We are flooded with images of what is considered beautiful every day, and most of these images involve being thin. It is easy to loose sight of the fact that these images are often altered to suit the target audience and/or impossible to attain. Nevertheless, we all feel the pressure to be thin, and to do so sooner rather than later.

The web has played an interesting role in our cultural obsession with getting thin. The internet is not only filled with images of thinness, it is also filled with ways to become thin. Some of what you will find will be accurate and well intentioned, but you will also see information that is often harmful and/or misleading. Opportunities are also available to purchase medications and to use them without the advise or supervision of health care providers.

We strongly discourage the use of ANY prescription medications without proper supervision. However, we also recognize that people like to do research on various drugs either before or after seeing their healthcare providers. It is in this spirit that we list here some of the more commonly used weight loss medications with explanations and common side effects.


The “Sympathomimetic Amines”

Most of you have heard of “amphetamines” or drugs that cause you to stay awake for long periods or be especially “alert”. Weight loss medications in this class are similar to amphetamines with the additional effect of appetite suppression.

Drugs in this class are the most commonly used medications for medical weight loss with the longest history of use both inside and outside the U.S.

Common side effects of drugs in this class are:
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart palpitations
    • Insomnia (inability to fall asleep)
    • Dry mouth
    • Decreased sex drive

Conditions that could be made worse by these drugs include:
    • High blood pressure
    • Diabetes
    • Heart disease
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Glaucoma
    • Combined use with another stimulant

Examples of drugs in this class are:
    • Phentermine
    • Phendimetrazine
    • Diethylpropion


The “Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’S)"

Many drugs that are used to treat depression are in this class of drugs. This is important because an antidepressant in combination with an appetite suppressant of this class could cause a severe reaction.

Common side effects of drugs in this class are:
    • High blood pressure
    • Palpitations
    • Diarrhea
    • Irregular periods
    • Difficulty with urination
    • Decreased sex drive

Conditions that could be made worse by these drugs include:
    • Major eating disorder
    • Heart disease
    • Glaucoma
    • Combined use with other MAOI’s

An example of a weight loss drug in this class:
    • Meridia


Diuretics

This class of drugs causes weight loss by decreasing “water weight” through increased urination.

Common side effects of drugs in this class are:
    • Decreased blood pressure
    • Liver or kidney dysfunction
    • Electrolyte imbalances
    • Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Conditions that could be made worse by these medications include all of the listed side effects.

Examples of drugs in this class:
    • Hydrochlotrothiazide
    • Aldactone


“Antiabsorption Medications”

Xenical blocks the absorption of fat through the intestines and promotes weight loss as a result. If intestinal problems are already present, this medication can make them worse. Xenical can also cause or worsen kidney stones and gallstones.