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- For many patients today, a decision about which weight loss medication to try may come down to several factors, including what other medications they take, which drugs are...
- "I advise people to speak to their physician to choose an initial medication and see how they respond," Jay says. "It's not uncommon to switch medications or have...
- Here's what you need to know about the prescription weight loss drugs that are currently approved.
For many patients today, a decision about which weight loss medication to try may come down to several factors, including what other medications they take, which drugs are covered by insurance or are most affordable, and whether people prefer pills or injected medicines, Dr. Jay says.
“I advise people to speak to their physician to choose an initial medication and see how they respond,” Jay says. “It’s not uncommon to switch medications or have to add a second or third medication.”
Here’s what you need to know about the prescription weight loss drugs that are currently approved.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.
Interactions and risks: Rare but potentially dangerous reactions include severe gastrointestinal disease and acute injury to the pancreas, kidneys, or gallbladder.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
How it works: It’s another GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone in the brain that regulates appetite.
Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, and fatigue.
Interactions and risks: It can’t be used in combination with liraglutide or other GLP-1 receptor agonists that are prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Like other drugs in this family of medicines, including tirzepatide and liraglutide, it carries an increased risk of pancreatitis and has been linked to thyroid tumors in animals.
Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
How it works: It’s a combination
Here’s a breakdown of information regarding weight-loss medications, based on the provided text. This is presented as a list of points, avoiding any direct copying of phrasing or structure from the original:
* General Caution: Weight loss drugs can have significant mental health implications, potentially worsening depression and increasing the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts, especially when combined with substance use issues.
* Liraglutide (Saxenda): Administered via daily injection, it’s approved for obesity treatment in both adults (since 2014) and adolescents (12+, since 2020).it influences brain signals related to hunger and fullness. Possible adverse effects include digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), headaches, and a faster heartbeat. Animal studies have indicated a potential link to thyroid issues, and it shouldn’t be used alongside a diabetes medication also containing liraglutide (Victoza).
* Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination pill authorized for use in overweight/obese adults (2012) and adolescents (12+, 2022). it aims to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness.Reported side effects encompass constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, nerve sensations (tingling), cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. It’s not suitable for individuals with certain conditions like glaucoma, overactive thyroid, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or a history of cardiovascular problems, stroke, kidney disease, or mood disorders.
* Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Available both by prescription (Xenical, 1999) and over-the-counter at a lower dose (Alli, 2007). It functions by reducing the amount of dietary fat the body absorbs. Common side effects involve gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, and leakage of oily stool. Rare but serious liver damage has been reported.It can interfere with the absorption of certain medications (like those for heart conditions or organ transplant) and fat-soluble vitamins, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.It may also require adjustments to anticoagulant dosages.
Disclaimer: This information is based solely on the provided text and should not be considered medical advice.The source is identified as untrusted. consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.