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Good Diet Pills for Older Women

Aug 25, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

Older women, especially those taking medications for serious health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may not be able to safely take diet pills. But women under 65 who do not have serious health problems can usually take most types of diet pills, according to PubMed Health. The Food and Drug Administration has not specifically approved weight loss aids for older women.

Phendimetrazine

Phendimetrazine is a FDA-approved appetite suppressant, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But scientists have not specifically studied the safety of such appetite suppressants in older women, so talk to your doctor about whether you should take phendimetrazine. You should not take the medication for more than 12 weeks at a time and may experience side effects such as nervousness and sleeping problems.

Phentermine

Phentermine is another appetite suppressant and the most commonly prescribed diet pill in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The drug is commonly marketed under the brand name Adipex-P. But, people over 65 may not be able to safely take the medication. Anyone who takes phentermine may experience side effects such as vomiting, increased blood pressure and dry mouth.

Diethylpropion

Healthy women of all ages can try the prescription appetite suppressant diethylpropion, notes PubMed Health. Diethylpropion is also available under the brand names Durad, Tenuate and Tepanil. Women who are pregnant, nursing or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should avoid all prescription appetite suppressants. You also cannot safely take diethylpropion for more than 12 weeks at a time. Common side effects include depression, restlessness, dry mouth, an unpleasant taste in your mouth and vomiting.

Orlistat

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that helps women lose weight and has no age restrictions, according to PubMed Health. The drug, sold as over-the-counter Alli or prescription Xenical, traps the fat from the food you eat and passes it out of your body through bowel movements. Depending on which type of orlistat you take, you stand to lose 3 to 7 lbs more each year than you would with just exercise and diet changes. But orlistat may, in rare cases, cause severe liver injury. Also, if you eat high-fat meals you may suffer side effects such as uncontrollable bowel movements and gas that leaves oil on your underwear.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Aug 25, 2011

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