List Of Weight Loss Medications

Weight-loss medications work primarily in two ways. Some medications suppress appetite in an effort to reduce the amount of food consumed. Other medications work by binding to fats inside the digestive tract and preventing their absorption. Both types of medication are intended for short-term use only, have potentially risky side effects and should be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

Phentermine

Used primarily as a short-term weight loss tool, in conjunction with diet and exercise, phentermine helps patients lose weight by decreasing appetite. Phentermine, sold under the brand name Adipex-P, is available by prescription only. According to the Delmar Nurse's Drug Handbook, patients should be strictly monitored on this medication. In addition to decreased appetite, phentermine can cause dizziness, constipation, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, nervousness and tremors. Its amphetamine-like action leads to dependency, and abuse is of special concern with this medication.

Before the late 1990s, phentermine was used together with fenfluramine, commonly known as fen-phen. This combination drug was removed from the market due to its high risk of damaging the heart and lungs.

Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is similar to phentermine in that its amphetamine-like action suppresses appetite, and like phentermine, it should only be used for short periods of time. Diethylpropion is available by prescription only, and you should expect similar side effects to those experienced by phentermine users.

Orlistat

Orlistat blocks fat in the diet from being absorbed into the body. Orlistat binds with fat in the stomach and small intestine. These fats pass through the digestive tract, unable enter the blood. Orlistat is available under two brand names, Xenical and Alli. Xenical is stronger and requires a physician's prescription. Alli contains half the orlistat as Xenical, and is available without a prescription.

Drugs.com reports mainly gastrointestinal side effects associated with orlistat. The most common are oily spotting, oily stools or fat in the stools, gas with oily discharge, loose stools and fecal urgency. Protective undergarments are highly recommended during initial treatment. Other side effects include flu-like symptoms, headache and problems with teeth or gums.

Sibutramine

Sibutramine, once sold under the brand name Merida, has been removed from the market. Based on information from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcome study, released in October 2010, patients using prescription sibutramine have an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have left over supplies of this appetite suppressant, consult your physician about the proper way to discontinue the use of this medication.