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Prescription weight-loss drugs

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

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