Treatment
22
Table 5. Medications Studied for the Long-Term Treatment
of Obesity
Drug Status
Common Side
Effects
Monitoring and
Contraindications
Centrally Acting Anorexigenic Agents
Phentermine,
diethylpropion,
and mazindol
a
Approved only
for short- term
use in adults
Insomnia,
elevation in heart
rate, dry mouth,
taste alterations,
dizziness, tremors,
headache, diarrhea,
constipation,
vomiting,
gastrointestinal
distress, anxiety,
restlessness
Monitor HR, BP.
ese medications
are contraindicated
in uncontrolled
hypertension,
hyperthyroidism,
glaucoma, agitated
states, history of drug
abuse, and MAOIs.
Use caution when
prescribing to patients
with even mild
hypertension.
Lisdexamfetamine
dimesylate
a
Not FDA
approved
for obesity.
Approved for
binge eating
disorder in
adults and for
attention deficit
hyperactivity
disorder in
patients ≥6 y old
Dry mouth,
sleeplessness
(insomnia),
increased heart
rate, jittery feelings,
constipation,
anxiety
is medication is
contraindicated with
MAOIs. ere is a
risk for sudden death
in people who have
heart problems or heart
defects, and stroke and
heart attack in adults.
Monitor blood pressure
and heart rate. May
produce psychotic
or manic symptoms,
such as hallucinations,
delusional thinking,
or mania. May worsen
peripheral vasculopathy,
including Raynaud
phenomenon.
Sibutramine Withdrawn
in the US
(increased
risk of serious
cardiovascular
events). Still
available in some
countries such as
Brazil.
Tachycardia,
hypertension,
palpitations,
insomnia, anxiety,
nervousness,
depression,
diaphoresis
Monitor HR, BP.
Do not use with other
drugs, MAOIs
