What are the drugs used to treat excess weight

Drugs used for weight loss are generally called anorexiants. All the drugs are potentially effective when used appropriately and with additional weight loss measures, including exercise and behavioral modification. The long-term effects of most of these medications have not been established. Most lose their effectiveness over time, thus requiring increased dosage, and they can be addictive and dangerous.

None of these drugs deals with the underlying problems that may be causing obesity. Unless specifically instructed by a physician, people should use non-drug methods for losing weight. Except under rare circumstances, pregnant or nursing women should never take diet medications of any sort, including herbal and over-the-counter remedies.

Over-the-Counter Drugs and Herbal Remedies

A 2001 study reported that 7% of American adults use nonprescription weight-loss products. People must be cautious when using any weight-loss medications, including over-the counter diet pills and herbal or so-called natural remedies. Buying unverified products over the Internet can be particularly dangerous. For example, a product that has been withdrawn, Lipokinex, contained chemicals that caused liver damage. The following are examples of other weight-loss products that have been associated with some harm or are not effective:

• Over-the-counter diet pills, such as Acutrim or Dexatrim, contain phenylpropanolamine or PPA. They have been removed after some reports of severe high blood pressure and stroke.
• A number of over-the-counter remedies (Herbal Phen-Fen, PhenTrim, Phen-Cal, Xenadrine) contain ephedrine, derived from the ephedra (also known as Ma Huang) herb. Ephedrine is actually a component in adrenaline and can cause a number of side effects, including infrequent cases of severe effects (rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, psychosis, heart attacks, and seizures). Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient commonly found in many antihistamines, has similar effects and is sometimes used by dieters.
• Over-the-counter products containing tiratricol, a thyroid hormone, have been sold for weight loss. Such products may increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Chitosan, a dietary fiber from shellfish does prevent a little fat from being absorbed in the intestine, but limited studies have not found that it contributes to weight loss.
• Many dietary herbal teas contain laxatives, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, and, if overused, may lead to chronic pain, constipation, and dependency. In rare cases, dehydration and death have occurred. Some laxative substances found in teas include senna, aloe, buckthorn, rhubarb root, cascara, and castor oil.