Appetite Suppressant Prescription

Appetite suppressant prescriptions are medications designed to help manage weight by reducing hunger or promoting a feeling of fullness. These are typically prescribed for individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues, as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Common options include phentermine, naltrexone-bupropion, and liraglutide, each working through different mechanisms to support weight management. These medications require a doctor’s prescription and regular monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What are suppressants of appetite?

For individuals with obesity (defined as a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30), appetite suppressants are a class of weight-loss drugs, also referred to as diet pills. They have an impact on how your brain and body perceive hunger and appetite. You may feel less hungry or more satisfied after consuming less food if you take an appetite suppressant. You might consume fewer calories and hence lose weight.

It’s crucial to understand that appetite suppressants don’t function independently. According to research, they work best for weight loss when combined with a diet low in calories and frequent exercise.

Different kinds of appetite suppressants

Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription appetite suppressants are available. Both short-term and long-term use are possible with prescription appetite suppressants.

Before taking over-the-counter diet medicines, consult your healthcare practitioner. Certain over-the-counter appetite suppressants may create health issues or interfere with prescription drugs.

Long-term prescription appetite suppressants

These prescription appetite suppressants have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:

• (Saxenda®) Liraglutide. This drug is administered subcutaneously, or beneath the skin.
• Wegovy® contains semaglutide. This drug is administered by injection beneath the skin.
• Contrave® contains bupropion and naltrexone. It’s a pill.
• Qsymia® contains phentermine-topiramate. It’s a pill.

Short-term prescription appetite suppressants

Other prescription appetite suppressants that have FDA approval include for just for brief periods, usually up to 12 weeks (three months), such as:

• Regimex® and Didrex® both include benzphetamine.
• Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®, and diethylpropion.
• Prelu-2® contains phendimetrazine.
• Phentermine (including Pro-Fast®, Atti-Plex P®, and Dipex-P®).

These temporary appetite suppressants fall under the category of restricted substances. This indicates that they have the potential to become addictive and that using them for purposes other than those for which they are prescribed can be harmful. Before beginning these medications, make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have a family history of substance use disorder (SUD) or a substance use disorder yourself.

States may have different laws governing how long you can take these kinds of appetite suppressants.

Typical Prescription Drugs That Suppress Appetite

Prescriptions for appetite suppressants, which are drugs intended to lessen hunger and regulate cravings, are frequently used in conjunction with weight-loss programs. People who are overweight or obese and have not found success with diet and exercise alone are usually administered these drugs. Here’s the short version:

1 Phentermine (Lomaira, Adipex-P)

• A stimulant that suppresses appetite by influencing the central nervous system.
• Usually recommended for a few weeks at a time.
• Side effects include anxiety, dry mouth, sleeplessness, and elevated heart rate.

2. Tenuate (Diethylpropion)

• An additional stimulant with phentermine-like effects.
• used to lose weight temporarily.
• Side effects include restlessness, dry mouth, and dizziness.

3. Topiramate/phentermine (Qsymia)

• A medication that combines the anticonvulsant topiramate with phentermine.
• Authorized for extended use.
• Constipation, altered taste, disorientation, and tingling in the hands and feet are some of the side effects.

4. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)

• Combines bupropion, an antidepressant, with naltrexone, a medication used to treat addiction.
• Focuses on areas of the brain related to hunger and desires.
• Constipation, headache, nausea, and elevated blood pressure are some of the adverse effects.

5. Liraglutide (Saxenda)

• An agonist for the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor that aids in appetite regulation.
• given as an injection every day.
• Low blood sugar, diarrhea, and nausea are side effects.

6. Semaglutide (Wegovy)

• An additional GLP-1 receptor agonist has been authorized for weight control.
• Every week, an injection is given.
• Liraglutide-like side effects, including potential gastrointestinal problems.

For whom are appetite suppressants appropriate?

• Adults who are obese (BMI ≥ 30).
• individuals who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27) and have at least one weight-related illness, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

In what ways do appetite suppressants function?

Appetite, hunger, and energy homeostasis (balance) are all extremely intricate physiological functions. Several molecules interact with one another in your:

• Brain and nervous system.
• Pancreas.
• Adipose tissue (body fat).
• Your stomach and other parts of your digestive system.

Among these substances are:

• Hormones are substances that help your body coordinate certain processes. They leave the tissues of your endocrine system and reach their destination through your blood. Ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and cortisol are a few hormones that influence appetite.
• Signals are sent from one neuron (nerve cell) to the subsequent target cell by neurotransmitters. Serotonin and GABA are two neurotransmitters that affect hunger.
• Chains of amino acids make up peptides. They resemble tiny proteins. One peptide that is implicated in appetite is glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

While some of these substances lower hunger and appetite, others enhance it.

Certain hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides are blocked or increased by prescription appetite suppressants. They all target various molecules and operate in different ways. However, they usually have one of two effects: either they make you feel less hungry or they make you feel fuller more quickly after eating.

