New Weight Loss Medications: Meridia & Xenical
Although the two newest weight loss medications,
Meridia and Xenical, work differently, they have
some characteristics in common.
Both medications work best when you follow a
healthy diet and exercise plan and both have
shown the same moderate success rates: a 5-15%
weight loss over six months. Doctors use body
mass index to determine the best candidates for
these medications. The body mass index is a measurement
of your weight in comparison to your height.
Finally, both medications are safe for most people
and cause few side effects.
How Do They Work?
Meridia extends the power of the appetite-regulating chemicals in the brain
so you feel full sooner. It doesn't suppress your appetite however. Xenical
blocks the intestines from absorbing fat from food. Undigested fat goes out
of your body in your bowel movements. Because you're absorbing less fat,
you're absorbing less calories.
Safety
Meridia, taken once a day, with or without meals, is usually not used for longer
than one year, as its safety hasn't been studied beyond that time. Xenical,
since it works directly on the food you've just eaten, is taken before each
meal. So far, Xenical is not recommended for use longer than two years.
The medications are not for everyone. Since
Meridia can cause high blood pressure in some
people, users are monitored very closely. Of
course people who have uncontrolled high blood
pressure can't take Meridia.
Others who should not take Meridia include:
- People taking MAO Inhibitors for depression,
Parkinson's disease or any other disease
- Patients with anorexia nervosa
- Patients with a history of stroke or heart
disease
- People who've had an allergic reaction to
Meridia or sibutramine
- People taking other medications that regulate
the brain chemical Serotonin.
Since Xenical blocks the absorption of fat,
it also interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins which you need, such as B, D and E.
For this reason, it's recommended that patients
take a multi-vitamin either two hours before
or after taking the medication.
Others who should not take Xenical include:
- People who've had an allergic reaction to
Orlistat
- People who have gallbladder disease
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those who have trouble absorbing or digesting
foods.
Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects of Meridia are headache, dry mouth, constipation,
and insomnia. Less frequent side effects are increased sweating, blood pressure
and heart rate.
With Xenical, side effects, such as abdominal
discomfort, gas, diarrhea and fecal incontinence,
occur when fat intake is too high. "That's
why it's important to follow the dietary restrictions
recommended, in particular, sticking to low-to-moderate
fat intake, about 30% of each meal," explained
Dr. Weil.
"People test it out by seeing how much
fat they can handle. Most find that if they're
sticking to low fat intake, they're okay. The
nice thing about Xenical is you take it with
your meal and it blocks the fat absorption of
that meal only. Therefore, if you go out to dinner
-- a situation where you know you can't control
the fat content of your meal -- you don't take
the pill. Then you won't experience the uncomfortable
side effects," said Dr. Weil.
If you're interested in trying one of these
medications, talk with your health care provider.
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