The Best Diet Pills That Are FDA Approved

Dozens of diet pills on the market promise weight loss. With so many pills, it's hard to determine which diet pills are safe and offer the best results. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides information on food items, including certain diet pills. FDA approval offers consumers an indication of the safety and efficacy of diet pills.

The FDA's Role

According to the FDA, it does not require manufacturers to register or get FDA approval for diet pills before selling them to the public. Once diet pills are sold on the market, the FDA monitors and takes action against unsafe weight loss pills. Diet pills that have been approved by the FDA have typically gone through many years of testing to determine their safety. Some diet pills are approved for long-term use; others may only be used short-term.

Phentermine

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that's often prescribed for short-term use in obese people. Approved by the FDA in 1959, phentermine is the most popular and most frequently prescribed prescription appetite suppressant, according to the Health Reserve. If you're 12 or older, you can ask your doctor for a prescription for Phentermine. Expect to take one pill before every meal. If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you realize it.

Do not take Phentermine if you have a history of substance abuse, because this diet pill often causes dependency. If you're looking for a diet pill that enables you to lose weight over an extended period of time Phentermine is not for you. Although you may see results right away, the amount of weight that you're able to lose on Phentermine will taper off the longer you're on this medication. Keep in mind that you may also experience withdrawals when you stop taking phentermine.

Do not take this diet pill if you have heart disease, glaucoma, or high blood pressure. If you're currently taking Phen-Fen or Redux, do not take Phentermine. Taking these pills together will put you at risk of a fatal lung disorder, according to Drug Information Online. Side effects of phentermine may include loss of breath, swelling, and chest pains.

Xenical

Xenical, approved by the FDA as a prescription diet pill in 1999, works by blocking about 30 percent of the fat that your body absorbs. Xenical is typically prescribed to people who are obese for short-term use. If you're 12 or older, you can get a prescription for Xenical. Take Xenical up to three times per day. Only take Xenical when you eat a meal that contains fat. If your meal doesn't contain fat, it's OK to miss a dosage, according to Drug Information Online. While taking Xenical, also take a multivitamin with minerals once a day. You can take take it in the morning or at night as long as it's not taken within 2 hours of taking Xenical.

Do not take Xenical if you are allergic to Orlistat (the generic name for Xenical), have a history of problems with your gallbladder, or have problems naturally absorbing foods and nutrients. Side effects of Xenical may include jaundice, increased bowel movements, and loose stool. In 2007 Alli, a nonprescription version of Xenical became the first over-the-counter diet pill to be approved by the FDA.

Take Alli instead of Xenical if you're looking for an over-the-counter diet pill. Expect to experience the exact benefits and side effects of taking Alli that you would if taking Xenical. The same dosing also applies to Alli. Do not take Alli unless you're over the age of 18. If you're not, talk to your doctor about Xenical instead.

Meridia

Meridia is an appetite suppressant that increases dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain to help decrease your appetite. Doctors prescribe Meridia to overweight and obese people who are at risk of developing hypertension or high cholesterol.

Meridia is an option for you if you're looking for a diet pill that you can take once in the morning with or without food. Only take Meridia if you're 16 or older. Though Meridia is FDA-approved, in May 2009 the FDA warned against taking Meridia after it was linked to hundreds of adverse reactions and over 28 deaths. Although your doctor can still prescribe Meridia for you, taking Xenical or Phentermine is a safer option.

Do not take Meridia if you have hypertension, an eating disorder, or problems with your heart. Side effects of Meridia may include rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, flu symptoms, shortness of breath, and insomnia.

Warning

Talk to your doctor to see which diet pill he thinks is best for you. Only he can recommend the safest, most effective diet pill based on your specific needs. Keep in mind that all of these diet pills should be taken as prescribed and used in conjunction with a modified, reduced calorie diet and some form of exercise. Never give diet pills to children under 12 years of age.