Your doctor might prescribe diet pills to help you lose weight. With careful medical supervision and your commitment to use them exactly as prescribed, they can be safe and help you with your goal. Diet pills fall into two basic groups: prescription and non-prescription. The over-the-counter pills, with the exception of orlistat, are not FDA-approved. There are only three prescription diet pills that have current FDA approval.
Orlistat
Orlistat is the only weight-loss medication that is FDA-approved and available without a prescription. It also is available in a prescription strength under the brand name Xenical. The OTC version that is a lower strength is called Alli. Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestines. It is a helpful adjunct to careful low-fat dieting because much of the allowed amount of fat will not be absorbed. This is the reason for the more common side effects of orlistat---diarrhea and incontinence. Other intestinal disturbances are also possible. Orlistat has several drug interactions that should be discussed with your pharmacist before taking non-prescription orlistat. A serious problem reported with orlistat is severe liver damage, although this is rare.
Phentermine
Phentermine works as an appetite depressant and is similar to amphetamines. It is sold by prescription only, under the brand names Adipex-P and Ionamin. It is available as a tablet and in a time-release capsule. Phentermine is a stimulant drug that is meant to be used for about three to six weeks to jump start your diet. It begins to lose its effectiveness after that time unless the dose is increased, and this is not advised. Three common side effects of phentermine are dry mouth or an unpleasant taste, nervousness and insomnia. Drugs.com warns of an uncommon but serious side effect with phentermine---the development of pulmonary hypertension. This condition is progressive and can be fatal.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant. It is sold by prescription only, under the brand name Meridia. Your physician might need to adjust the dose for maximum benefit. Sibutramine is effective for about six months in most cases, and after that time the weight loss slows or stops. However, if the drug is discontinued, the weight returns unless careful dieting is continued. Three common side effects with sibutramine are headache, dry mouth and sleeping difficulties. Drugs.com mentions several serious side effects, including mental changes. These include suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. The FDA is analyzing information from studies that indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular events in sibutramine users.
Non-prescription diet pills
You find them advertised in magazines, on the Internet and see them in the drugstore with no prescription needed. These pills might be hazardous not only because of what they claim to contain, but also what they actually might contain. According to the FDA, there are instances of prescription medications illegally being added to non-prescription diet pills---not only weight-loss medications, but also anti-depressants and other drugs that could have serious interactions with pills your doctor might have prescribed. An herbal stimulant or a form of caffeine is often the main ingredient in these pills. Ask your pharmacist to explain the ingredients before buying any OTC diet pills.
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