Categorizing appetite suppressants

Losing weight isn’t an easy task. Many people just cannot resist their hunger. Are appetite suppressants an answer for such people? Are they really effective? Well, it depends. Some products work for some people under some circumstances. This may sound like a vague answer at this time but you would be able to comprehend this better as you read further. Appetite suppressants are the primary weight loss medications nowadays and have been divided into four categories:

1. Dietary supplement or over-the-counter suppressants – These medications do not have FDA approval. It is better to avoid these as their dosage and safety is almost always under question. But most of these are natural suppressants? Agreed! But natural doesn’t necessarily suggest that they are safe.
 
2.  Take arsenic, for example. While some of them prove to be a mere waste of money, it is quite possible that some of them may also damage your health. So, it is better to consult your doctor, if you are considering taking any OTC appetite suppressants.
 
3. Prescription medications – These medications have the FDA approval for their effectiveness and safety. Phentermine is a popular suppressant that is approved for use for a maximum of 12 weeks and is a good body stimulant. Meridia is another medication that gained approval for up to 2 years. Consult your physician to know which prescribed suppressant would work best for your individual needs.
 
4. "Off-label" prescription suppressants – These are quite risky as these are the medications that have gained FDA approval for some other disease and is used for any other disease. Relatives and friends including some irresponsible doctors recommend these medications.

For instance, Adderall and wellbutrin are the medications that are sometimes recommended for weight loss but are actually approved for hyperactivity and depression respectively. It is advised to stay away from such recommendations.

Medications queued for FDA approval – Not many medications fall under this category. At present, Rimonabant is one appetite suppressant that is waiting for FDA approval in U.S; though it has gained approval in 14 European countries. Apparently, FDA is still not convinced that benefits of Rimonabant outweigh the risks posed by it. Taranabant is another similar compound that is also being studied. Hence, try avoiding these medications too until their approval.

You may purchase any of these appetite suppressants at your nearby pharmacy or over the Internet. Make sure you do extensive research and seek your doctor’s advice before you buy any of them.