Prescription Diet Pills

Prescription Diet Pills

Prescription diet pills are available only through a doctor's prescription, and work in a variety of ways. Some work by increasing the availability of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood (prevents Depression) and reduces Calorie consumption, and imparts a sense of "well being." In addition, serotonin reduces cravings for complex carbohydrates and curbs the appetite. The best-known examples of prescription medicines used to control obesity are:

• Dexfenfluramine (Redux)
  
• Fenfluramine (Pondimin), combined with another anti-obesity drug called phentermine (Phentrol, Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex), prevents the body from absorbing dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in the sensation of being energized, while reducing the craving for sugar. Most of these drugs have been removed from the market (however, Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex, are still available) because of reports of heart problems (damage to the valves of the heart) and lung problems (i.e., pulmonary hypertension). Studies are under way to determine whether these valvular abnormalities will eventually reverse after the drug is withdrawn. The risks are highest in patients taking the drugs for long periods, or in high doses. Consumption for two to three months appears to do no harm. Patients treated with Pondimin, Redux, or phen-fenfluramine for more than three months may need to have a complete examination of the heart and lungs (including an Echocardiogram), if recommended by their primary physician, or if they have signs and symptoms of heart or lung disease. Patients on an antidepressant from the family of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, or antidepressants from the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOIs) may be at increased risk for dangerous side effects if they take these antidepressant with the diet drugs mentioned above.
  

Newer Prescription Diet Pills:

• Sibutramine (Meridia), which works by keeping brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin and norepinephrine in balance, increases metabolism and has been shown to result in significant weight loss. Sibutramine also causes an increase in energy levels and a feeling of fullness. Side effects include dry mouth and Insomnia, High Blood Pressure, and some abnormal heart rhythms. Experts recommend that those with High Blood Pressure, heart disease or stroke, and those on medications such as decongestants, Asthma drugs (bronchodilators), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or SSRI antidepressants, should avoid Sibutramine.
  
• Orlistat (Xenical) is related to Olestra, a fat substitute (introduced in some food products such as potato chips), and acts by slowing down the production of Lipase, an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down fat. Orlistat does not suppress the appetite, but instead blocks absorption of about one-third of the fat consumed. A recent study indicated that when 892 obese adults were put on weight-loss diets, counseled on exercise, and assigned to one of two groups for a year, the group given Orlistat lost an average of 19 pounds, compared with about 12 pounds among those given a placebo (dummy pills). Furthermore, during the second year, patients who continued on Orlistat gained back half as much weight as the patients who switched to a dummy pill. The drug can cause gastrointestinal problems (gas, oily loose stools, and cramping) and may interfere with absorption of vitamins A, D, and E, so vitamin supplements are recommended.
  
• In the past, amphetamines such as Methamphetamine (Desoxyn), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and phenmetrazine (Pleudin) were used for weight loss, but they are no longer prescribed due to serious side effects and risk of addiction. Less addictive and possibly safer derivatives of these drugs include benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine (Adipost, Botril, Melfiat, Plegine, Prelu-2, Statobex), and mazindol (Mazanor, Sanorex).