Weight loss drugs and the medication phentermine produce results, but patients must be monitored closely for side effects. Your doctor may prescribe other prescription medications to help you shed unwanted pounds, although the drugs are not designated for weight loss, explains information provided by the Weight-control Information Network, a US National Institutes of Health website. This practice is known as "off label" use.
Weight Loss Drugs
Weight loss drugs are commonly used as the initial stage of a weight loss program and accompanied by a calorie-restricted diet and exercise. Doctor's generally prescribe weight loss drugs to obese patients with increased medical risk due to their weight, according to information provided by the Weight-control Information Network. Weight loss prescription medications are not intended for cosmetic weight loss, as serious side effects can occur. The name of the weight loss drug you take may not be the same as its active ingredient.
Phentermine
Doctors prescribe phentermine as an appetite suppressant. This weight-loss drug produces pharmacologic activity similar to amphetamines. Phentermine produces the greatest amount of weight loss in the first week of use and its efficacy decreases over subsequent weeks, according to Drugs.com. Abusing phentermine can result in intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. Side effects of phentermine include impotence and tremors along with gastrointestinal and sleep disturbances.
Appetite Suppressants
Phentermine, as well as the diet drugs sibutramine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine are clinically proven appetite suppressants, according to the Weight-control Information Network. All four of these weight loss drugs stimulate the central nervous system, elevate blood pressure and increase your heart rate. WIN explains, despite the known reactions between phentermine and other appetite suppressants with the human body, exactly how phentermine, sibutramine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine facilitate weight loss has not been clinically proven.
Appetite Suppressant Precautions
Phentermine, sibutramine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine may be habit forming. Patients should follow the dosage prescribed by their doctor to reduce this health risk, Drugs.com advises. Individuals with prior drug or alcohol abuse problems should communicate this information to their doctor before beginning a weight loss program that includes these medications.
Common Side-Effects
Weight loss drugs and phentermine can cause side effects, even when taken in prescribed dosages. Common physiological reactions caused by phentermine and sibutramine include increased heart rate and blood pressure, the Weight-control Information Network warns. It also cautions the medications phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine can produce side effects including sleeplessness and nervousness.
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