If you are having trouble losing weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you may decide to ask your doctor if prescription weight loss pills are appropriate for you. Generally, you must have a body mass index of 30 or more if you don't have any other health conditions. However, MayoClinic.com notes that some people with obesity-related conditions may qualify for prescription weight loss pills with a body mass index as low as 27. With the exception of sibutramine and orlistat, prescription weight loss pills are only approved for 12 weeks or less of use.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is used in conjunction with a healthy diet to help the patient lose weight. Upset stomach, anxiety, dry mouth, increased urination and tremors are some side effects that are possible with this drug. Severe side effects, including skin rash, blurred vision, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain and painful urination are also possible, and require immediate medical treatment. Diethylpropion may affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. Because of this, close monitoring is necessary for diabetic patients.
Phentermine
Phentermine suppresses the appetite by affecting the central nervous system. This drug is commonly used in obese or overweight people who have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Pulmonary hypertension, a fatal lung disorder, has been linked to this drug. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease, hardening of the arteries or overactive thyroid should not use this drug. Seizures, hallucinations, rapid breathing, your regular heartbeat, stomach cramps, nausea and hostile behavior a potential side effects of this drug. Severe side effects that require immediate medical attention include pounding heartbeats, swelling in the ankles and feet, dangerously high blood pressure and chest pain.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine works because it affects the portion of the brain that controls weight maintenance. It is often used with a healthy diet and exercise program to treat obesity-related conditions. Sibutramine cannot be used with an MAO inhibitor, as life-threatening side effects may occur. It is suitable for people ages 16 to 65 who don't suffer from high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, gallstones, underactive thyroid or heart disease. Those who have blood or bleeding disorder should not use this drug. Headache, insomnia, sore throat, rash, constipation, upset stomach and dry mouth are possible side effects. Rigid muscles, chest pain, weakness, vision or speech problems, hallucinations, bleeding or easy bruising or signs of a severe side effect and warrant a trip to the emergency room.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that prevents some of the fat founded foods from being absorbed by the intestines. The excess fat is flushed from the body in the stool. Orlistat blocks the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and beta carotene. Taking a multivitamin two hours before or after Orlistat is necessary to ensure proper absorption. Stomach pain, headache, anxiety, severe urgent diarrhea, oil spotting and rectal pain are possible side effects. Those affected with severe side effects, which can include difficulty breathing, pain in the upper right quadrant of the stomach, dark urine, light stools, a yellowing of the eyes and skin, or gastrointestinal upset, should seek prompt medical attention. This drug is also available in an over-the-counter strength.
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