Individuals can achieve weight loss by eating healthily and exercising regularly. For some, a prescription medication may help greatly. Prescription diet pills, along with a restricted diet and physical activity, can increase weight loss. The patient should discuss his options with a physician who can determine which weight loss drug is right for him.
Orlistat
Orlistat, or the brand name Xenical, is a lipase inhibitor and works by blocking the action of stomach and pancreatic lipases, which are enzymes. This prevents the body from absorbing about 30 percent of fat from the food ingested, according to the Xenical website. Orlistat is for obese patients with a body mass index of 30 or greater. It is also for overweight individuals who have a BMI of at least 27 with other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Patients who have lost weight and wish to prevent regaining it may use this medication. Common side effects include increased bowel movements, soft or oily stools, inability to control bowel movements and stomach pain.
Phentermine
Phentermine, which is the generic version of Apidex-P, is an anorexiant that stimulates a gland in the brain called the hypothalamus. This leads to a decrease in appetite. Like orlistat, phentermine is for obese individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater, and for overweight persons with a BMI or 27 or more who have risk factors. Side effects with this medication include dry mouth, unpleasant taste, insomnia, restlessness and changes in sex drive. If side effects become severe, the patient should see a physician right away. The "Drug Information Handbook" warns that patients on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and selegiline, must wait 14 days after stopping the drug before starting phentermine. This washout period is to avoid a dangerous increase in the blood pressure.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion, or Tenuate, is an anorexiant and works like phentermine. The medication may cause insomnia if the patient takes it in the late afternoon. Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease should not use this drug. Diabetic patients may require a decrease in their doses of insulin or oral antidiabetes medications when starting therapy, according to the book "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." The patient should watch blood sugar levels with a glucose monitor and keep all doctor appointments to ensure proper care.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine, the generic of Meridia, is an anorexiant withdrawn from the United States market in October 2010. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration concluded that a patient's increased risk for a heart attack and stroke outweighs the benefits. Patients should discontinue the medication and properly discard leftover doses. Since the medication remains in the patient's body, she must seek medical attention immediately if she experiences chest pain, heart palpitations or extreme dizziness. A physician can determine which of the other weight loss medications is safe for you.
References
- Xenical: Xenical at Work
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- FDA: Abbott Laboratories Agrees to Withdraw Its Obesity Drug Meridia
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