Prescription Weight Loss

Obesity often requires long-term treatment to promote and sustain weight loss. As in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, use of prescription drugs may be appropriate for some people. While most side effects of prescription weight loss drugs are mild, serious complications have been reported. You will also be given alternative or complimentary non-prescription options to choose from.

You should know, however, that weight-loss drugs don’t replace the need for changes in your eating habits or activity level– what we call Lifestyle Modification. And although weight-loss drugs may sound like every dieter’s dream, they aren’t appropriate for everyone who’s overweight.

Before the doctor will prescribe a prescription weight loss drug, he or she will ask you about the following:

• any existing allergies you may have
• whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
• what types of other drugs you may be taking.

Existing medical conditions may also affect the use of these drugs. You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Epilepsy (seizures)
• Kidney disease
• Glaucoma
• Alcohol or drug abuse (or a history of)
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Depression or other mental illness
• Migraine headaches requiring medication
• Planning to have surgery requiring general anesthesia
• Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding

People who are prescribed appetite suppressants should follow the prescription carefully and precisely. Because appetite suppressants may occasionally cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, it is important to know how you respond to these medications before you attempt to drive or operate machinery.