The Mayo Clinic estimates that the use of prescribed weight loss drugs, when used with a healthy, low calorie diet and exercise, may lead to a 5 percent to 10 percent loss of body weight. Physicians may prescribe weight loss drugs in cases where the body mass index is more than 30, or more than 27 with medical problems such as high blood pressure. A number of effective alternatives are available.
Xenical
Xenical absorbs fat in the gut, keeping it from being used and stored by the body. The active ingredient is orlistat. Drugs.com lists common side effects as urgent bowel movements, greasy discharge and spotting, gas, inability to control bowel movements and fatty stools. Most of these side effects last about a week, and rarely longer than four weeks. Xenical is to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Meridia
Meridia affects the part of the brain that controls hunger, producing a feeling of fullness. The active ingredient in Meridia is sibutramine. RxList.com lists common side effects as dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, headache, anxiety or nervousness. More serious side effects may include hypertension, blood in stools or urine and shortness of breath. Meridia is best taken with a low calorie diet.
Adipex-P
Adipex-P uses the active ingredient phentermine, a stimulant like amphetamines. Adipex-P acts on the central nervous system to suppress the appetite. Side effects listed by RxList.com are nervousness, headaches, tremors, constipation, insomnia and a bad taste in the mouth. An exercise regimen, along with a diet plan, should be used in conjunction with Adipex-P.
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