Able Weight Loss Center

We use these pharmaceutical tools to help our patients lose weight while they cope with their craving for food. Just taking a pill may make some weight disappear for a time, but if behavior modifications are not part of the treatment, the weight will return. If your weight loss was not based on a program tailored to your lifestyle and personal needs, those pounds that you worked so hard to shed may come back and haunt you.

These diet medications have been used successfully over the last forty years and have yet to cause any serious problems. They are all stand alone drugs which share a similar chemical structure and mode of action. They work by producing norepinephrine which in turn stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain to suppress the appetite. None of these drugs stimulate serotonin and therefore there are no contraindications with the use of any other medication taken in conjunction with them other than MAO Inhibitors. This means that all of the new SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.), migraine, and anti hypertensive drugs may be taken with them.

As for the safety, there have been no serious side effects noted in over 40 years with millions of doses given. In an August 1998 study published in New England Journal of Medicine the incidence of heart valve lesions and PPH in over 5,000 patients was the same as the control group (no medication given). ZERO.

PHENTERMINE (Ionamine or Fastin) The most popular over the years. Very effective and probably the best one a day dosage medication. The most troublesome side effect is that on insomnia in approximately 10% of patients. However, this is usually self limiting in a week. When the originator oh Phen-Fen originally did his research he found that phentermine by itself is as effective in promoting weight loss as when it was combined with fenfluramin.

PHENDIMETRAZINE (Bontril or Plegine) Not as popular as Phentermine, but also a very effective drug. The least side effects of any of the medications with virtually no insomnia or stimulation. Due to it's short half life it is more effective in people with a twice a day dosage.

DIETHYLPROPION Used along with diet, exercise and behavior therapy for the short-term management of obesity. Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include restlessness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor immediately.

ORLISTATE (Xenical) Xenical acts directly on the GI tract to block the absorption of fat. The downside of this drug is that it decreases the absorption of fat but also decreases absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D & E) and some betacarotenes. The only other side effect is that if you stray from the low fat diet too far you may suffer from bloating and crapping.

** These drugs are only dispensed by one of our physicians. They are not sold over the Internet. Please visit our office and talk with Dr. Bell to see which of these is right for you.
Thank you.