How Do CNS Stimulants Anorexiants Work?

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, anorexiants are a class of medications used as a therapy for obesity. Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is a global problem and defined as having a body mass index (a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters) of 30.0 kg/m2 or more. If a person has obesity, it can increase their risk of developing several other health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

CNS stimulants, anorexiants act on the brain to suppress appetite and are administered as immediate and extended-release tablets. These are prescription medicines to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen several health risks associated with obesity.

CNS stimulants, anorexiants work in the following ways:

• They act on the brain to suppress appetite (appetite suppressants).
• They stimulate the hypothalamic and limbic regions of the brain, which control satiety.
• They increase the amount of energy used by the body by affecting certain parts of the brain.
• In addition, they make you feel full for a longer time and improve satiety.
• They can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems.

• CNS stimulants, anorexiants are used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone.
• Some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (a neurological disorder that affects parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks).

Common side effects include:

• Bad/metallic taste in the mouth
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, feet, face, or mouth

Other rare side effects include:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Tachycardia (high resting heart rate-more than 100 beats per minute)
• Myalgia (pain in a muscle or group of muscles)
• Restlessness
• Tremors (an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body)
• Increased sweating
• Blurred vision
• Painful, difficult, or frequent urination

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of CNS stimulants, anorexiants include:

• Adipex P
• Belviq
• Belviq XR
• Benzphetamine
• Bontril PDM
• Desoxyn
• Didrex
• Diethylpropion
• Lomaira
• Lorcaserin
• Methamphetamine
• Phendimetrazine
• Phentermine
• Phentermine/topiramate
• Qsymia
• Regimex