Prescription Diet Pills
There are three types of
prescription
diet pills available: those that affect the brain,
those that affect the central nervous system, and those
that affect the digestive system. The most common weight
loss pills are those that affect the brain, more specifically,
appetite suppressants. The active ingredient in appetite
suppressants most is phentermine
hydrochloride or phendimetrazine, which are sympathomimetic
amines. These chemicals affect appetite control centers
in the brain, causing you to eat less. Phentermine-based
diet pills include the generic form of the drug, as well
as Meridia, Bontril, Ionamin, and Adipex. Another appetite
suppressant is Didrex, which uses the active ingredient
benzphetamine hydrochloride (similar to amphetamines and
has high potential for psychological dependency) as an
anorectic agent.
Tenuate is also an appetite
suppressant, but uses a different active ingredient, diethylpropion.
Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates
the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate
and blood pressure while decreasing your appetite, which
promotes weight loss.
The third type of prescription
diet pills affects your digestive system. The most popular
drug, Xenical, uses the active ingredient Orlistat to
block a certain amount of the fat you eat from being digested.
Xenical is intended for individuals who are considerably
overweight or obese.
Atkins Diet