Appetite suppressants can help curb your appetite in order to help you lose weight. The market of over-the-counter and prescription strength appetite suppressants has grown since the early 2000s. Some doctors will prescribe appetite suppressants for obese patients while other doctors steer clear of them because of the risk of complications and side effects. Always consult your health care provider before taking an appetite suppressant and to discuss other medications you may take.
Heart Problems
Certain appetite suppressants, such as phentermine and sibutramine, have a history of increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. A severe increase of blood pressure can lead to seizure, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, blurred vision and severe headache. Appetite suppressants may also cause or worsen heart failure. They may also damage the valves in your heart which pump blood to the rest of your body. You may also feel chest pain and as if your heart is pounding out of your chest. In severe reactions, a heart attack or stroke could occur while taking an appetite suppressant.
Insomnia
You may have trouble sleeping while taking an appetite suppressant. Insomnia is a chronic condition where you're unable to sleep for periods of time. If this becomes persistent, your doctor may need to prescribe a sleep aid until your sleep pattern returns to normal. Some sleep aids can cause dependency; ask your doctor about the risks of those if he determines that sleep aids are necessary. You may also experience feelings of nervousness, in which case you won't be able to sit still for long periods of time or may feel the need to constantly be busy or moving. Appetite suppressants can also cause irritability. The irritability may be caused by nervousness or loss of sleep.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Appetite suppressants may cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping, upset stomach or constipation. You may also experience oily stools while taking an appetite suppressant. These stomach problems can cause bad breath, which is also another side effect, dry mouth or leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Constant diarrhea may leave your body feeling weak. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
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