Over the Counter Diet Pills

Other Diet Pills

Aside from prescription diet pills, there are other medications, typically called over the counter diet medications, that one can take to help lose weight. Keep in mind that, with the exception of Alli, over the counter medications are not regulated or controlled by the FDA. Talk to your doctor about any weight loss medication you are considering before embarking on a weight loss regiment.

Alli (Orlistat)

Alli is the over the counter version of the prescription diet pill Xenical. It contains half the dosage of prescription xenical and is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Alli is pronouced ally, as it is intended to by an ally, along with a low fat diet and exercise plan, in an overall weight loss plan. Alli is the first FDA approved over the counter diet pill available. It received FDA approval in 2007.

Alli is marketed alongside myalli, which connotes an overall weight loss plan that incorporates OTC orlistat.

Learn more about Alli from the US Food and Drug Administration.

Dexatrim or Acutrim

Like many over the counter diet pills, Dexatrim or Acutrim contain
phenylpropanolamine (PPA). PPA is an appetite suppressant, as well as a nasal decongestant. The FDA has advised consumers to stop using products that contain PPA. Reports show that PPA has been linked to an increased risk of bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) and has asked drug manufacturers to cease selling any product that contains PPA. Because of these warnings, many of the products that once contained PPA have been reformulated.

Metabolife

Metabolife is another popular OTC product. It is a herb based diet pill. Like similar products, such as Metabolite and MetaboMax, the primary ingredient in these products is ephedrine. Ephedrine is derived from the ephedra plant and is it's synthetic derivative. The FDA does have strong regulations for the use of ephedrine.

St. John's Wort

The FDA believes that this product has yet been proven either effective or safe. So avoid this one.

Natural Balance or Natrol or Solaray

These products, and several others, contain 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a breakdown product of tryptophan, which at one time was a popular supplement.

Citrimax or CitriLean or Citrus Slim Gum

These products contain the herbal ingredient Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid - HCA). Most researchers agree that this herb is ineffective for weight loss. Avoid this one as well, waste of money.

Prescription diet pills:

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