Drugs for weight loss: part 3

Appetite suppressants

Drugs which suppress appetite are the best choice for individual who have strong food cravings and have voracious appetites

The first appetite suppressant was Phentermine which has been available for about 50 years. It acts on the brain feeding enter. Over the years, a number of related drugs have been developed and include Ionamin, adieux and fasten. These drugs are only recommended for short term usage. The major problems with these drugs is that they can cause physical dependence after prolonged use. Other side effects may include an increase in blood pressure, palpitations, dizziness and insomnia. The major problem with these drugs is that they are often prescribed for longer periods without any medical follow up.

Even though the FDA recommends that these drugs not be used for more than 3 months, most weight loss physicians claim that with proper follow-up Phentermine is safe and effective for more prolonged use. To be on the safe side, most physicians get patients to sign a consent form acknowledging that they need to take the drug for longer than 3 months.

Recent anecdotal data suggest that combination of SSRI class of antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft may be more effective in producing weight loss. However, none of these data have any scientific basis. Other less popular appetite suppressing agents include diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, sibutramine and mazindol.

Acomplia is the first of a new class of drugs that affect signals in the brain that influence appetite. This drug inhibits the appetite center in the brain. As an obesity treatment, Acomplia may be best suited for people who are not only overweight but also have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of symptoms, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, large waist circumference, obesity and insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes and heart disease without treatment.

Even though controlled clinical studies do show it to be an effective weight loss drug, the drug does have major side effects of concern. Severe depression nausea and vomiting are common. The drug has not been approved by the FDA for use in humans.