Are you looking for ways on how to suppress your appetite? One method used to curb appetite in order to help control hunger is through the use of drugs. This health blurb is about prescription and over the counter (OTC) appetite suppression drugs.
Generally, appetite suppressant drugs work to curb the feeling of hunger or promote the feeling of fullness. Both actions can help combat the desire to eat. Overeating is a primary cause of obesity, which can put you at risk for certain health conditions like:
- arthritis
- diabetes
- heart disease
- some cancers
And weight loss has been shown to significantly lower your cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Prescription Appetite Suppressant Drugs
Prescription appetite suppressants are typically only prescribed to those with a high BMI. Mainly how they work to suppress appetite is by increasing the appetite controlling neurotransmitter levels in the brain, specifically serotonin or catecholamine. There are several types of prescription appetite suppressants that are currently approved for obesity. Phentermine and sibutramine are the most commonly used ones.
Prescription appetite suppression drugs are approved for short-term use only, except sibutramine. Sibutramine appetite suppressant can be used for substantially longer, but your blood pressure must be monitored regularly. And those with a history of these health conditions should not use these appetite curbing drug:
- stroke
- heart disease
- irregular heartbeat
- high blood pressure
Sometimes antidepressants are prescribed as an appetite suppressant, but the initial loss of weight is often regained. And amphetamines can suppress appetite too. Problem is they are addictive, so this drug is not routinely prescribed for suppression of appetite.
Drug side effects of prescribed appetite suppressants are usually mild. Although, because some work by affecting catecholamine levels, you may experience sleeplessness, nervousness and euphoria. Pulmonary hypertension is an extremely rare possible complication when certain appetite suppressing drugs are used beyond 3 months, causing symptoms of:
The greatest risk of this health condition are appetite suppressant drugs that have been removed from the U.S. market.
Orlistat is a drug used to treat obesity, but it’s not classified as an appetite suppressant. Instead, the drug is lipase inhibitor, works by preventing certain enzymes from breaking down fats. Thus, they are to big for absorption. Alli is a lower dose of orlistat, which is available over the counter.
OTC Drugs to Suppress Appetite
Over the counter type of appetite suppressants are products sold without requiring a prescription. How many OTC appetite suppression drugs work is the containment of fiber or bulking agents that are meant to curb appetite because of a sense of fullness. This satiety method is in theory and has not been scientifically proven.
And some feel nicotine suppresses their inclination to over eat as well.