Understanding Weight Loss Pills

Posted by george whittington on September 5th, 2019

Other names for weight loss pills include appetite suppressants, anorectic or anorexiant drugs, anti-obesity medicines or centrally acting anti-obesity medicines preparations. Many prescription weight loss pills are designated Schedule III or IV by the Controlled Substances Act. This is to prevent drugs abuse and attempt to keep weight loss pills in the hands of those who could benefit from them actually. Despite these regulations, many forms of the diet pills are abused at an alarming rate.

Considering the popularity of weight loss programs in America, it’s nothing new that such pills are common and available in different forms. All types of diet pills have their own concerns and risks associated with them. It is wise to remember that just in case something is available freely at the drugstore, or recommended by a doctor, it is not always safe especially when outside of the recommended dose is used.

Let’s have a stab at most commonly abused weight loss pills:

•          Diethylpropion

(Tenuate, Tepanil) these medicines are prescribed on short term basis to suppress your appetite.

•          Phentermine

(Adipex, Ionamin) these medicines are used to reduce appetite. They are used for short term to reduce weight in obese individuals.

•          Benzphetamine (Didrex)

An anorectic related to amphetamines very closely. Benzphetamine is sold under the prescription name Didrex, and the main function is to reduce appetite in overweight individuals.

•          Mazindol

(Mazanor, Sanorex) these are currently approved for use in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mazindol prescriptions are abused for their appetite suppression properties.

Weight loss pills abuse and effects

Because modern weight loss pills were introduced to be used in place of amphetamines as appetite suppressants, they have many similarities, like a potential for addiction and dependence. Amphetamines are from a class of drugs used to increase performance. Weight loss pills may work to elevate energy and euphoria, increasing the likeliness of addiction. Other factors that are known to cause addiction to these pills include biological as well as environmental factors, peer and school, home and family, early use, or how the drug is taken.

Side effects of weight loss pills abuse might include:

•          Hallucinations
•          Chest pain
•          Insomnia
•          Dizziness
•          Rash and itching
•          Swelling of legs and ankles
•          Dark urine or light-colored stool
•          Vomiting
•          Yellowing of skin or eyes

Signs of an Addiction to Diet Pills

An addiction to weight reducing pills is often due to an eating disorder or other underlying mental health issues. Becoming addicted or dependent on weight loss pills is not uncommon, as it can provide an unreal sense of control in a life that is actually out of control. As these pills are available either over the counter or by prescription, an addiction is likely to develop quietly.

There are many signs related to addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that help people to recognize when a problem has developed. If someone knows that their diet pill usage is interfering with their wellbeing, relationships and personal life but are not able to quit on their own, they need to seek professional help to address the root cause of their problem and find treatment.