To      : Phyllis Adamson
Re      : Diet Pills

        Unfortunately, there is nothing new about these two products.  They
have both been around for years.

        Phenertermine(Ionamin, Obephen,Obermine, etc) is an amphetamine
analog, whose anorexiant action is similar to amphetamine.  It is a weak
CNS stimulant that produces an anorexiant effect for maybe up to 6 weeks.
It is general knowledge,  that the amphetamine family's anorexiant effects
are short lasting and tend to wane.  In other words,  you become tolerant
to the anorexiant effect.  Most studies show that although these compounds
work good for the first 4-6 weeks,  long term outcome is not good,  and
that long term behavior therapy is more effective.

        Fenfluramine(Pondimin) is also an amphetamine analog which differs
pharmacologicially from amphetamine in that it produces CNS depression more
often than stimulation, although its effect on the cardiovascular system is
similar to an amphetamine, stimulation, hypertension, tachycardia. It is
believed to inhibit serotonin(5-HT) in the brain and has been found to
produce profound depression.  It has a long half-life(20 hours).  We do not
know if it is transferred into milk, but I'll bet it is to a significant
degree due to its small molelcular wt. and its lipid solubility. With the
relatively high risk of postpartum depression in women anyway,  I can't
think of a more inapproprate drug to administer during this period.

        I did not include these drugs in my book because I never thought
any 'intelligent' woman would take them during lactation anyway.  These
products would probably produce an anorexiant effect on the infant as well.


Tom Hale