Possible association of ischemic stroke with phentermine.
OBJECTIVE
Some commonly used anorexiants, including methamphetamine and phenylpropanolamine, have been associated with stroke. Because phentermine is an anorexiant with a chemical structure similar to that of amphetamines, similar side effects might be expected.


METHODS
Two patients using phentermine (one was also using phendimetrazine) developed ischemic cerebrovascular disease. One suffered a cerebral infarct with angiographic evidence of vasculopathy involving multiple vascular beds. The other patient developed headache and a hemisensory disturbance of 7 days' duration.


CONCLUSIONS
Phentermine, and possibly phendimetrazine, should be considered an anorexiant and sympathomimetic drug that can be associated with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
Kokkinos
J
J
Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Detroit, MI 48202-2689.
Levine
S R
SR
D000328:Adult; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009025:Morpholines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010645:Phentermine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D009025:Morpholines; C100294:phendimetrazine; D010645:Phentermine