Diet medications that decrease appetite are related to amphetamines, which increase heart rate and blood pressure. These drugs can lead to problems with the heart valves or a condition involving the lungs known as pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension damages the right side of the heart by causing it to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. Amphetamine-like drugs such as fen-phen were removed from the market by the FDA due to these problems. However, there are still diet medications available that have been associated with damage to the heart.
Phentermine
Phentermine is half of the drug combination fen-phen that was linked to heart problems in the 1990s. Though fenfluramine was removed from the market, phentermine remains as an option for treatment of weight loss. It is available as the drug Adipex-P. Heart problems with phentermine usually occurred when it was given with fenfluramine, but there are some cases of heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension in patients who took phentermine alone. Possible side effects also include increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Phendimetrazine Tartrate
Phendimetrazine tartrate is sold under the brand name Bontril. According to the Bontril prescription drug label, phendimetrazine has been associated with the development of problems with heart valves, similar to the issues that occurred with fen-phen. This drug has also been linked to problems with pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to chest pain, fainting and water retention.
Diethylpropion Hydrochloride
Diethylpropion hydrochloride is another medication related to amphetamine. It is available as the brand name Tepanil. Possible side effects include abnormal heart rhythm, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. Problems with heart valves and pulmonary hypertension are rare with this medication, but according to the prescription drug label, diethylpropion has also been linked to these conditions.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine, which was known as Meridia, was withdrawn from the market in 2010 due to an increased risk of heart problems in patients using the medication for weight loss. The Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes trial showed a 16 percent increase in heart attack and stroke in patients taking sibutramine, compared to patients taking an inactive placebo medication. The FDA felt the risk of using the drug was too high and requested the manufacturer remove the drug from sales in the United States. Eventually, the drug was withdrawn in other countries as well. However, some online pharmacies still list sibutramine as available. These pharmacies should be avoided.
References
- DailyMed: Bontril
- Weight-control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- DailyMed: Adipex-P
- DailyMed: Diethylproprion hydrochloride extended release
- FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Recommends Against the Continued Use of Meridia (sibutramine)
- PubMed Health: Pulmonary Hypertension
