Articles
Prescription weight-loss drugs
Common weight-loss drugs
Safety of weight-loss drugs
Factors to consider
What drugs are approved in the U.S. for weight loss?
Content
Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
What you should know about weight-loss drugs
How long does drug therapy last?
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
The bottom line
Common weight-loss drugs
The chart shows the currently available prescription weight-loss drugs, how they work and their side effects.
| Drug | Mechanism of action | Possible side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Benzphetamine (Didrex) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation |
| Diethylpropion (Tenuate) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Headache, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation |
| Lorcaserin (Belviq) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Headache, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, constipation |
| Naltrexone and bupropion extended-release (Contrave) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness |
| Phendimetrazine | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation |
| Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Headache, increased blood pressure and heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation |
| Orlistat (Xenical) | Blocks absorption of fat | Decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, oily spotting, intestinal cramps, gas with discharge, diarrhea, fecal urgency and incontinence |
| Phentermine and topiramate extended-release (Qsymia) | Decreases appetite, increases feeling of fullness | Insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, pins and needles feeling, changes in sense of taste or smell |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | Slows gastric emptying, increases feeling of fullness | Nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis |
