While you can choose from a variety of over-the-counter and prescription diet drugs to help you lose weight, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has approved only four prescription remedies for weight loss. Three of the top-rated prescription diet pills are appetite suppressants and are only intended for short-term use due to the potential for addiction and long-term health problems. If you are pregnant or nursing, under the age of 18, over the age of 65 or have health issues such as high blood pressure, you should avoid all diet pills.
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. Phentermine has an amphetamine-like effect that decreases your appetite. You can ask your doctor for a generic prescription of phentermine or a brand name such as Adipex-P. Potential side effects include insomnia, increased blood pressure, dizziness, dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is another top-rated appetite suppressant approved by the FDA. This diet drug is usually marketed under brand names such as Durad or Tenuate. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, itching, blurred vision, heart palpitations, chest pain or fainting, seek immediate emergency medical help. More common side effects that are usually not life-threatening include anxiety, restlessness, dry mouth, depression, upset stomach, vomiting and increased urination.
Phendimetrazine
You can ask your doctor for phendimetrazine, another FDA-approved appetite suppressant. Phendimetrazine is commonly marketed as Bontril, and also decreases your appetite. Like other appetite suppressants, you should not use it for a period of more than 12 weeks. Potential side effects include decreased sexual interest or ability, increased blood pressure, trouble sleeping, irritability, constipation and a false sense of well-being, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Orlistat
Prescription orlistat, or Xenical, is not an appetite suppressant but a fat-blocking drug, according to the Mayo Clinic. Xenical releases a lipase inhibitor that blocks the fat you eat from being digested; the undigested fat passes out of your body through stools. Xenical is the only diet drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use of up to one year. But if you eat a lot of fat and take Xenical, you risk suffering from uncontrollable bowel movements, rectal pain and gas that causes oily spotting on your underwear.
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