BELVIQ (lorcaserin hydrochloride) 10mg x 100tabs(EVOLIX)
What is BELVIQ?
BELVIQ is a FDA-approved prescription weight-loss medication that, when used with diet and exercise, can help some adults (body mass index [BMI] ≥27 kg/m2) living with extra weight, with a weight-related medical problem, or adults living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), lose weight and keep it off. It is not known if BELVIQ when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products is safe and effective. It is not known if BELVIQ changes your risk of heart problems, stroke, or death due to heart problems or stroke.
Tips for Making BELVIQ Part of Your Daily Routine
Try to take your medication at the same time every day.
For example, if you are taking a twice-daily BELVIQ 10 mg tablet, take one immediately after waking up in the morning and one before you go to bed at night. Or take one with breakfast and one with dinner.
How Does Belviq Work
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that affects your mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a group of drugs which are generally used to treat depression. However, it has been discovered that drugs which affect our neurotransmitters also have other effects on our feelings, our appetites being one of them.
Belviq works by changing certain serotonin receptors in our brain, which for many reduces cravings and overall appetite. The makers of Belviq state that this drug targets only receptors for appetite and not feelings of well-being or depression.
What Studies Found
Clinical studies involving Belviq showed that those who consumed it lose slightly more than those who were given a placebo, when no dietary instructions were given. However, for the group that was given dietary advice about what to eat to lose weight, the group that took Belviq lost twice as much weight as the placebo group
However, it is important to note that, in almost all cases, people regained the weight they lost soon after going off of the drug. The amount of weight lost, also, was not as much as you might expect, with only about 3.7 percent of body weight lost over a one year study period.
Are There Side Effects?
Yes, there are plenty of side effects with this drug, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and constipation. The most common side effect was headaches. Serious problems include a slower heart rate, heart valve problems, and painful erections.
For those who seem to think more is better, side effects of taking more than prescribed has resulted in slow thinking, intense feelings of euphoria and hallucinations. This drug is classified as a schedule IV drug because it does cause hallucinations.
Who Should Take It?
Belviq is recommended for those with a BMI of 30 or over or a BMI of 27 with a health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Belviq is not intended to be used by those who only have a few pounds to lose or those who have a family history of, or are currently suffering from any type of heart problem, heart valve problems kidney or liver disease, or leukemia.
Belviq should not be consumed by pregnant women or breast feeding mothers.
Can It Be Taken Long Term?
Technically, it is approved for long term use. Others, however, question whether is drug is safe, especially for those who experience psychological side effects.
