Oral Medication

Why Consider Oral Weight Loss Medications?

While injectable medications are highly effective, oral options shouldn't be overlooked. They provide an alternative for patients who:

Can not tolerate side effects associated with injectable medications
Have difficulty with injections or needles
Face cost or access barriers to injectable drugs

Oral medications can also help overcome weight loss plateaus when combined with injectable treatments.

Though weight loss may be less than with injectables, oral medications expand your options. A diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine certified physician can determine if an oral medication is appropriate for maximizing your weight loss and health goals.

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Medication By Mouth We Provide

All information presented on this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare professional prior to pursuing any of these options.

Phentermine

It activates the 'fight or flight' response in the body, primarily by increasing the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine helps regulate hunger and metabolism, while dopamine affects motivation and reward in the brain. By changing these neurotransmitter levels, Phentermine can reduce appetite and cravings for food.
As a controlled substance, Phentermine is prescribed for only 30 days at a time.
Studies have shown that for those who respond well to Phentermine, it can help them lose around 10% of their total body weight. For instance, a person weighing 200 pounds might lose about 20 pounds.
Phentermine, when prescribed by an American Board of obesity medicine specialist, can be a safe and effective medication.
Potential Side Effects:
-Fast Heart Rate
-Increase blood pressure
-Difficulty sleeping
-Anxiety
-Headache
It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea and other diseases.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.

Contrave

Contrave contains Wellbutrin and Naltrexone
Wellbutrin has been approved for treatment of depression. It is believed that Wellbutrin increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine. This can contribute to a sensation of increased fullness and the decreased desire to snack.
Naltrexone has been used as an opiate blocker that is meant to help people decrease the urge to smoke or consume large quantity of alcohol. It is believed that naltrexone prolongs the sensation of fullness.
Research suggests that individuals using Contrave can lose approximately 8% of their total body weight. For example, someone weighing 200 pounds might expect to lose around 16 pounds.
When prescribed by an experienced ABOM certified Doctor and monitored appropriately, Contrave can be a safe medication.
Potential Side Effects:
-Depression or suicidal thoughts
-Increased blood pressure or heart rate especially in people who have poorly controlled blood pressure
-People with prior history of seizures or eating disorders should not take this medication
-Increased pressure in the eye known as acute angle glaucoma
-It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
-For women who expect to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, use of weight loss medication could result in serious birth defects or injury to your baby. You must make us aware if these scenarios apply to you in order to avoid a serious complication involving your baby. We will discuss non-medical options and plan on resuming treatment after the pregnancy or finishing breast feeding.
If prescribed, you'll get full instructions on using Contrave safely.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.

Qsymia

Qsymia is a once daily oral medication that helps reduce hunger and food cravings
Brain: Phentermine causes an increase in norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These hormones send signals in the brain that you're full, reducing your desire to eat. Topamax also reduces the “food noise” that tempts people to snack.
Dopamine System: Both Phentermine and Topamax work on the brain's reward system, which can help reduce cravings and make it easier to resist temptations like sweets.
It's been carefully studied and found to be one of the most effective oral medications for weight loss. People who take Qsymia can lose about 12% of their total body weight. For example, if someone weighs 200 pounds, they could lose around 24 pounds while taking Qsymia.
When prescribed by an experienced Doctor and monitored appropriately, Qsymia can be a safe medication.
Possible Side Effects:
Like other medicines, Qsymia can cause side effects such as:
-Tingling in hands and feet
-Dizziness
-Constipation
-Dry mouth
-Fast Heart Rate
-Increased Blood Pressure
-Difficulty concentrating
It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
For women who expect to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding, use of weight loss medication could result in serious birth defects or injury to your baby. You must make us aware if these scenarios apply to you in order to avoid a serious complication involving your baby. We will discuss non-medical options and plan on resuming treatment after the pregnancy or finishing breast feeding.
If prescribed, you'll get full instructions on using Qsymia safely.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.

Topamax

Use of Topamax for weight loss is considered OFF-LABEL
Topamax is part of Qsymia but is prescribed individually based on certain health related conditions.
Research seems to suggest that Topamax may work by having an effect on the reward system which can contribute to less snacking and binge eating behavior. There are numerous hormones associated with hunger and fullness and some studies indicate that Topamax may play a role in making a person feel fuller for a longer period of time.
Studies have shown a weight loss of approximately 5% to 10% of total body weight. In a 200 pound person, this would be between 10 and 20 pounds. Keep in mind that Topamax is usually combined with another weight loss medication when the original medication is no longer contributing to weight loss.
When prescribed by an American Board of Obesity Medicine certified physician, the medicine can be safe with appropriate follow up.
There are potential side effects such as difficulty concentrating, increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), nerve pain (paresthesia), change in taste of water and food.
It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea and other diseases.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.
When traditional FDA approved medications cannot be taken.

Orlistat

This results in less absorption of fat. Orlistat works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down fat found in food. Normally, when fat is broken down, it can be absorbed by the intestines, but when it's blocked, about 30% of the fat you eat passes through the body undigested, reducing overall calorie intake from fat.
This medication can be prescribed at a higher dose which is more expensive and has better results. There is an over-the-counter version called Alli, which has a lower dosage, costs less provides lower weight loss.
Studies have shown that Orlistat can help people lose around 6% of their total body weight. For example, a person weighing 200 pounds might lose about 12 pounds.
Orlistat is considered a safe medication, especially when prescribed by American board of Obesity Medicine certified Physician.
It's important to take supplemental vitamins A, D, E, and K while using Orlistat. Since this medication reduces fat absorption, it can also lower the absorption of these essential fat-soluble vitamins.
It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea and other diseases.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.

Metformin

Use of metformin for weight loss is considered OFF-LABEL.
Metformin aids weight loss primarily by increasing feelings of fullness and satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake. It acts directly on the brain's appetite control centers and indirectly through gastrointestinal side effects like bloating. Metformin also boosts levels of appetite-suppressing hormones like GLP-1 and PYY. Rather than burning calories, metformin tricks the body into feeling satisfied, resulting in lower calorie consumption over time
When taken as the main weight loss medication, some studies showed a 10 pound weight loss. This medication is generally used when an FDA approved medication reaches a plateau in weight loss or no other weight loss medications are an option.
When prescribed by an American Board of Obesity Medicine certified physician,
Metformin is generally a safe medication. Some of the classic side effects involve the intestinal tract.
It is impossible to go into every side effect on a webpage so please discuss the risks with a doctor.
Patients with Obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea and other diseases.
People who had previous bariatric surgery and either didn’t lose enough weight or are beginning to regain weight.
Women who are trying to get rid of the “belly fat” that comes with menopause.
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men who have want to build muscle mass, get rid of the big belly, have more energy.
When traditional FDA approved medications cannot be taken.