Obesity refers to a serious medical condition in which people accumulate a great deal of excess body fat. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes and depression. Therefore, weight loss is necessary to decrease the chances for developing these complications. Fortunately, some common drugs that help weight loss are available.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine, typically sold as Meridia, is a medication that helps people lose weight. Drugs.com says that it specifically alters the chemicals in the brain that are associated with weight. Suffering from an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease, seizures, epilepsy, or a clotting or bleeding disorder may require a decrease in sibutramine's dose. Sibutramine is a tablet taken daily or as a physician prescribes.
Orlistat
Orlistat, typically sold as Xenical, is another weight-loss medication that treats obesity. Specifically, Drugs.com says that orlistat blocks the body from absorbing fat. Some of orlistat's common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, frequent bowel movements and rectal pain. Patients suffering from diabetes, gallstones, an eating disorder, or pancreatitis may require a decrease in orlistat's dose. This is a tablet taken once daily or as prescribed.
Phentermine
Phentermine, typically sold as Lonamin or Adipex-P, is another medication that helps decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Patients taking such medications as fluvoxamine, paroxetine, fluoxetine or tranylcypromine may require a decrease in phentermine's dose. Phentermine is a tablet or capsule taken daily or 3 times a day 30 minutes prior to eating.
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