Weight Loss Medications

There are so many weight loss clinics popping up these days!  I know you have seen them around town and you have likely heard advertisements for clinics and weight loss supplements on the radio!  Well, here at Physical Express, our weight loss program is designed to pair you with the most effective weight loss plan, individualized just for you!  We often will use medications in conjunction with diet and exercise to help you achieve your weight loss goals!  Below is a summary of the medication options we currently offer.  The practitioner and physician at our office will help you decide which medication may be right for you based on your current weight, goal weight, and any medical conditions you currently have!  Call our office to day for information!  334-285-3222

Medication Options For Weight Loss

**This is the list of medications that we may offer at our clinic.  We will assist you in deciding what medication is appropriate for you, based on your weight loss goals and current health condition.  This is not an all-inclusive weight loss medication list. 

**Generally, health insurance does not cover the cost of weight loss visits or medications.  You will need to check with your insurance company to see if this is covered.  We will not file weight loss visits on your insurance for you; you will need to pay for your weight loss visits at the time of check-in.  There will be no exceptions to this rule.  You will also be required to pay for drug screening if one is due at your visit.

Adipex

Cost: $

Generic: Yes

Type of medication: Stimulant, Appetite Suppressant

Prescribing: This is phentermine.  The usual dose is 37.5 mg once in the morning.  It is to be used only on a short-term basis (3-4 months) while you make necessary dietary and exercise habit changes.  This medication should not be used if you have hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or with other stimulant medications or alcohol consumption.  This medication may cause elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, and inability to sleep.

Bontril

Cost: $

Generic: Yes

Type of medication: Stimulant, Appetite Suppressant

Prescribing: This is similar to phentermine.  The usual dose is 35 mg 2-3 times daily about 1 hour prior to meals. This medication can be cut in half if needed.   It is to be used only on a short-term basis (3-4 months) while you make necessary dietary and exercise habit changes.  This medication should not be used if you have hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or with other stimulant medications or alcohol consumption.  This medication may cause elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, shakiness, dizziness, and inability to sleep.

Qsymia

Cost:$$$

Generic: No

Type of medication: Stimulant, Appetite Suppressant with a sulfamate

Prescribing:  This is phentermine with topiramate.  There are four doses.  You are started on the lowest dose and titrated up to higher doses as needed in 2-4 week intervals.  Weight loss is evaluated in 12 weeks for at least a 3% body weight decrease.  This medication must be tapered down if you wish to stop.  This medication is taken in the morning.  This medication should not be used if you have hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or with other stimulant medications or alcohol consumption.  This medication may cause suicidal thoughts, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, inability to sleep and / or shakiness.

Belviq and Bleviq XR

Cost:$$$

Generic: No

Type of medication: Serotonin Agonist

Prescribing:  This medication is taken either twice daily or once daily (Belviq XR).  This medication should not be used with anti-depressants, stimulants, or alcohol.  You should not take this medication if you have heart valve disease, bradycardia or other cardiac problems, depression, diabetes, or kidney disease.  Do not use this medication if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are nursing. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, changes in mood.

Saxenda

Cost: $$$$

Generic: No

Type of medication: Glucagon-like peptide 1, not a stimulant

Prescribing:  This is a daily injectable medication that helps to regulate your appetite.  GLP-1 receptors regulate your appetite and this medication functions like natural GLP-1 in your body.  This medication is started at a low dose and titrated up slowly.  Common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea. Weight loss will be evaluated at 16 weeks and medication will be stopped if you have not lost 4% of your body weight.  You should not use this medication if you have a family or personal history of thyroid cancer.  This medication can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), depression, increased heart rate, gallbladder disease, and / or suicidal thoughts.

Contrave

Cost: $$$

Generic: No

Type of medication: Opioid Agonist with antidepressant (Wellbutrin)

Prescribing: This is a titrated medication taken orally once to twice daily in increasing amounts over a period of 4 weeks.  Response to the medication will be evaluated in 12 weeks.  Medication should be stopped if you do not loose approximately 5% of your initial body weight.  This medication should not be used if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, eating disorders, or with other opiates, stimulants, anti-depressants, or alcohol. This medication can interact with several other medications, please notify your provider of all medications you take, including over the counter medications.   You cannot use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Side effects may include changes in mood, nausea, constipation, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea.