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Pharmacist Recommended Diet Aid Pills

Jul 21, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

While you can purchase over-the-counter diet aids or use antidepressants such as bupropion for weight loss purposes, the Food and Drug Administration has approved only four drugs as diet aids. Diet pills will not work without your commitment to proper eating and exercise, and all have the potential for side effects, warns the National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Prescription Phentermine

Phentermine, prescribed in the United States since 1959, is the most popular diet aid in the country, according to the National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Phentermine suppresses your appetite, but you should not use it for more than 12 weeks at a time because the drug is potentially habit-forming. While taking this drug, you may experience side effects such as dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, nausea and vomiting.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Orlistat

You can take the fat-blocking drug orlistat as its over-the-counter brand Alli or in its prescription form Xenical, according to PubMed Health. Orlistat blocks the fat from the food you eat from being digested in your body and passes it out of your digestive system through bowel movements. But if you eat high-fat meals, you risk embarrassing side effects such as uncontrollable bowel movements and gas that leaves oily spots on your clothes. Also, some orlistat users allege that the drug caused them severe liver injuries. If you suffer jaundice or dark-colored urine while taking orlistat, call a doctor immediately.

Prescription Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is an FDA-approved appetite suppressant that your doctor can prescribe for up to 12 weeks at a time. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Durad, Tenuate and Tepanil. You can take it three times daily or once daily, depending upon the type of tablet your doctor prescribes. While taking any type of diethylpropion, you may experience symptoms such as depression, increased urination, dizziness, tremors and upset stomach. If you are diabetic or have hypoglycemia, the drug may interfere with the accuracy of your blood sugar readings.

Prescription Phendimetrazine

Another FDA-approved appetite suppressant is phendimetrazine, or Bontril. Like other prescription appetite suppressants, you cannot safely take this diet aid for more than 12 weeks at a time. If you are pregnant, nursing or suffer a serious medical condition such as high blood pressure, you should avoid all appetite suppressants. Phendimetrazine can cause allergic reactions in some cases; more common side effects include headache, depression and irritability.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jul 21, 2011

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