Weight Loss Pills

Phentermine

phentermine (the other half of fen/phen) suppresses appetite by causing a release of norepinephrine by the cells. phentermine alone is still available for treatment of obesity, but only on a short-term basis (a few weeks). The common side effects of phentermine include headache, insomnia, irritability and nervousness. Fenfluramine (the fen of fen/phen) and dexfenfluramine (Redux) suppress appetite mainly by increasing release of serotonin by the cells.

Unfortunately, both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market in September 1997 because of association of these two medications with pulmonary hypertension (a rare but serious disease of the arteries in the lungs), and association of fen/phen with damage to the heart valves. Since the withdrawal of fenfluramine, some have suggested combining phentermine with Fluoxetine (Prozac) - a combination that has been referred to as phen/pro. However, no clinical trials have been conducted to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this combination. Therefore, this combination is NOT an accepted treatment for obesity.
For more, please read the phentermine article.

Sibutramine (Meridia)

Sibutramine (Meridia) suppresses appetite by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. Unlike fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, sibutramine does not increase release of these neurotransmitters from the cells. Instead, sibutramine inhibits the re-uptake of these neurotransmitters by the nerve cells. Therefore, the action of sibutramine is similar to that of anti-depressants that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin such as fluoxetine (Prozac) - a medication that has been used for years without known association with pulmonary hypertension or heart valve damage.

In December 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sibutramine (Meridia) to treat obesity (both in attaining and in maintaining weight loss). According to FDA guidelines, Meridia should be considered only for patients with BMI of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have other conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea) that can improve with weight loss. Meridia should be accompanied by regular exercise and reduced-calorie diet.

Meridia is available in 5, 10, and 15mg capsules. The recommended starting dose is one 10 mg capsule per day. The dose of Meridia can be increased if weight loss is inadequate. Meridia should always be prescribed by doctors familiar with the patients' medical condition, and familiar with the use and side effects of the medicine.