If you're obese, losing weight quickly and effectively might be key to lowering dangerous levels of cholesterol, blood sugar or blood pressure. Prescription weight loss drugs, although sometimes prescribed to overweight people, were created for the obese. They are not without risk, and can cause serious side effects, including liver and kidney conditions, vomiting, seizures and heart attacks. Never take prescription weight loss drugs without the supervision of your doctor.
Fat Blockers
Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss drug sold under the brand name Xenical. Orlistat blocks the absorption of dietary fat, reducing the amount of calories your body processes and stores. Xenical must be used alongside a low-fat diet and an exercise program to produce better results. Side effects of this drug include stomach cramps, diarrhea, uncontrollable bowel movements and oily spotting.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants constitute the largest group of weight-loss drugs. The major appetite suppressants in the market are phentermine, phendimetrazine and diethylpropion. These are sold under a variety of brand names and strengths. They are considered "anorectics" because they affect the central nervous system, causing your body to feel full even if you've eaten little. Appetite suppressants increase the risk of developing valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.
Combinations
Many patients don't respond to a single weight-loss drug, so your doctor may recommend a combination of two or more drugs. According to Obesity-News.com, combining the stimulant phentermine with the antidepressant bupropion might produce better results and prevent the buildup of tolerance that sometimes occurs when taking a single drug for long periods. Other doctors recommended combining Meridia and Xenical until Meridia was taken off the market in October 2010.
Off-Label Prescriptions
Doctors sometimes prescribe drugs off-label. This means that some drugs are not approved as weight-loss drugs but cause weight loss as a side effect. In some cases, doctors might prescribe these drugs to help patients who need to lose weight. Certain antidepressants, like escitalopram, sold under the brand name Lexapro and bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, are often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Some antiseizure medications, such as topiramate, sold under the brand name Topomax and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder drugs, such as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin, are also sometimes prescribed.
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