Ephedra Versus Phentermine
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Two of the most popular compositions of diet pills nowadays are ephedra and phentermine. There are a number of similarities between the two components, but there are also a number of differences.
The ephedra extract present in weight loss pills comes from the Ephedra sinica plant, or more commonly known as the ma huang plant. Its primary use is in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as asthma and allergies. It is also currently being used in supplements for weight loss and for enhancing athletic performance.
On the other hand, the phentermine found in weight loss pills is a chemical that is regulated by the government. Its primary use is as an appetite suppressant, helping promote weight loss in obese individuals.
One of the most important differences between these 2 kinds of diet pills is their mechanism of action. Phentermine acts on the brain by releasing special chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals induce a specific response in the body, resulting in a feeling of fullness. Ephedra acts in the same way as phentermine, also stimulating the brain to release these chemicals. Aside from this, ephedra also has other properties. Ephedra also increases the rate of metabolism and subsequently increases the heat produced by the body, thus helping the individual burn more calories.
Both ephedra and phentermine are effective as short-term treatment for obesity. The intake of phentermine diet pills has been associated with weight loss of approximately 5 kg in a year. On the other hand, the intake of ephedra diet pills has been associated to a weight loss of about 0.9 kg in a month. The weight loss produced by ephedra was seen to be more significant when the drug was combined with caffeine or other herbal components.
Ephedra and phentermine are both stimulants and tend to produce side effects related to this property. These side effects include insomnia, dizziness, headache, blurring of vision, nnervousness, itching and an increase in blood pressure. However, ephedra also tends to produce more severe and, rarely, more serious adverse reactions, such as seizures and arrhythmias. These side effects require more studies to find out if they are really caused by ephedra intake or not.
As with most of the diet pills in the market, both ephedra and phentermine have been involved in several controversies. There has been some concern regarding the safety of ephedra, although a number of studies have revealed that there is no distinct correlation between serious adverse events and intake of the drug. Phentermine, however, remains to be available in the market and approved for use as a prescription weight loss medication by the Food and Drug Administration.
In general, phentermine appears to be more safe but slightly less effective than ephedra. If you are planning to take either ephedra or phentermine weight loss pills, it is crucial to consult a health provider first. Both of these pills can have serious interactions with other medications; you should inform your physician so he or she can advise you whether these pills are right for you and how to take them properly.
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