For whom are appetite suppressants appropriate?

Medical professionals only suggest appetite suppressants to obese patients, usually when increased exercise and altered diets have failed to reduce weight. You are considered obese if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater.

If you have a body mass index (BMI) higher than 27 and exhibit symptoms or conditions that may be associated with obesity, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Joint pain.

Risks / Benefits

What benefits do appetite suppressants offer?

Patients who take prescription appetite suppressants typically lose at least 5% of their initial body weight. Once more, these drugs are most effective when combined with a low-calorie diet and frequent exercise.

Phentermine-topiramate and GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, are among the best drugs for helping obese patients lose weight, according to a review of 143 research. These drugs often result in a 6%–11% decrease in body weight.

Which adverse effects can appetite suppressants cause?

The side effects of appetite suppressants vary depending on how they function. Before beginning a medicine, it is important to talk to your doctor about any potential adverse effects.

The following are typical adverse effects of long-term prescription appetite suppressants:

• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Nausea.
• Indigestion.
• Headache.

Short-term prescription appetite suppressants that are restricted medications can have the following side effects:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or arrhythmia).
• Dizziness.
• Mood changes, like depression or anxiety.
• Alterations in cognition, such as mental illness, confusion, or anxiety.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Insomnia.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.

Are appetite suppressants safe to use?

If taken as directed, long-term prescription appetite suppressants are usually safe. Because of their potential for serious adverse effects and addiction, short-term prescription appetite suppressants should be used with greater caution.

Certain appetite suppressants, such as antidepressants and anxiety-reducing pharmaceuticals (anxiolytics), may interact with other medications. Additionally, several medical diseases, such as glaucoma, mood disorders, and high blood pressure, might be made worse by appetite suppressants.

Once more, the hazards associated with each appetite suppressant vary depending on how it functions. If you’re considering starting an appetite suppressant, discuss with your doctor all the advantages and disadvantages of each drug.

OTC (over-the-counter) appetite suppressant safety

Ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine (stimulants) are found in certain over-the-counter appetite suppressants and weight-loss remedies. Additionally, some have been connected to death, seizures, heart attacks, and strokes. If you’re considering taking over-the-counter appetite suppressants or vitamins, it’s crucial to speak with your healthcare professional first.

Considerations

The best results from appetite suppressants come from a comprehensive weight loss strategy that includes behavior modification, exercise, and a nutritious diet.

They are not appropriate for everyone, especially those who are taking particular medications or have certain medical conditions (such as heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension).

Medication’s long-term safety and efficacy vary, therefore it’s critical to have a healthcare professional monitor you frequently.

How effective are Appetite suppressants for weight loss?

When compared to an inactive treatment that doesn’t utilize medication, known as a placebo, prescription weight-loss medications that you can use for longer than 12 weeks, or long-term use, result in significant weight loss. More weight is lost when weight-loss medication and lifestyle modifications are combined than when lifestyle modifications are made alone.

Compared to lifestyle changes alone, using these medications for a year can result in a 3%–12% reduction in total body weight. It might not seem like much. However, there are significant health advantages to decreasing 5–10% of your body weight and maintaining that loss. For instance, it can reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood fat levels known as triglycerides.

Conclusion

For those who fit the medical requirements, prescription appetite suppressants can be an effective weight-management aid, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. By suppressing hunger, lowering cravings, or altering hormones linked to appetite, these drugs assist people in sticking to a diet low in calories.

Although they can aid in weight loss, they should not be used as a stand-alone remedy; rather, they should be a component of a comprehensive weight management program that also includes behavioral techniques, regular exercise, and dietary adjustments.

To find the best course of action for your unique needs, guarantee safe use, and keep an eye out for any possible side effects or combinations with other medications, you must speak with a healthcare provider.

For people who struggle with obesity or other weight-related health issues, prescription appetite suppressants can be a useful weight-management strategy. These drugs are most effective when used in conjunction with a complete strategy that incorporates behavioral modifications, frequent exercise, and a nutritious diet. Even if they have a lot to offer, it’s crucial to use them under a doctor’s supervision because they can have negative effects or interfere with other prescription drugs.

To find the best choice for your health requirements and objectives, speak with your doctor if you’re thinking about using an appetite suppressant. Keep in mind that lasting weight loss is a methodical approach that puts long-term health ahead of short-term solutions.

FAQs

References

• Professional, C. C. M. (2024, October 4). Appetite suppressants. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9463-appetite-suppressants
• Langmaid, S. (2024, May 7). Prescription weight loss drugs: GLP-1s, Tirzepatide, and more. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/weight-loss-prescription-weight-loss-medicine
• Pros and cons of weight-loss drugs. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044832
• Phentermine weight-loss medicine: Know the side effects. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/phentermine/faq-20057940
• Appetite suppressants: What you should know. (2024, November 26). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/appetite-suppressants