General Information
Question: What is pondimin?
Answer:Pondimin(fenfluramine hydrochloride) is an anorectic drug. It has recently been used extensively with lonamin(phenteramine) in the so called fen-fen combination. This recieved credahility after a very good article in JAMA and subsequent articles documenting weight loss with relatively minor side effects. Pondimin should not he used in patients with glaucoma, alcoholism, psychiatric disorders and before general anesthesia. There have been some reports of pulmonary hypertension-a potentially fatal disorder of the lungs-which has been the biggest red flag in this drugs use. Common side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, drowsiness and nausea. I have used this combination in several patients with favorable results about 75% of the time. I have a major concern about pulmonary hypertension-research in this area is ongoing.
