Jeffrey Salazar
Weight loss drugs are a popular treatment option for obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Prescription weight loss drugs are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. One such prescription drug is Qsymia, which combines phentermine with topiramate. Phentermine is an amphetamine that suppresses appetite, while topiramate helps with weight loss by making you feel full, making food less appealing, and burning more calories. Qsymia is a controlled substance and requires a special prescription due to the risk of addiction and abuse. Other prescription appetite suppressants include Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), and Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®). Over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills may also be an option, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using them as they may interact with medications or cause health problems.
Characteristics and Values of Diet Pills that Don't Show Up on UA
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescription appetite suppressants | Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants | Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast) |
| Prescription weight loss drugs | Orlistat (Xenical, Alli), Phentermine (Qsymia), Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) |
| Conditions for prescription | Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or BMI of at least 27 with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription appetite suppressants
There are several prescription appetite suppressants available, including Liraglutide (Saxenda®), which is administered through subcutaneous injection. Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is another injection-based medication, taken once a week. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®) are examples of prescription appetite suppressant pills. Phentermine, a stimulant and controlled substance, is also available as a standalone medication. It should be noted that Qsymia contains a lower amount of phentermine than when it is prescribed alone.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any prescription appetite suppressant. These medications may interact with other drugs, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Additionally, they can exacerbate certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma. Therefore, a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional is necessary to ensure the chosen medication is safe and suitable for the individual.
While prescription appetite suppressants can aid in weight loss, they are not a standalone solution. Combining their use with healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a reduced-calorie diet and increasing physical activity, is crucial for optimal and sustained weight loss results. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of potential side effects and regularly consult with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
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Phentermine
Common side effects of phentermine include a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and restlessness. More serious side effects may include cardiovascular issues such as palpitations, tachycardia, precordial pain, stroke, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, and cardiac arrest. Central nervous system effects may include overstimulation, nervousness, insomnia, tremors, headaches, and very rarely, psychotic episodes and hallucinations. Other adverse reactions include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
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Orlistat
Rare cases of severe liver injury have been reported in individuals taking orlistat, although it is unclear if the drug is the direct cause. An analysis of over 900 orlistat users in Ontario found a tripled rate of acute kidney injury compared to non-users. However, a separate study in the UK with 94,695 participants showed no increased risk of liver injury during treatment.
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Exenatide
In addition to its use in treating diabetes, exenatide has been found to aid weight loss. It is not approved for weight management, but people who take it do lose weight. Short-term treatment with exenatide has been associated with modest weight loss and decreased waist circumference in obese non-diabetic women. Studies have also shown that exenatide can lead to greater weight loss than glucagon-like peptide analogues. The weight loss associated with exenatide treatment may be due to its ability to decrease appetite and increase satiety.
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Side effects of diet pills
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie eating plan and exercise program. There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants.
Some common prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®)
As with any medication, diet pills can have side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before starting treatment. Side effects of diet pills can vary depending on the specific medication and the individual taking it. Some common side effects of diet pills include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Oily discharge from the rectum
- Flatus with discharge
- Increased defecation
- Fecal incontinence
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney damage
- Allergic reaction
In rare cases, more serious side effects have been reported, such as severe liver injury or thyroid cancer. It is important to note that not all diet pills will cause these side effects, and the likelihood and severity of side effects will vary depending on the specific medication and the individual taking it. Additionally, side effects may resolve as the body adjusts to the medication and eating habits change.
To minimize side effects, it is recommended to:
- Limit high-fat, greasy, and sugary foods
- Choose bland, easily tolerated foods over spicy dishes
- Include high-fiber foods to reduce constipation
- Re-think portion sizes and listen to your body's signs of fullness
- Prioritize adequate nutrition, even when not feeling hungry
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