Of course, diet and exercise are the cornerstones of weight loss and the GLP meds (Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, etc) are very effective. But there are situations where it may not be feasible or desirable for patients to use them. And cost is a major barrier for many people. Here is a list of alternatives for consideration.
| Name of Drug | Commonly Used For: | Prescription Required? | Approximate Monthly Cost | Possible Side Effects | Is it Effective? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phentermine | Weight loss | yes | $20 | Insomnia, increased BP/HR, nervousness, dependency risks | very |
| Buproprion | Depression | Yes | $25 | Nervousness, GI upset, elevated BP/HR, rare serious events | somewhat |
| Orlistat (Alli/Xenical) | Weight loss | No | $30 | Oily stools, flatulence, rare liver/kidney issues | low |
| Topiramate | Seizure disorder and headaches | Yes | $30 | Cognitive impairment, tingling, mood changes, kidney/bicarb effects | somewhat |
| Naltexone | Alcohol and other drug abstinence | Yes | $45 | pain meds might not work, headaches | somewhat |
| Metformin | diabetes | Yes | under $10 | diarrhea, kidney problems | yes |
DR JOSHUA USEN 