Women over 40 who wish to lose weight should exercise special caution before taking prescription diet pills, especially if they are taking medications for other medical conditions such as high blood pressure. While the Food and Drug Administration has not specifically approved weight loss pills for women over 40, healthy women in their 40s, 50s and early 60s can usually take prescription diet pills.
Phentermine
If you are a woman under the age of 65 who needs to lose weight, your doctor may prescribe the appetite suppressant phentermine. Phentermine, also marketed under the brand name Adipex-P, is the most commonly prescribed diet drug in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. You cannot safely take phentermine for more than 12 weeks at a time. You might experience side effects such as increased blood pressure, dry mouth or vomiting after taking the drug.
Orlistat
Orlistat helps your body digest less fat from the food you eat and does not have any age limitations, according to PubMed Health. But, if you are pregnant or nursing you should not take orlistat. The prescription form of the drug, marketed as Xenical, can help you lose 5 to 7 lbs more annually than you would with just diet and exercise. But orlistat in rare cases may cause serious liver injury. More common side effects include increased bowel movements, gas with oily spotting, fatty stools, stomach pain and uncontrollable diarrhea. If you eat a lot of fatty meals, you increase your risk of bowel-related side effects.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is another FDA-approved appetite suppressant that might help healthy women of all ages lose weight, according to PubMed Health. The drug is marketed under the brand names Durad, Tenuate and Tepanil. You cannot safely take diethylpropion if you are pregnant, nursing or have a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Potential side effects include dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, restlessness, vomiting and depression. (References 1 and 3)
Phendimetrazine
Appetite suppressants such as phendimetrazine have not been specifically studied in women well over the age of 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. You and your doctor should discuss whether you can safely take the drug. You should not take phendimetrazine for more than 12 weeks at a time. The medication may cause side effects such as sleeplessness and nervousness.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network; Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity; December 2010
- PubMed Health; Phentermine; January 2011
- PubMed Health; Diethylpropion; September 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Appetite Suppressant, Sympathomimetic (Oral Route); November 2010
- PubMed Health; Orlistat; August 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Alli Weight-Loss Pill: Does it Work?; June 2010
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