Phentermine (CED0004737)

Phentermine belongs to the phenethylamines, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound has the formula C10H15N and an average molecular weight of 149.23 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a solid. It is used as a central nervous system stimulant, central nervous system drug, sympathomimetic agent, dopaminergic agent, adrenergic agent, and appetite depressant. The compound is found in various sources, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products (specifically antiobesity preparations, excluding diet products), drinking water and water supply, food and food processing (food preservation and fermentation processes for beer), electrical and electronic equipment (electrodes, hybrid capacitors, conductive bodies characterized by conductive materials, and electrically stimulated smoking devices), and household cleaning and consumer products (tobacco smoke filters, perfumes within detergents and soaps, cigar cigarettes, non electric simulated smoking devices, and other smoking requisites). The recorded exposure route is oral. Phentermine targets several proteins, including the sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter (SLC6A2), the sodium-dependent dopamine transporter (SLC6A3), amine oxidase [flavin-containing] A (MAOA), and amine oxidase [flavin-containing] B (MAOB). It is also an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B (HTR2B) and targets pro-neuropeptide Y (NPY). As an amphetamine, it stimulates neurons to release or maintain high levels of catecholamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to suppress appetite and hunger signals. Through the elevation of catecholamines, phentermine may indirectly affect leptin levels in the brain; it is theorized that the compound can raise levels of leptin to signal satiety.