Diet pills are generally meant for short-term use, as you can develop a dependency for them. Sometimes, health-care professionals will prescribe diet pills for long-term use and off-label use. Off-label use means that the drug is not intended to treat certain conditions, but a doctor may prescribe it if he feels it will help a patient.
Dependency
Some diet pills contain stimulants, which can give you more energy. These stimulants are known as amphetamines. They are often abused and are rarely prescribed for the treatment of obesity, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. If and when amphetamines are prescribed, they are generally prescribed for short-term use and are closely monitored by a physician.
Insomnia
Taking diet pills can increase your risk of developing insomnia. Stimulants increase your nervous system, heart rate and respiration. Even diet pills that do not contain stimulants may contain herbs. Certain herbs can act similarly to stimulants, which can increase your risk of developing insomnia. While taking diet pills, you may feel irritable, nervousness and shakiness. If you begin to experience these side effects, let your health-care provider know right away. If it's a prescription medication, he may be able to lower your dosage to lessen these side effects. If it's an over-the-counter diet pill, your health-care provider may advise you to stop taking them completely.
Heart Attack
Since certain diet pills can increase your heart rate, respiration and nervous system, they can lead to heart attack. If you have known heart problems or complications, never take diet pills unless your health-care provider is closely supervising and monitoring your use and heart condition. The risk of heart attack increases if you already have an existing heart condition. Even healthy individuals may experience heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat and suffer a possible heart attack.
Diarrhea and Dehydration
Almost all diet pills will have some type of gastrointestinal effect on your body. It may be slight stomach cramping and bloating, or it could be more serious and cause diarrhea. Excessive diarrhea or diarrhea over a long time can cause dehydration. Dehydration can make you feel weak and tired, leaving you with almost no energy to get you through the day.
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