There are many ways to lose weight, and taking medication may be one of them. Xenical, also known by the generic name orlistat, is one medication that can be used for weight loss. It is also available in non-prescription strength known as Alli, which can be obtained over-the-counter at most drug and grocery stores. While many diet pills may be effective, both the prescription and non-prescription strengths of orlistat may cause a number of side effects, even when taken as directed. Talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss regimen.
Prescription Xenical
Xenical was first offered in 2007 as a prescription aid for weight loss. Unlike many other weight loss medications, it does not suppress the appetite. It works by binding some of the fat in the foods that you eat. It may bind up to 30 percent of the fat in the diet, which will then be eliminated in the feces. Side effects may include greasy stools and in some cases, an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Dietary modifications including following a low-fat diet and an exercise regimen are generally recommended.
Over-the-counter Alli
Alli, the over-the-counter strength of orlistat, can be purchased as part of a kit at most grocery and drugstores. The kit also contains a number of lifestyle suggestions. According to the Mayo Clinic, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of liver injury in people who took Alli; people with liver conditions should not take this medication.
Dietary changes
Information for both prescription Xenical and over-the-counter Alli includes a number of recommendations for changes to be made to the diet. These recommendations include following a diet that is no more than one-third dietary fat, eating sensible low-calorie meals, getting plenty of exercise and consuming lots of water each day. These are similar recommendations that may be made to anyone who is attempting to lose weight, but they are particularly important if you are taking orlistat.
Other Weight Loss Medications
The majority of medications besides those that contain orlistat are stimulant medications, which work to increase your metabolism and prevent hunger in the brain. Most of these medications are prescriptions and include medications such as phentermine. They may carry side effects such as nervousness, insomnia, and nausea, and should not be taken by people with cardiac conditions. Other herbal or over-the counter diet aids such as hoodia, chitosan, bitter orange and guar gum have not been fully investigated in clinical trials and cannot be deemed effective, according to the Mayo Clinic. One dietary supplement, ephedra, though possibly effective, has been taken off the market because it was determined to be unsafe. As with any diet aid, talk to a qualified health professional before taking any new medication.
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