TABLE 1

Drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of obesitya

DrugMechanism of actionEffectDaily dosageb
Orlistat (Xenical)Inhibits pancreatic and gastric lipaseDecreases fat absorption120 mg 3 times a day with each main meal containing fat
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)Augments central norepinephrine releaseDecreases appetite8 mg to 37.5 mg once daily
Phentermine and topiramate-extended release (Qsymia)Augments central norepinephrine and gamma-amino butyric acid releaseDecreases appetitePhentermine 3.75 mg/topiramate 23 mg once daily (initial); phentermine 7.5 mg/ topiramate 46 mg once daily (maintenance)
Bupropion and naltrexone sustained release (Contrave)Inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake; blocks opioid receptorDecreases appetite1 tablet (bupropion 90 mg/naltrexone 8 mg) once daily in morning (intial); 2 tablets (bupropion 180 mg/naltrexone 16 mg) twice daily (usual); maximum daily dose: bupropion 360 mg/naltrexone 32 mg
Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan)Augments central norepinephrine releaseDecreases appetite25 mg 3 times a day (immediate release); 75 mg once daily, midmorning (controlled release)
Lorcaserin (Belviq)Activates serotonin 5-HT receptor 2CDecreases appetite10 mg twice a day (immediate release)
Liraglutide (Saxenda) receptorActivates glucagon-like peptide 1Decreases appetite3 mg subcutaneously once a day
  • a Average weight loss is about 5 to 10 kg by 1 year.

  • b By mouth, except for liraglutide.

  • Based on data from Lexicomp Online.15