It is important to read the information on this page together with the drug information provided for each of the different diet pills to ensure that you understand all the possible side effects of each drug and that you fully understand the difference between each weight loss drug.
Weight Loss Drug
|
Active Ingredient
|
Brand Trade or Generic
|
Primary Action
|
Differences between each of the Diet Pills
|
| Phentermine |
Phentermine Hydrochloride (HCL) |
Generic |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
Phentermine is the cheapest and most popular of the prescription diet pills |
| Adipex |
Phentermine Hydrochloride (HCL) |
Brand of Phentermine |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
Adipex is the most popular brand name Phentermine. It has the Maximum strength 30mg Phentermine base and is sold in 37.5mg doses |
| Bontril |
Phendimetrazine tartrate |
Trade Name |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
Bontril has the least side effects of any of the appetite suppressant medications. Slow Release formula provides added benefit. |
| Didrex |
Benzphetamine |
Trade Name |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
Didrex is considered to be the strongest of these type of weight loss drugs |
| Ionamin |
Phentermine Hydrochloride (HCL) |
Brand of Phentermine |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
Ionamin is set in resin, to produce a time release medication / pill. Some people, with sensitive stomachs or other reactions to immediate release Phentermine or Adipex, prefer Ionamin. |
| Meridia |
Sibutramine |
Trade Name |
Affects appetite control centers in the brain. Reduces food intake by increasing satiety. Not an appetite suppressant |
Meridia balances two very important brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. This helps to increase metabolism and causes a feeling of fullness and increased energy levels. Studies indicate that sibutramine assists in both weight loss and management. Meridia is not Phentermine based |
| Tenuate (Dospan) |
Diethylpropion hydrochloride |
Trade Name |
Sympathomimetic family of appetite suppressants |
In Tenuate Dospan tablets, diethylpropion hydrochloride is dispersed in a hydrophilic matrix. On exposure to water, the diethylpropion hydrochloride is released at a relatively uniform rate as a result of slow hydration of the matrix. The result is controlled release of the anorectic agent. |
| Xenical |
Orlistat |
Trade Name |
Stomach lipase inhibitor (a fat blocker) |
Unlike other commonly prescribed weight-loss medications, Xenical is not an appetite suppressant and does not have a direct effect on the brain. Instead, Xenical works in your digestive system to block about one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested. Enzymes in your digestive system, called lipases, help digest (or break down) fat. When taken with meals, Xenical attaches to the lipases and blocks them from breaking down some of the fat you have eaten. The undigested fat cannot be absorbed
and is eliminated in your bowel movements. |