Almost every individual suffering from an eating disorder has used and/or abused diet pills at some point in the history of their illness. Contrary to what others might believe, most are very well informed as to the dangers inherent in their actions but choose to ignore these risks. I cannot prevent anyone from taking these pills, but I have created this page in the hopes of educating those who are taking them or considering taking them on how to reduce the risk of suffering ill effects from their use. That said, while some may take them for years without experiencing any side effects others may suffer life-threatening, even fatal, complications after just one use. So, before you pop that pill, ask yourself, is it really worth the risk?
There are a number of steps which can be taken to limit the incidence of side effects and minimise the long-term damage caused by diet pills which apply to all brands and types of diet pills.
Never
take more than the recommended dosage - The dosage recommendations are there
for a reason. They outline the amount of any given drug which will provide the
maximum effectiveness with the fewest side effects. Increasing the dosage is
unlikely to improve their effectiveness. It will, however, significantly
increase the chances of experiencing side effects and long-term ill effects.
Keep
well hydrated - Many diet pills act by stimulating the central nervous
system. This can leave a person at risk for dehydration which can, in turn,
increase the risk of suffering side effects from the drug. So, be sure to drink
plenty of water. Click here for more information on
dehydration and the importance of water.
Avoid
prolonged use - Even non-addictive drugs can lose their effectiveness after
prolonged use. This is especially true of stimulants and often results in
individuals taking more to produce the same effect thus increasing the risk of
side effects and long-term damage. This resistance is not the same as addiction
but that is not to say it is not without its risks. To avoid building up a
resistance to diet pills, give them a rest every now and again.
Phentermine forms the basis for a wide range of diet pills. These include Adipex-P, Ionamin, Fastin, Dapex, Obe-Nix, Obephen, Obermine, Obestin-30, Ona-Mast, Parmine, Phentrol, T-Diet, Teramin, Unifast Unicelles and Wilpowr.
Phentermine stimulates the Central Nervous System and acts as an appetite suppressant.
Side effects include palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), elevated blood pressure, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, headache, dry mouth, diarrhoea, constipation, allergic rash and, rarely, psychotic episodes even at the recommended dose.
Alcohol consumption while taking phentermine can lead to adverse reactions.
Orlistat is the generic name for the brand-name drug, Xenical. Unlike most other prescription weight loss drugs, which work in the brain, Orlistat works on the gastrointestinal tract and prevents your body from absorbing around one-third of the fat in the food that you eat.
Side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, rectal pain, tooth and gum problems, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dry skin and anxiety.
Drug interactions can occur when Orlistat is taken with cyclosporin. Also, anyone taking this drug should take a vitamin supplement as it may contribute to deficiencies of certain vitamins.
Meridia is the brand-name of the generic drug "Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate," and isalso known as Reductil.
The most common side effects seen with this drug are dry mouth, headache, insomnia and constipation, Some users have reported an increase in blood pressure, along with an increase in heart rate.
Didrex is the brand name version of the generic drug Benzphetamine. It is an appetite suppressant that is chemically related to amphetamine and, as such, is potentially addictive. Benzphetamine is claimed to stimulate the satiety (feeling of fullness) and limbic centres of the brain, where appetite and hunger are controlled.
The most common side effects include nervousness, irratibility, headache, sweating, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia and constipation. Some individuals may experience palpitations and an increase in blood pressure.
You should not take this drug if you are also taking an MAO inhibitor, or any central nervous system stimulants. Abuse of Benzphetamine can cause psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction.
Bontril is one of the brand names of the common generic drug "Phendimetrazine." It is an appetite suppressant and amphetamine-like stimulant that works by stimulating the satiety (feeling of fullness) and limbic regions of the brain, and possibly by also increasing the body's metabolic rate.
Common side effects may incude restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth and a change in sex drive. There is also an increased risk of valvular disease and primary pulmonary hypertension when taking this drug
Do not take this drug if you are taking an MAO inhibitor. If you suddenly stop taking Phendimetrazine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression or insomnia.
Tenuate pills are one of the oldest and most established forms of appetite suppressant available today. It is also commonly sold under its generic (chemical) name of Diethylpropion. Tenuate pills are claimed to stimulate the satiety (feeling of fullness) and limbic centres of the brain, where appetite and hunger are controlled.
Common side effects include irratibility and insomnia. Less common ones include anxiety, blurred vision, changes in libido, dry mouth, restlessness, dizziness or headache.
Diethylpropion also should not be taken by anyone who has taken an MAO inhibitor within the last two weeks, or an anorectic substance within the last year.
Ephedra is a Chinese herb also referred to as Ma huang. It’s been used in China for 5,000 years to treat asthma and upper respiratory infections. Ephedra’s ingredients, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are compounds also found in many over-the-counter cold (Sudafed) and allergy medications as well as natural cold remedies.
It is said to stimulates the central nervous system, suppresses appetite, increases metabolism, and acts as a decongestant and asthma reliever.
Side effects of ephedra-containing products include abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, dizziness, suicidal ideations, seizures and tremors, hyperactivity, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. Side effects depend on the dose and the individual’s health status.
You should not take ephedra if you are diagnosed with heart conditions, hypertension, glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders (seizures, Parkinson’s disease), renal disease, or have difficulty urinating or have prostate enlargement. Also, do not take ephedra if you take MAO inhibitors, methyl dopa, any product containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, or medication for high blood pressure.
Ephedra free supplements are becoming increasingly more popular with each passing day. There are many reasons for this, but the rise in popularity is mainly due to the much publicised dangers associated with the use of ephedra. Although these OTC diet supplements contain no Ephedrine, they will normally contain a stimulant of some sort (usually Caffeine) as well as a proprietary blend of appetite suppressants though they tend not to be as potent as ephedra-based products.