Comparing the Top 3 Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

There are a lot of prescription weight loss products, as well as over-the-counter weight management supplements, to choose from. But which ones are the best, and how do they compare to one another? Check out the information below on the top 3 prescriptions weight loss drugs so that you can make the right choice for your weight loss expectations.

1. Contrave

Contrave is one of the top 3 prescription weight loss drugs that are often prescribed by doctors who want to help their patients slim down quickly. This is a product that contains two drugs that have been approved by the FDA: bupropion and naltrexone. While bupropion is used to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder and depression, naltrexone is used to treat addiction to opioids and alcohol.

Although it is approved for long-term use, side effects of Contrave include constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, dizziness, diarrhea, and dry mouth. There is also an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and it could end up causing seizures, so if you have a seizure disorder, you shouldn’t take it. And it could also increase your heart rate and blood pressure.

2. Belviq

Belviq is designed to curb your appetite so that you can lose weight, and you can use it long term. However, there are a lot of side effects that can come with taking this prescription. These include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, headache, and diabetes. In individuals who already have diabetes, side effects include back pain, fatigue, cough, headache, and hypoglycemia. Therefore, your doctor will need to thoroughly assess your current health to determine if this product would be safe for you to take if you need to lose weight.

3. Orlistat (AKA Xenical)

Orlistat, which is also referred to as Xenical or Alli, is yet another popular prescription weight loss drug that works by blocking the body from absorbing roughly 1/3 of the fat that you consume. It is important to follow a low-fat diet before you start taking this drug, as well as while you are on it. And it is important to know that this prescription makes it more difficult for the body to absorb vitamins D, A, K, and E, so you have to take your supplements a minimum of two hours prior to or after taking Orlistat.

Although this drug has also been approved for long-term use, side effects include leaking oily stool, more bowel movements, an inability to control your bowel movements, passing gas, and abdominal cramping. If you eat foods that are high in fat, these side effects could become worse.

Although these are the top 3 prescriptions weight loss drugs, it is important to note that you don’t need to turn to prescriptions if you are trying to lose weight. Instead, there are less intense prescription diet pill alternatives that you can purchase without a doctor’s prescription if you want to burn through more fat and calories even while you are at rest.

* This article is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications, supplements, diet, or exercise routine.