Milly Gaines
Diet pills have been a topic of interest for many people looking to lose weight. In recent years, pharmaceuticals have been working to develop drugs to combat obesity. In 2012, the FDA approved Belviq (generic name: lorcaserin), a weight-loss drug that suppresses appetite by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain. This drug was found to be effective for weight loss, with patients losing an average of 3% to 3.7% of their body weight in clinical trials. However, it was removed from the US market in 2020 due to an increased risk of cancer. With Belviq no longer available, people may be curious about other diet pills that offer similar benefits. In this article, we will explore alternative diet pills that are comparable to Belviq and discuss their effectiveness and potential side effects.
Diet Pills Comparable to Belviq
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Lorcaserin |
| Mechanism of Action | Selective Serotonin 5-HT2C Agonist |
| Comparable Drugs | Qsymia, Contrave, Saxenda, Phentermine |
| Dosage | 10 mg once or twice daily |
| Side Effects | Headache, respiratory infection, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety |
| Withdrawal | Voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer in 2020 due to increased cancer risk |
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What You'll Learn
Qsymia
Common side effects of Qsymia include a "pins-and-needles" feeling, dry mouth, and constipation. It can also cause kidney stones, decreased sweating, low potassium levels, and increased body temperature. Some people may experience concentration, memory, and speech problems, as well as eye pain or changes in vision. Qsymia may also cause growth problems in children and can increase the risk of metabolic acidosis, which is when there is too much acid in the blood.
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Contrave
If you have not lost at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks of treatment, Contrave may not be suitable for you.
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Phentermine
It is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine while taking phentermine to achieve optimal results. Additionally, phentermine should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm to unborn babies. Breastfeeding while taking phentermine is also not recommended due to the potential risk of harm to nursing babies. Phentermine is structurally similar to amphetamines, which can pass into breast milk and potentially cause issues such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate and growth problems in breastfed infants.
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Orlistat
Belviq (generic name: lorcaserin) is a weight-loss drug that suppresses appetite by affecting the brain's response to serotonin. It is considered safe, with no cardiovascular problems turning up in two years of clinical testing before FDA approval. Belviq is usually prescribed to patients who do not need to lose a lot of weight.
The effectiveness of orlistat in promoting weight loss is definite but modest. Pooled data from clinical trials suggest that, over the course of a year, people taking orlistat in addition to lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise lose about 2-3 kilograms (4-7 pounds) more than those not taking the drug. In one-year clinical trials, between 35.5% and 54.8% of subjects achieved a 5% or greater decrease in body mass, while between 16.4% and 24.8% achieved at least a 10% decrease in body fat. After discontinuing orlistat, a significant number of subjects regained weight—up to 35% of the weight they had lost.
In addition to weight loss, orlistat has been shown to modestly reduce blood pressure and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in people who are obese. However, it is important to note that orlistat has been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury and, in early clinical trial data, a higher incidence of breast cancer. There have also been rare cases of severe liver injury reported with the use of this medication.
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Side effects of Belviq
Belviq (generic name: lorcaserin) is a weight-loss drug that works by reducing appetite. It is considered safer than previous weight-loss medications as it acts solely on the brain, specifically on the 5-HT2C receptors in the central nervous system, and does not affect serotonin receptors on the heart valves.
However, Belviq has been associated with several side effects, and in 2020, the FDA requested its removal from the market due to an increased risk of cancer. Here are some of the side effects that have been linked to Belviq:
Cancer Risk
Belviq was recalled after the FDA reviewed clinical trial data showing an increased risk of cancer, specifically lung and pancreatic cancer. This data confirmed previous findings in animal studies conducted before the drug's approval. The FDA determined that the risks outweighed the benefits, and further investigation in a trial would be unethical.
Hormonal Issues
Studies have suggested that drugs affecting 5-HT2C receptors, including Belviq, may have long-term effects on hormone production. This could lead to issues such as breast tumors, menstrual irregularities, and infertility in women, as well as decreased fertility and erectile dysfunction in men.
Other Side Effects
In clinical trials, Belviq was found to cause a low-to-moderate incidence of adverse effects compared to other weight-loss agents. Some of the more common side effects reported include headache, upper respiratory infection, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Additionally, Belviq may cause hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes, and it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of pulmonary hypertension, severe liver disease, or kidney disease. Elderly patients are also more likely to experience kidney problems with Belviq use.
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Frequently asked questions
Comparable diet pills to Belviq (generic name: lorcaserin) include Qsymia, Contrave, and Saxenda. Like Belviq, these pills are appetite suppressants.
Belviq was withdrawn from the US market in 2020 due to concerns about an increased risk of cancer. Before this, Belviq was considered to have the best safety profile of the available weight loss drugs. However, it was also associated with side effects like headaches, upper respiratory infections, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Belviq reduces appetite by activating the serotonin receptor 5-HT2C in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls appetite.
