 | Glen Mathis has been the co-owner of Mathis Drug Store in Girard since 1983. For more information or to reach Glen, please call 620-724-4313. |
Health & Medicine
2011-07-01 10:51:00
Are herbal medications safe?
Question: Are prescription drugs recommended for maintaining one’s weight?
Answer: 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.
Keep in mind that these drugs are not a cure all for obesity. The use of weight loss drugs should be combined with physical activity and improved diet to lose and maintain weight successfully over the long term.
Using prescription weight loss drugs to treat obesity should be used as an option.
Currently, most available weight loss drugs approved by the FDA are for short-term use, meaning a few weeks or months.
One type of weight-loss medication is “appetite suppressants”. These drugs generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time). Appetite suppressants can be obtained by a doctor’s prescription or purchased over the counter at your family pharmacy.
Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry or that it is full. They decrease appetite by increasing serotonin or catecholamine. Two brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite.
Fat absorption inhibitors work by preventing your body from breaking down and absorbing fat eaten with your meals. This unabsorbed fat is eliminated in bowel movements.
The Risks of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs:
When considering long-term weight loss drugs for obesity, the following possible concerns and risks should be discussed with your doctor:
Addiction-
Currently, all and most prescription obesity drugs are “controlled substances”. This means that doctors are required to follow certain restrictions when prescribing them since they could be addictive.
Developed Tolerance-
Most people’s weight tends to level off after or while taking a weight-loss medication. This leads to a concern that the person has developed a tolerance for the medication. However, it is unclear whether this leveling off is indeed due to a developed tolerance or if the drug has reached its limit in effectiveness.
Side Effects-
Most side effects of weight loss drugs are mild (although some can be unpleasant) and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
The Side Effects of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs:
Most appetite suppressants are used as a short-term treatment for obese people. Not only do the drugs’ effects tend to wear off after a few weeks, but they can also have some unpleasant side effects.
People who are prescribed appetite suppressants should follow the prescription carefully. Because appetite suppressants may cause drowsiness or light headedness, it is important to know how you respond to these medications before you attempt to drive or operate machinery. Talking with your family friendly Pharmacist about your medication is the best option before consuming your medication.
