List of Appetite Suppressants

Appetite suppressants, also referred to as anorectics, are a common form of treatment for those who are overweight and trying to get healthy by losing weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006 72 million Americans were considered overweight or obese. These statistics help create a large market for anorectic medications and supplements.

Phentermine

One of the most popular appetite suppressants on the market is phentermine (also known as Adipex or Fastin). Phentermine works by targeting the autonomic nervous system, more specifically the hypothalamus. By targeting the hypothalamus, phentermine is able to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for telling the body its full after a meal. By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, this feeling of fullness can be extended, allowing dieters to consume less food, and less calories.

Sibutramine

Sibutramine, also known as Meridia, is another commonly prescribed appetite suppressant. Like phentremine, sibutramine works by targeting the neurotransmitters responsible for the feeling of fullness experienced in the brain after eating. Not only does sibutramine target serotonin, it also targets norepinephrine and small amounts of dopamine. Sibutramine works by blocking the ability of these neurotransmitters to reuptake out of the synaptic cleft.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) can also be used as appetite suppressants, but because of their potential for causing addiction, they are only used short-term, and are reserved for patients with extreme obesity issues. Like most other anorectics, amphetamines cause appetite suppression by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to signal fullness. The difference with amphetamines is that this increase of neurotransmitters is significant enough to cause a euphoric feeling, which can lead to dependence and addiction on the drug.

Glucagon

Glucagon (GlucaGen) works as both an appetite suppressant and a blood sugar stabilizer. Glucagon works by binding to glucagon receptors in the body, which force the liver to release glucose from the body's storage of glycogen. This keeps the levels of glucose balanced in the bloodstream, which can prevent certain unhealthy food cravings. Glucagon is commonly used as an emergency treatment injection for those with hypoglycemia, but because of its anorectic qualities, is also prescribed for weight loss.