Possible association of ischemic stroke with phentermine.

Author(s): Kokkinos J, Levine SR

Affiliation(s): Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Detroit, MI 48202-2689.

Publication date & source: 1993-02, Stroke., 24(2):310-3.

Publication type: Case Reports

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 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. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: 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.