Weight Loss Pills That Will Not Affect Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, losing weight will help your condition. But you cannot safely take many diet pills that suppress appetite, as such medications can potentially increase your blood pressure, warns the Mayo Clinic.
If you have high blood pressure, losing weight will help your condition. But you cannot safely take many diet pills that suppress appetite, as such medications can potentially increase your blood pressure, warns the Mayo Clinic. If you do not have other serious medical conditions, your doctor may prescribe another type of diet pill or you can try an over-the-counter fat-blocking drug.
Over-the-Counter Alli
Alli is an over-the-counter fat-blocking drug that can help you lose extra weight, notes the Mayo Clinic. Alli consists of 60 mg of orlistat, which prevents the fat from your food intake from being digested in your body; you pass the undigested fat out through your bowel movements. You can lose 3 to 5 lbs more each year by taking the drug than you would with just dietary changes and increased exercise habits. But if you have liver problems, are pregnant or nursing you should not take any type of orlistat.
Prescription Orlistat
Your doctor may prescribe 120 mg of orlistat and you could lose up to 7 lbs extra each year than you would have with just diet and exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prescription orlistat is available in its generic form or the brand name Xenical. But if you eat high-fat meals, you risk embarrassing side effects such as gas that causes oily spotting onto your underwear and uncontrollable bowel movements. Also, some orlistat users claim the drug caused serious liver damage; call your doctor immediately if you suffer from jaundice or dark-colored urine while taking orlistat.
Prescription Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant your doctor might prescribe "off-label" to help you lose weight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This medication will not increase your blood pressure, but may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and headaches. If you experience suicidal thoughts, hallucinations or difficulty breathing after taking bupropion, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Prescription Topiramate
Topiramate, usually used to treat seizure disorders, is another drug your doctor can prescribe off-label to help you lose weight. You should not follow a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet such as Atkins when taking topiramate, warns PubMed Health. You may suffer from side effects such as confusion, nervousness, aggressive behavior, mood swings, depression, headache and weakness while taking topiramate. If these symptoms become severe or do not go away, call your doctor.