Which Medication is Best for Weight Loss; Phentermine or Qnexa?

Phentermine and Qnexa are considered as the best medications for weight loss. Here we will explain the differences of the two to enable you to make choices.

Many patients interested in shedding some extra pounds will find themselves pulled towards phentermine. Phentermine has been used for a long time to help treat patients who suffer from obesity.

If using the body mass index (BMI) – which is based on the height and weight of a patient – then a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese, while a BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight. When using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) – >.8 in women or between 0.9 to 1.0 in men. With either of these scales, many of the people who are interested in taking phentermine might not actually fall under the proper definition of “obese.”

Phentermine, the Appetite Suppressant

Phentermine (Adipex-P, Suprenza) works as an appetite suppressant that stimulates the adrenal glands in the hypothalamus, encouraging them to release norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for triggering the fight-or-flight response and is used to reduce hunger.

Phentermine has other effects that enable weight loss, including triggering the break-down of stored fat. Even so, phentermine is mainly used as an appetite suppressant rather than a fat burner. Phentermine can be used to trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, but these effects are not as potent as the norepinephrine-releasing effects. It can improve your mood, but weight loss is still the primary use.

While phentermine remains one of the most prescribed treatments for obesity to help patients lose weight, there is also a range of side-effects associated with the medication. These potential side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and nerves/jittering.

Phentermine is officially classed as a Schedule IV drug – a classification for drugs considered to have the potential for abuse – but the actual phentermine potential for abuse is relatively low. Phentermine is commonly prescribed for short term use and is rarely prescribed for over three months.

Phentermine isn’t the best choice for patients suffering from hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease, hypertension, or glaucoma. It’s also unsafe for pregnant women or women who are likely to get pregnant or breastfeeding.

It’s also important that, if taking phentermine, you don’t take any other weight-loss medications alongside it. Phentermine must be taken by itself to avoid complications caused by mixing drugs. It’s more than potent enough to do the job by itself.

Mainly, Phentermine works to reduce hunger levels and keep you feeling full for longer. While Phentermine is an excellent way to boost initial weight loss, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of putting it back on after coming off of the medication.

Phentermine needs to be one part of a more comprehensive weight loss plan. This plan needs to include exercising regularly and eating a low-fat diet filled with fruit and grains, sensible portions of lean protein, and plenty of water. Many people were trying to lose weight underestimate the value of staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water.

Qnexa, the Combination of Topiramate and Phentermine

The FDA voted to delay Qnexa approval on April 9th, 2012. Qnexa is a combination pill made up of topiramate and phentermine. The drug is designed to be an aid for obese patients, but approval was delayed because of concerns about the safety of the pill.

The FDA were concerned about the potential for rapid heart rate or tachycardia, and birth defects in newborns include cleft lip. There were additional concerns caused by Qnexa appearing to trigger non-fatal heart attacks.

During studies patients taking the drug had these heart attacks, while the control group taking placebos did not. Topiramate, sold under the name Topamax, is primarily used to treat seizures and migraine headaches; but it has also been observed to cause weight loss.

Preliminary research into Qnexa suggests that it could improve glycemic control and lipid profile, as well as reduce blood pressure. This is on top of the weight loss effects that could see patients lose up to 10% of their body weight. Even though Qnexa itself wasn’t officially approved, physicians are known to prescribe both phentermine and Topamax together as a weight loss aid.

When it comes to weight loss, a patient is more likely to lose weight and maintain the weight loss over extended periods of time if you aren’t taking weight loss medications and relying on them. These medications could still be a great aid to obese patients who need some extra help on top of a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Don’t hesitate to consult your physician about these drugs, and be sure to consult them before making a drastic change to your diet, losing a significant amount of weight, or taking medication to help you lose that weight. They will be able to advise you about how to properly lose weight and assess you to make sure that weight loss medication is the right choice for you.