Weight Loss Pills; Weight Loss Medications; Diet Pill that Works

Xenical is a medicine which reduces the colon's ability to absorb fat. The usual side effect is diarrhoea.

A medicine called Revia or Naltrexone, which was originally used for heroin addiction, can also reduce the problems of alcoholism and eating disorders. Some studies indicate that large doses are required for this effect. The cost is at present very high. More .

Phenylpropanolamine has been sold in USA as a medicine for overeating. However, it is not very effective and is believed to increase the risk of heart disease.

Medicines like Prozac, Fontex and Seroscand (Fluoxetine) which raise the level of Serotonin can be a useful component in the treatment of compulsive eating, but for some patients they increase weight instead of decreasing it.

1. They reduce hunger initially. This effect, however, disappears if you take them regularly for several weeks.
2. They normalise emotions. This effect will not show until after several weeks.

Reductil (Sibutramine, Meridia) is a similar medicine, where reduction of hunger is greater at the beginning of treatment. Also here, the effect diminishes with time. A disadvantage is that Reductil is far more expensive than Fluoxetine.

A medicine named Acomplia or Rimonabant will block a receptor for a cannabis-similar substance, which is part of the reward system in the brain. Sideeffects can be depressive symptoms, anxiety and disiness. When a patient quits using it, the weight will go up again.

It may sound surprising that medicines against obesity also can help non-obese people. But some people with eating disorders are very afraid of gaining weight. A medicine against over-eating can make them more secure, and thus allow a more normal eating.