Best Prescription Diet Pills: Which Ones Are Best For You?

Prescription Diet Pills

Diet pills are dietary supplements prescribed to obese people who struggle to lose weight in conventional ways, such as by exercising and eating healthily. When exercise and a healthy diet show no results, prescription diet pills can help manage weight to avoid the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes or a cardiovascular disease.

[message type=”success”]Once the doctor prescribes the suitable medication, the diet pills are accompanied by a nutritious, low-carbohydrate diet plan.[/message]

Prescribed diet pills come in two types:

  • Anorexiants – appetite suppressors
  • Stimulants – they increase the energy level

Most of the prescribed diet pills are a combination of those two types.

Who should use weight loss pills?

The people who should use prescription diet pills are those who already tried to lose weight by incorporating healthy nutrition and exercise in their daily life, and whose Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 30. A person with a BMI of 27 may also use prescription diet pill, especially if dealing with serious weight-related health problems.

[message type=”info”]Patients should always keep in mind that diet pills are not a magic wand that will melt those extra pounds; they are only an additional boost on the weight loss journey along with healthy nutrition and physical activity.[/message]

What are the most commonly-prescribed diet pills?

The most common prescription diet pills include:

  • Adipex-P
  • Bontril PDM
  • Didrex
  • Desoxyn
  • Qsymia

Adipex-P is one of the most popularly prescribed weight loss pills, first appearing in 1959. The main ingredient of this anorectic drug is Phentermine, which comes in the form of a capsule or a tablet. The main purpose of Adipex-P is to make the user feel full. Due to its side effects – which are similar to amphetamine use and include fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, difficult, burning, or painful urination – this medicine should only be used with a prescription.

Bontril PDM is an amphetamine-based prescription diet pill that stimulates one’s central nervous system. According to many users, this is one of the most popular diet pills because of its fast-acting weight loss effects. Bontril PDM should only be taken with a prescription. There are reports about unpleasant side effects such as a pounding heartbeat, constipation, headache and insomnia.

Didrex, also known as benzphetamine, is also one of the most commonly used prescription diet pills. Didrex stimulates the central nervous system and acts as an appetite suppressant. This pill is a habit-forming medicine, and Didrex abuse is no uncommon. According to some users, Didrex causes dangerous side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and hair loss. On the other hand, however, it shows great weight loss results.

Desoxyn is a central nervous system stimulant, most commonly prescribed as a pill for the attention deficit disorder (ADD). When it comes to weight loss, this methamphetamine-based drug is one of the most efficient medicines on the market. According to numerous users, it is the best short-term option for weight loss.

Qsymia acts as an appetite suppressant and energy booster which makes the weight loss process much easier for obese people. This medication is a combination of two main ingredients: phentermine and topiramate. Qsymia is a very effective weight loss pill if taken as prescribed, and in conjunction with a few lifestyle changes. Just like any other prescription weight loss pill, it has a certain number of side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, stomach ache, etc.

Overall, every prescribed diet pill has pros and cons. Their mostly amphetamine-based ingredients, they can cause many unpleasant side effects, while aiding the weight loss process.

Important Things To Note About Prescription Diet Pills

  • Before getting a prescription for diet pills, you should inform your doctor about any allergies, medical condition, alcohol or drug abuse history, or whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If the patient does not lose 5% of their body mass during the first three months of use, they should stop using the drug.
  • Most of those pills should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because of their damaging effects on the fetus.

Some of the risk factors that indicate that a patient should not be using diet pills are:

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Stroke
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea

What are the side effects of prescription diet pills?

Most prescription diet pills can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects, which is why they should only be taken for a short period.

Some of the most common side effects  of prescription diet pills include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • High heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Drug dependence
  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dependency
  • Withdrawal symptoms

Conclusion

Keeping in mind that almost every prescription diet pill can cause mild to severe side effects, they should only be taken as recommended. Patients have to inform their doctor about any health issues, history of alcohol and drug abuse, and allergies. [message type=”info”]Also, these pills should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, because of their negative effects on fetal development.[/message]

On the other hand, experts cannot deny the positive effects that these diet pills have on the weight loss process. If taken as prescribed, along with a healthy nutrition plan and physical activity, this type of medicine can be that extra boost a person needs to lose weight.