Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs (Diet Pills)
What common or serious side effects occur with weight loss pills (diet pills)?
Some weight loss drugs are associated with important or serious side effects, or may have the potential for dependence and abuse.
- Fenfluramine, used in the combination drug fen-phen was associated with dangerous heart and lung side effects and is no longer on the market.
- Sibutramine was removed from the U.S. market in 2010, also due to an increased risk of serious heart side effects, including heart attack and stroke.
- Many of the weight loss drugs known as sympathomimetic amines can stimulate the heart and lead to high blood pressure and fast heart rates (tachycardia).
- Lipase inhibitors such as Alli or Xenical have been associated with rare liver injury and patients should be alert for signs of liver disease such as itching, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, loss of appetite, pale or tar-colored stools, brown-colored urine (due to excess bilirubin in the urine).
- Qsymia was FDA-approved as a new weight loss medication in 2012. Qsymia has a restricted-access program and risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) because one of the drugs contained in Qsymia by the name of topiramate can lead to severe birth defects in pregnant women.
- Many stimulant weight loss drugs may be associated with constipation, dry mouth, restlessness, withdrawal effects, or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep).
Most people will regain some or all of the weight they lost when they stop using weight loss drugs unless efforts are made to retain their weight loss with diet and exercise.
Appetite Suppressants (anorexiants) - Side effects may include: increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, blurred vision, restlessness, or headache. Dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use; some forms may cause stomach side effects like constipation, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting. A healthcare provider should be contact if side effects like chest pain, pounding or rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating, or shortness of breath occur - examples:
- Adipex-P, Suprenza (phentermine)
- Bontril PDM, Bontril SR (phendimetrazine)
- diethypropion
- Didrex (benzphetamine)
- Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER)
Lipase inhibitors - Oily spotting, gas, fecal urgency, soft stools, fecal incontinence, possibility of serious liver injury; take Alli or Xenical with a daily multivitamin that contains fat-soluble vitamins such A, D, E and K - examples:
Other weight loss drugs
- Belviq (lorcaserin) - Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation
Common Side Effects Associated With Weight Loss Drugs
| Brand Drug Name | Drug Category | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Adipex-P (phentermine) | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Alli (orlistat) - over-the-counter only | Lipase inhibitor | Oily spotting, gas (flatulence), fecal urgency, soft stools, fecal incontinence; take Alli with a daily multlivitamin |
| Belviq (lorcaserin) | Selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist (suppresses appetite) | Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatique, dry mouth, constipation; euphoria/dissociation may occur with higher doses; do not exceed 10 mg two times a day |
| Bontril PDM, Bontril SR (phendimetrazine) | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Desoxyn (methamphetamine) | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | High abuse potential; use only if alternative treatments are ineffective; increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Didrex (benzphetamine) | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Diethylpropion | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | Constipation, restlessness, dry mouth, Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules) | Combination appetite suppressant-anorectic; exact action of topiramate on weight loss is not known | Paresthesias, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth |
| Suprenza (phentermine) | Appetite suppressant; sympathomimetic amine | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, dependence, abuse or withdrawal may occur with long-term use |
| Xenical (orlistat) | Lipase inhibitor | Oily spotting, gas (flatulence), fecal urgency, soft stools, fecal incontinence; take Xenical with a daily multivitamin |
Related News Articles
- In Approving New Diet Drug, FDA Ignores Crucial Safety Data
- Belviq FDA Approval History
- Qsymia FDA Approval History
See Also:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Determining Your Obesity Risk
- Can Prescription Drugs Cause Weight Gain?
- Childhood Obesity: A U.S. Epidemic
- Prescription Diet Pills: What Are the Options?
- Weight Loss
- Weight Loss Surgery
References:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 07–4191. Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity. Accessed October 3, 2012. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/prescription.htm#meds
Last updated: 2013-04-12 by L. Anderson, PharmD.
