PRESCRIPTION WEIGHT CONTROL DRUGS
In the previous post, we have seen some diet formulas available in the pharmacies as OTC weight control preparations.
When you buy these slimming formulas please be careful about their contents. Because high protein is very important to protect our vital body organs and functions.
The formula branded as "Last Chance Diet" marketed in the mid 70s in U.S.caused several deaths from cardiovascular complaints and the casualties is observed due to the lack of nitrogen balance because of the product's contents of poor quality protein formula.
By keeping these important points in later years high-quality protein formulas with some proportions of carbohydrates and fat like Optifast, Medifast, and Health Management Resources(HMR) are appearing in the market. Although these products are safe and free from fatalities as they supply daily 400 to 800 calories sufficient for our body, yet maintenance of weight loss over a long term use is still in question.
Slimfast and Ultraslimfast are high-quality protein food replacement formulas that appeared in the market in later years. These proved some successes as they replace one or two main meals of the day.
Prescription Medications
1.Amphetamine
2.Methamphetamine
3.Phenmetrazine.
All the above drugs are acting as slimming drugs by suppressing the hungry. Amphetamines are indirect adrenergic agonists by releasing norepinephrine from its stores at presynaptic nerve terminals
These medicines are no more in use because of their high potency of toxicities and drug abuse.
Drugs that are marketed later are:-
1.Phendimetrazine
2.Diethylpropion
3.Phentermine
4.Fenfluramine
These drugs too show little drug abuse but are allowed to use for short term purposes such as for not more than a few (8 to 12) weeks on medical prescription only.
Similar to amphetamines these drugs also act by indirectly agonizing the adrenergic nervous system in a lesser degree, but has other routes of action too such as through CNS by suppressing safe center in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus
Fenfluramine is acting through the serotonin pathway.
Side effects
1.Restlessness
2.Insomnia
3.Tremors
4.Tachycardia
5.Diarrhea
6.Nausea
7.Dry mouth
8.Mydriasis
9.Drug abuse
In general, all the side effects are very similar to adrenergic stimulations and hence patients with cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiovascular problems should seek medical advice
For Long Term Uses
At last, a modified fenfluramine known as Dexfenfluramine is allowed by the FDA for chronic treatment of obesity on prescription. The drug suppresses the appetite and carbohydrate cravings by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain which is safer than norepinephrine
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