Appetite suppressants may help some people lose weight. Many diet pills carry the risk of side effects, however, including some that are potentially life-threatening, says MayoClinic.com. Appetite suppressants are typically designed for short-term use. Dieters depending upon them tend to regain any lost weight once they stop taking the drugs.
How Suppressants Work
Suppressants work on the brain's chemistry to decrease appetite and increase a feeling of fullness in the stomach, notes the Weight-control Information Network. Any appetite suppressant should be used for 12 weeks or less to avoid health complications such as drug dependence. Appetite suppressants may not be effective in people who eat whether or not they are hungry.
Types of Suppressants
While a number of over-the-counter remedies including suppressants such as ephedrine are available, these are not necessarily safe for you to take, according to MayoClinic.com. If you want to try a diet pill, speak to your doctor. Most diet medications approved for use in the United States suppress appetite, with the most commonly prescribed suppressant being phentermine. Other popular prescription appetite suppressants include diethylpropion and phendimetrazine.
Potential Side Effects
Some people may become addicted to prescription suppressants after improper or long-term usage, states the Weight-control Information Network. Even people who use the drugs as prescribed risk side effects such as insomnia, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness and nervousness. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, hallucinations or itching from taking these medications should seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
Additional Considerations
You must combine your usage of suppressants with a low-fat diet and exercise or the drugs will not work. Many people who use suppressants lose about 10 lbs. or more than they would with diet or exercise alone, according to the Weight-control Information Network. If appetite suppressants do not help you lose weight, ask your doctor if you can try a fat-blocking drug such as orlistat or an antidepressant such as bupropion; these prescriptions can sometimes help people lose weight. Orlistat, unlike suppressants, can be used for periods as long as two years. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should avoid all diet pills.
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