Jeffrey Salazar
There are several prescription diet pills on the market, also known as appetite suppressants. These pills are intended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 and above with other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Prescription diet pills work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides, making you feel less hungry or full faster when you eat. Some common prescription diet pills include Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants can be used for long-term or short-term periods, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using them. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda®), which is an under-the-skin injection medication. Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is another FDA-approved injection medication that was approved in 2021. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®) are examples of prescription appetite suppressant pills. Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks, including Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®) and Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®).
It is important to note that appetite suppressants are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. Additionally, they are not suitable for everyone, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine if they are right for you.
There are also over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available, but these may interact with medications or cause health problems, hence the importance of seeking medical advice before taking them. Some examples of OTC appetite suppressants include supplements in the form of gummies or capsules, such as those containing apple cider vinegar, garcinia cambogia, or other dietary ingredients.
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Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Liraglutide, also known by its brand name Saxenda®, is an injectable prescription medicine used for weight loss. It is designed for adults with obesity or overweight (excess weight) who also have weight-related medical problems. It is also prescribed to children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60kg) and obesity. Saxenda® should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not recommended for people who also take liraglutide or other medicines called glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists).
Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones that send signals from the gut to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. It is a type of prescription appetite suppressant, which work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. Appetite suppressants can make you feel less hungry or make you feel full faster after eating less food, resulting in reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
Prescription appetite suppressants are recommended for people with obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They can also be recommended for people with a BMI greater than 27 who have conditions that may be related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain. Studies show that prescription appetite suppressants help people achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight.
It is important to note that Liraglutide (Saxenda®) may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. As with any prescription medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
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Semaglutide Wegovy
Semaglutide, also known by the brand name Wegovy, is a prescription weight-loss medication. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a man-made version of a naturally occurring hormone in the body. By activating the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Semaglutide reduces appetite and slows the movement of food from the stomach, helping people feel fuller for longer and eat less.
Semaglutide is administered as a once-weekly injection and is intended to be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. It is approved for use in adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity or a BMI of 30 or higher. It is also approved for use in some adults with a lower BMI who have weight-related medical problems. The dose is gradually increased over 16 to 20 weeks to reach the full dose of 2.4 mg.
Semaglutide is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). It is also not recommended for those with a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues, as well as those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
As with other weight-loss medications, Semaglutide may cause side effects. These can include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. In addition, studies in rodents have shown that Semaglutide can cause thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. It is not yet known if it will have the same effect in humans.
While Semaglutide has shown effectiveness in weight loss, it is important to note that it is expensive, and most insurance companies do not cover it for weight loss purposes. It is also not a quick fix, as those who stop taking it may gain weight back quickly.
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Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave is an extended-release, fixed-dose combination pill containing 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion. It is typically prescribed as one tablet per day for the first week, with an additional tablet introduced in the evening during the second week. By the fourth week, the optimal dosage of two tablets twice daily is reached, totalling 32 mg of naltrexone and 360 mg of bupropion per day.
It is important to note that Contrave may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of seizures, or those using certain other medications, such as opioid pain medicines or antidepressants. Additionally, bupropion has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults. As with any medication, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to assess the benefits and risks before taking Contrave.
The effectiveness of Contrave in weight loss is evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment. Patients should achieve at least a 5% weight loss during this period. If this result is not attained, it is unlikely that continued use of Contrave will provide further benefit, and the medication should be discontinued.
Contrave has been associated with certain side effects, including seizures, accidental overdose, and an increased risk of opioid overdose if taken with certain medications or substances, such as heroin or prescription pain pills. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Contrave and to carefully follow the prescribed dosage regimen.
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Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat, commonly known by the brand name Xenical, is a prescription diet pill. It is also available over the counter. Orlistat is used for weight loss and works by decreasing the amount of fat the body absorbs from food. It is a lipase inhibitor, meaning it prevents the absorption of fat in the intestines, which is then removed from the body in the stool. This can result in some common side effects such as oily stool, gas, increased bowel movement frequency, and decreased bowel movement control. Eating a meal with a high fat content may increase the risk of these side effects.
Orlistat is typically used by people who are overweight or obese and may also be used to treat people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. It is also used after weight loss to prevent weight gain. The pill should be taken three times a day with each main meal containing fat. If a meal does not contain fat, the dose can be skipped. It is important to note that Orlistat can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins, so it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional about taking a multivitamin alongside it.
Orlistat should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods, such as during transportation. It should be kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture.
It is crucial to follow the directions on the prescription or package label and consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification if needed. Orlistat may interact with certain medications, such as levothyroxine, cyclosporine, vitamin E acetate, and beta-carotene, so it is important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other substances you are taking. Additionally, Orlistat should not be taken if you are pregnant or have malabsorption syndrome, and it may cause gallstones or severe allergic reactions in some individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several prescription diet pills on the market, including Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic, Liraglutide, and Orlistat.
Contrave is a prescription weight loss pill that combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion. It works to reduce appetite and cravings, and in clinical trials, over 40% of adults who took Contrave for a year lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.
Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide, a prescription weight loss medication. It is administered as an injection and is approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity or a high BMI.
Ozempic is another name for semaglutide, the same drug as Wegovy, but prescribed for people with diabetes. It is approved for use in people with Type 2 diabetes and can help improve cardiovascular health.
Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones to make patients feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. It is also approved for Type 2 diabetes under the brand name Victoza.
Orlistat, also known as Xenical, is a prescription weight-loss pill that is taken orally. It helps adults absorb less fat from meals and can reduce the risk of regaining weight after losing it.
