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Weight Loss Medications

Other names: anorexiants; anti-obesity medications; diet drugs; diet medications; Weight Loss Medications

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024.

Common weight loss medications (anorexiants) are benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave), diethylpropion, liraglutide (Saxenda),  methamphetamine (Desoxyn), orlistat (alli, Xenical), phendimetrazine (Bontril, Melfiat), phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira), phentermine and topiramate (Qsymia), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Sibutramine (Meridia) was withdrawn from U.S. market in 2010 due to increased heart toxicity risk, and lorcaserin (Belviq) was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2020 due to an increased cancer risk.

Weight loss medications are usually used together with a reduced calorie diet and and exercise.

Table of Common Weight Loss Drugs

Brand Name (Manufacturer) Generic Name Description Controlled Substance?

Adipex-P

Lomaira

phentermine oral tablet or capsules; appetite suppressant; anorectic yes, C- IV
alli, Xenical orlistat oral capsule; lipase inhibitor; inhibits fat absorption in the intestine available over-the-counter (OTC)
Belviq, Belviq XR (brands and generic discontinued) lorcaserin (withdrawn) selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist; promotes a feeling of fullness or satiety; withdrawn from US market in 2020 due to increased cancer risk (such as pancreatic, colorectal, and lung). product withdrawn
Bontril PDM, Melfiat (both brands discontinued) phendimetrazine oral tablets; appetite suppressant; anorectic yes, C-III
Desoxyn methamphetamine oral tablets; appetite suppressant; use cautiously if prescribed for weight loss due to high potential for abuse, illegal distribution yes, C-II
Didrex, Regimex (both brands discontinued) benzphetamine oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic yes, C-III
Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan (brands discontinued) diethylpropion oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic yes, C-IV
Meridia (brand discontinued) sibutramine (withdrawn) anorectic; withdrawn from US market in 2010 due to increased heart toxicity risk. product withdrawn
Qsymia phentermine and topiramate extended-release oral capsules; combination appetite suppressant-anorectic; exact action of topiramate on weight loss is not known yes, C-IV
Suprenza (brand discontinued) phentermine oral tablet; appetite suppressant; anorectic brand not available; generic C-IV
Xenical orlistat oral capsule; lipase inhibitor; prescription form of Alli (OTC); higher dose than Alli; inhibits fat absorption in the intestine not controlled; prescription required.
Contrave bupropion and naltrexone oral tablet; increases metabolism, suppresses appetite, affects central reward center (proposed mechanism) not controlled; prescription required.
Saxenda liraglutide once-daily subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist not controlled; prescription required.
Wegovy semaglutide once-weekly subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist not controlled; prescription required.
Zepbound tirzepatide once-weekly subcutaneous injection; glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and  glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist not controlled; prescription required.

 

Drugs used for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
phentermine 8.7 2966 reviews for phentermine to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X 4 X
Generic name:
phentermine systemic
Brand names:
Adipex-P, Lomaira, Atti-Plex P
Drug class:
CNS stimulants, anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Wegovy 7.4 412 reviews for Wegovy to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx N X
Generic name:
semaglutide systemic
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
semaglutide 7.4 728 reviews for semaglutide to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx N X
Generic name:
semaglutide systemic
Brand name:
Wegovy
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
topiramate Off-label 7.4 234 reviews for topiramate to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx D N X
Generic name:
topiramate systemic
Drug class:
carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Mounjaro 8.9 370 reviews for Mounjaro to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx N X
Generic name:
tirzepatide systemic
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Adipex-P 8.9 602 reviews for Adipex-P to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X 4 X
Generic name:
phentermine systemic
Drug class:
CNS stimulants, anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
tirzepatide 8.9 694 reviews for tirzepatide to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx N X
Generic name:
tirzepatide systemic
Brand names:
Mounjaro, Zepbound
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Zepbound 9.1 166 reviews for Zepbound to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx N X
Generic name:
tirzepatide systemic
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Contrave 6.6 1973 reviews for Contrave to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X N X
Generic name:
bupropion / naltrexone systemic
Drug class:
anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
bupropion Off-label 7.4 57 reviews for bupropion to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C N X
Generic name:
bupropion systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antidepressants, smoking cessation agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Saxenda 7.5 1444 reviews for Saxenda to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C N X
Generic name:
liraglutide systemic
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Alli 6.0 115 reviews for Alli to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) OTC X N
Generic name:
orlistat systemic
Drug class:
peripherally acting antiobesity agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
orlistat 7.4 383 reviews for orlistat to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx/OTC X N
Generic name:
orlistat systemic
Brand names:
Alli, Xenical
Drug class:
peripherally acting antiobesity agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Xenical 8.4 120 reviews for Xenical to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X N
Generic name:
orlistat systemic
Drug class:
peripherally acting antiobesity agents
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
diethylpropion 8.7 160 reviews for diethylpropion to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx B 4 X
Generic name:
diethylpropion systemic
Drug class:
CNS stimulants, anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
phendimetrazine 8.3 151 reviews for phendimetrazine to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C 3 X
Generic name:
phendimetrazine systemic
Brand name:
Bontril PDM
Drug class:
CNS stimulants, anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Qsymia 7.7 565 reviews for Qsymia to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X 4 X
Generic name:
phentermine / topiramate systemic
Drug class:
anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
methamphetamine 10 5 reviews for methamphetamine to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C 2 X
Generic name:
methamphetamine systemic
Drug class:
CNS stimulants, anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Pregnyl Off-label 9.0 1 review for Pregnyl to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X N
Generic name:
chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) systemic
Drug class:
gonadotropins
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
liraglutide 7.6 1778 reviews for liraglutide to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C N X
Generic name:
liraglutide systemic
Brand name:
Saxenda
Drug class:
Incretin Mimetics (GLP-1 Agonists)
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
amphetamine 10 1 review for amphetamine to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C 2 X
Generic name:
amphetamine systemic
Brand name:
Evekeo
Drug class:
CNS stimulants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
bupropion / naltrexone 6.6 2051 reviews for bupropion / naltrexone to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X N X
Generic name:
bupropion / naltrexone systemic
Brand name:
Contrave
Drug class:
anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
phentermine / topiramate 7.8 690 reviews for phentermine / topiramate to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X 4 X
Generic name:
phentermine / topiramate systemic
Brand name:
Qsymia
Drug class:
anorexiants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) Off-label 7.0 14 reviews for chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx X N
Generic name:
chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) systemic
Brand name:
Pregnyl
Drug class:
gonadotropins
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Natural Product Monographs, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
desvenlafaxine Off-label 8.4 10 reviews for desvenlafaxine to treat Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) Rx C N X
Generic name:
desvenlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Topics under Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)

Alternative treatments for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight). Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight).

Legend

Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.