Jeffrey Salazar
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (BMI over 30) or a lower BMI if they have weight-related health issues. They work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides, reducing appetite and cravings, and increasing the amount of energy the body burns. While they can be effective in aiding weight loss, they often come with side effects, one of which is jitters or feeling shaky. This is particularly common with supplements that contain amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives. Other side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, severe liver injury.
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What You'll Learn
Prescription appetite suppressants
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®): This is an under-the-skin injection medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®): This is also an under-the-skin injection and has been shown to help people lose, on average, more than 12% of their body weight over 17 months.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®): This is a pill that combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®): This is a pill that combines phentermine, an amphetamine that curbs your appetite, with topiramate, a seizure/migraine drug that causes weight loss by helping you feel full and burning more calories.
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®): This is a short-term appetite suppressant that is a controlled substance due to its addiction potential.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®): This is another short-term suppressant that is also a controlled substance.
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®): This is a controlled substance meant for short-term use.
- Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira, Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®): Phentermine is an amphetamine that curbs your appetite and is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and extended-release capsules. It is also a controlled substance and is typically prescribed for short-term use.
It is important to note that prescription appetite suppressants should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity for effective weight loss. Additionally, each medication has its own side effects, so it is crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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Weight-loss pills
Prescription weight-loss pills are most effective when combined with a nutritious diet and exercise. The most effective pill varies from person to person, and a healthcare professional can help you find the best treatment for your situation. Some common prescription weight-loss pills include:
- Qsymia, which combines phentermine with the seizure/migraine drug topiramate. Qsymia curbs your appetite and helps you feel full. However, it is a controlled substance due to the risk of addiction or abuse.
- Orlistat (Xenical), which is a prescription pill that can also be purchased over the counter at a lower dose under the name Alli. Orlistat helps you absorb less fat from meals and can reduce the risk of regaining weight.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), which combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®), an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®), another under-the-skin injection medication.
It is important to note that all weight-loss pills come with side effects and risks, and they should be taken only under the recommendation and supervision of a healthcare provider. Some common side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. More serious but less common side effects include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Additionally, weight-loss pills should be discontinued if they do not help achieve a weight loss of at least 5% within 12-16 weeks.
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Side effects
All diet pills come with side effects and risks, and these should be carefully considered before taking them. Diet pills are typically prescribed to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more if the person has weight-related health conditions.
Some of the most common side effects of diet pills include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and headaches.
Less common but more serious side effects include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Some people may also develop an immune system reaction to certain medications, which can lead to serious bleeding. In rare cases, some diet pills have been linked to severe liver injury and thyroid tumours.
It is important to note that side effects may vary depending on the specific diet pill and the individual taking it. Additionally, side effects may resolve initially but could occur again if the dosage is increased.
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Weight-loss supplements
One of the most well-known weight-loss supplements is Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), which combines phentermine, an amphetamine that curbs your appetite, with topiramate, a seizure/migraine drug that causes weight loss by helping you feel full, making foods less appealing, and burning more calories. While Qsymia has been shown to be effective for many people, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its potential side effects and the risk of addiction or abuse associated with phentermine. Other prescription weight-loss pills with similar effects include Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion), which combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to decrease cravings and appetite, and Xenical (orlistat), which helps adults absorb less fat from their meals and reduces the risk of weight regain.
Over-the-counter weight-loss supplements are also available, such as Alli, which is a lower-dose version of Xenical. Plenity is another option that was previously available as a prescription-only pill. It works by expanding in the stomach and small intestine to promote feelings of fullness. However, it has been discontinued by its manufacturer. For those who prefer not to take pills, there are injectable weight-loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), which was FDA-approved in 2021, and Ozempic (semaglutide), which is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes but has potential weight-loss benefits.
It's important to be cautious when considering weight-loss supplements, as they often come with side effects. Jitters or feeling shaky is a common problem, especially with supplements that contain amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives. Other potential side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in rare cases, allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Additionally, some weight-loss supplements can interact with medications or cause health problems, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or medication regimen.
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Injectable medications
There are also several promising new injectable weight-loss drugs in advanced clinical trials, such as Retatrutide, CagriSema (Cagrilintide and Semaglutide), and MariTide (Maridebart Cafraglutide). These drugs have shown significant weight-loss benefits in early studies, with some adults losing up to 15-24% of their initial body weight.
However, it is important to note that injectable weight-loss medications are typically more expensive than pills, and they may not be covered by insurance unless there is a comorbid condition like diabetes. Additionally, these medications can have side effects such as nausea, reflux, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, which occur in about 10%-20% of patients.
As with any weight-loss medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs and goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Many weight loss supplements can cause jitters due to the presence of amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives. However, some pills that are less likely to cause jitters include:
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Plenity (a prescription-only pill)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
Side effects of diet pills vary but can include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions.
Yes, alternatives to diet pills include injectable medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as increasing protein intake, reducing refined carbohydrate intake, and exercising regularly.
Diet pills are typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any weight loss supplements to ensure they are safe and suitable for you.
