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Information on the Side Effects & Ingredients in Diet Pills

Jun 22, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

You may be tempted to take diet pills, especially if you have had long-term problems losing weight and keeping it off. But before taking any prescription or over-the-counter diet aid, you should carefully research all potential side effects. All medications carry the risk of possibly life-threatening allergic reactions in rare cases. Also, If you are pregnant, nursing or have another medical condition such as high blood pressure, you're likely better off not taking any kind of diet pill.

Potentially Unsafe Pills

Many over-the-counter diet pills are potentially unsafe. Ephedra, which is an effective appetite suppressant, is likely unsafe and is now banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Other available diet aids, like bitter orange, purportedly help increase metabolism, but may have potentially dangerous effects on the heart. Representatives of the Food and Drug Administration also banned the over-the-counter diet aid heartleaf, also known as country mallow.

Phentermine

Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed diet pill in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The pill contains an appetite suppressant and is only approved for short-term use in people with significant weight problems. Phentermine, which has been marketed under the brand name Adipex since 1959, can cause high blood pressure, nervousness, headaches and sleeplessness. Also, once someone stops taking phentermine, he is likely to regain any lost weight.

Xenical and Alli

Orlistat is a fat-blocking drug available as prescription Xenical, or over-the-counter Alli, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. People who eat high fat meals while taking Xenical or Alli may experience serious problems with bowel movements, including uncontrollable diarrhea and oily spotting on underwear. Also, a few patients have alleged that orlistat caused serious liver injury; representatives of the Food and Drug Administration started investigating such claims in 2009. Potential signs of liver injury include jaundice and dark-colored urine.

Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is another prescription appetite suppressant approved for short-term use, according to PubMed Health. Commonly marketed as Durad, Tenuate or Tepanil, the drug works on the brain's chemistry to decrease appetite and should only be used for 12 weeks or less. Possible side effects include anxiety, dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, dizziness, depression, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting and increased urination. Diabetics and hypoglycemics might also experience dangerous changes in blood sugar.

References

Article reviewed by David Fisher Last updated on: Jun 22, 2011

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