Prescription diet pills fall into two categories: medications for short-term use and medications for long-term use. Most short-term use medications aren't prescribed for long-term use because of their potential for addiction and abuse. Side effects of prescription weight-loss drugs vary depending on the type of medication. The most dreaded complication of prescription diet pills, at least in the mind of the user, is the possibility that all the weight lost will return after stopping the medication. More serious health side effects can occur, however.
High Blood Pressure
Several weight-loss medications can cause a rise in blood pressure, along with severe headache, buzzing in the ears, blurred vision and seizures. Two short-term medications, diethylpropion and phentermine, have properties similar to amphetamines, Drugs.com states. Along with a drop in appetite, these medications can cause dangerous blood pressure elevations. Sibutramine, a weight-loss medication sold as Meridia, acts differently than the short-term medications. The drug changes brain chemistry by affecting serotonin levels and other types of neurotransmitters. Like the short-term medications, sibutramine should not be used by people who already have high blood pressure or heart disease. Regular blood pressure checks help prevent complications of high blood pressure while on these medications.
Heart Problems
Diethylpropion, phentermine and sibutramine can all cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Sibutramine may also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. People with a history of peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, stroke or irregular heartbeat should not take any of these medications. Chest pain, pain in the arms, shortness of breath, or numbness or weakness on one side of the body should be promptly reported to medical personnel.
Bowel Changes
Orlistat, sold commercially as Xenical, causes weight loss by limiting fat absorption. The drug blocks the action of lipase, an intestinal enzyme that assists with fat breakdown. Taking Orlistat blocks as much as 30 percent of all dietary fat from being absorbed, which reduces the number of calories absorbed, says Judith Stern, a professor of nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Because unabsorbed fat must be passed from the body, the stool contains yellow, oily globules of fat and oil that leak incontinently or when passing flatus. Abdominal pain and cramping, rectal pain and diarrhea can also occur.
Mental Changes
Diethylpropion, phentermine and sibutramine can all cause changes in mental status, such as confusion, agitation, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety and nervousness.
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