Table 3. Drugs Associated with Weight Gain and
Suggested Alternatives (continued)
(Where evidence is mixed or reports are of a few cases, a "?"
has been added.)
Category Drug Class Weight Gain
Alternatives –
weight reducing in
parentheses
Cardiologic
Agents
Antihypertensives • α-Blocker?
• β-Blocker?
• ACE inhibitors?
• Calcium channel
blockers?
• Angiotensin-2 receptor
antagonists
Infectious
Disease Agents
Antiretroviral
therapy
• Protease inhibitors • None
General Steroid hormones • Corticosteroids
• Progestational
steroids
• NSAIDs
Antihistamines/
anticholinergics
• Diphenhydramine?
• Doxepin?
• Cyproheptadine?
• Decongestants
• Steroid inhalers
Table 4. Advantages and Disadvantages
Associated with Weight Loss Medications
Drug Advantages Disadvantages
Phentermine
• Inexpensive ($)
a
• Side effect profile
• No long-term data
b
Topiramate/phentermine
• Long-term data
b
• Teratogen
Lorcaserin • Side effect profile
• Long-term data
b
• Less robust weight loss and
not recommended for patients
on SSRIs
Orlistat, prescription • Nonsystemic
• Long-term data
b
• Tolerability profile
Orlistat, over-the-counter
• Safety profile
• Over-the-counter
• Side effect profile
Naltrexone/bupropion • Effect on food craving
• Long-term data
b
• Side effect profile
• Mid-level price range ($$)
a
Liraglutide • Side effect profile
• Long-term data
b
• Injectable
a
Discounts and promotional coupons may be available. Co-pays may vary.
b
Long-term = 1–2 years.
