Weight Loss and Diet Drugs have been mentioned in the
same breath for years. Weight loss diet drugs came on the
market in the 1950’s, apparently in the form of amphetamines
or speed. Amphetamines or speed are very potent psychomotor
stimulants that cause your body to release excitatory neurotransmitters
such as dopamine and noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine.
Weight loss diet drugs such as amphetamines can be sniffed,
swallowed, snorted and injected into the bloodstream and
tend to induce exhilarating feelings of power, strength,
energy, self-assertion, focus and enhanced motivation. No
wonder many used speed for all-night studying purposes or
to get through other all-night activities, i.e., graveyard
shifts. After taking an amphetamine, your body “forgets” the
need to sleep or eat. No wonder weight loss diet drugs came
to be used as a serious alternative to those wishing to shed
pounds quickly. Dopamine usually induces a sense of aroused
euphoria that can last many hours. In addition, amphetamines
are not broken down by the body as readily as other drugs
such as cocaine which can lead to intensified feelings and
empowerment.
Because amphetamines are stimulants, they cause the body
to burn calories. But, they also came to be known as addictive
drugs that were proven unsafe. As a result, the FDA ruled
that they be pulled from the market. However, weight loss
diet drugs are still popular due to their convenience and
availability. Weight loss diet drugs as you can read in this
site can assist you in losing weight initially but it is
your dietary behavior and exercise patterns that will determine
your long term health.
Fen-Phen, The Diet Drug
For many years, fen-phen was used as a weight loss diet drug
to combat obesity and to increase weight loss. Fen-phen
refers to the combination of fenfluramine and phentermine.
Fenfluramine (fen) and phentermine (phen) were approved
by the FDA as prescription diet drugs that suppressed appetite
for the short term treatment of obesity. Fenfluramine was
approved by the FDA in 1973 and phentermine was approved
in 1959.
Troubling reports of fen-phen side effects began to surface
in 1997. In July, the Mayo Clinic reported that 24 patients
developed regurgitation or leakiness in their heart valves
after taking fen-phen. Then, there followed cases of other
patients with heart valve disease after having been on a
fenfluramine regimen. There were NO cases of heart valve
disease in anyone taking just the phentermine diet drug.
Based on additional findings and cases brought to the attention
of the FDA, just the drug fenfluramine was pulled from the
market.
The phentermine diet drug was not pulled from the market
because all studies pointed to fenfluramine (and dexfenfluramine)
as the cause of heart valve disorders.
Popular Weight Loss Diet Drugs
Meridia, Xenical and Phentermine are the most popular and
well known weight loss diet drugs on the market. The Meridia
diet drug is also known as Reducil and is generically known
as sibutramine. Meridia is an appetite suppressant that
is intended to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie
diet and exercise. Meridia stimulates appetite control
centers in the brain and affects neurotransmitter levels,
which also reduce the urge to eat.
The Meridia diet drug, or sibutramine as it is also known,
is deemed safe for usage for up to one year. It is only recommended
for obese people or those with a BMI in excess of 30 or higher.
Meridia side effects can include rasied heart rates and high
blood pressure.
The Xenical diet drug is
also known as Orlistat and is also used for the treatment
of chronic obesity. Xenical is considered a fat blocker;
it reduces the ability to absorb fat from food. The Xenical
diet drug is most effective is used in conjunction with a
low calorie diet and exercise. Xenical diet drug side effects
may include gas, increased bowel movement frequency and fatty
and oily stools. People may experience leaking as well. Xenical
has been proven safe to use in clinical trials for up to
two years.
Phentermine, also known as an Adipex
diet drug, is also an appetite suppressant and is similar
in structure to amphetamines. The adipex diet drug, like
an amphetamine, is addictive and habit forming. Phentermine
and adipex side effects can include increased heart rate
and high blood pressure. |
