What are weight loss drugs and how do they work?
Taking a weight loss drug may not result in weight loss by itself. But using diet pills can help an overweight person stay on a diet because nearly all of these medications work on suppressing appetite. "Feeling full" is believed to be related to a number of biochemical processes in the body. Signals to indicate fullness come from fat cells and the gastrointestinal tract; these converge with signals in the central nervous system. Appetite suppressants target a couple of key neurotransmitters in this process: serotonin and norepinephrine. Increased levels of serotonin result in a feeling of fullness. Increasing norepinephrine levels stimulate the central nervous system, decreasing appetite. Only one drug among the weight loss medications works in a different way. Xenical (Orlistat) works in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption of about a third of ingested fat.
What are the different types of weight loss drugs?Three types of drugs are used in weight loss therapy. Phentermine Hydrochloride 37.5 mg is an appetite suppressant used along with diet, exercise, and behavior therapy for the short-term management of obesity. Sibutramine (Meridia) increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, helping you feel full. Xenical (Orlistat) prevents a sizable amount of fat absorption in the gut. Regardless of how these weight loss pills work, they only help reduce weight if the user is also limiting calorie intake.
What are the side effects of weight loss drugs?
Side effects of the Phentermine diet pills include include restlessness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, or dry mouth.
Side effects of Sibutramine include headache, dry mouth, anorexia, constipation, insomnia, runny nose, and sore throat.
For the diet pill Xenical (Orlistat), side effects include diarrhea, oily stools, gas, flatulence, and a decrease in absorption of fat-soluble vitamin.
What are the warnings with weight loss drugs?
Before starting any medication, let your doctor know your full medical history such as drug allergies, medical conditions, current medication use, and whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing.
What are the drug interactions with weight loss drugs?
Phentermine may decrease the effectiveness of guanethidine.
Sibutramine should not be used with, or within two weeks of, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Doing so may precipitate a serious and sometimes fatal side effect known as the "serotonin syndrome." Sibutramine can interact with other antidepressants, narcotic pain medication, antibiotics, and migraine medications.
Xenical (Orlistat) may reduce levels of supplemental vitamins or medications such as cyclosporine. Patients taking both drugs should separate dosages by two hours.