List of appetite suppressants: Uses, common brands, and safety information

Appetite-suppressant medications can be very helpful in a weight loss journey. Combined with diet and exercise, these medications can lead to meaningful loss of body weight and body fat. There are various types of appetite suppressants, including those that can be used for short-term or long-term use. The table below lists some common prescription appetite suppressants that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are appetite suppressants?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, appetite suppressants are weight-loss medications that regulate appetite and hunger. They may make you feel less hungry, or they may help you experience feelings of fullness after eating less. They can help with food noise, which is when you have persistent thoughts about food and cravings that interfere with even the best dieting efforts. There are various types of appetite suppressants, which we will explore in more detail below.

How do appetite suppressants work?

Different appetite suppressants work in different ways to help with appetite control and weight loss. For example:

• Phentermine, a popularly prescribed appetite suppressant that is taken by mouth, is similar to central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drugs used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, like Adderall (amphetamine salts). It is thought to work in various ways, including central nervous system effects, metabolic effects, and appetite suppression.

• Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1 agonist). For weight loss, it works by acting like a natural hormone called GLP-1. It works on the brain to help regulate appetite and food intake and is known for quieting food noise.

• Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or GIP/GLP-1 agonist. It works similarly to Wegovy but activates additional receptors called GIP receptors, which may have additional benefits in regulating food intake. 

What are appetite suppressants used for?

Appetite suppressants are used for weight loss, but some have additional uses. Healthcare providers often use body mass index (BMI) as a guideline for prescribing. For example, healthcare providers may prescribe an appetite suppressant for obesity to someone with a BMI of 30 or more, or someone with a BMI that falls into the category of overweight (BMI of 27 or more) with at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes. 

FDA-approved uses vary by drug, but uses include:

• Weight loss (short-term or long-term for weight loss and weight maintenance)

• Blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular risk reduction (to lower the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke) in certain people at high risk

• Obstructive sleep apnea 

• Chronic kidney disease 

Types of appetite suppressants 

Appetite suppressants typically fall into short-term and long-term categories, although there are even more differences and considerations, such as how they are taken (e.g., by mouth or by injection).

Short-term appetite suppressants

Short-term appetite suppressants include benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine. Phentermine (known by brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira) is a diet pill that is FDA-approved for short-term use but is often prescribed for longer periods. These drugs are all controlled substances, because they have a risk of abuse and dependence.

Long-term appetite suppressants

Long-term appetite suppressants include drugs such as Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone), 

Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are not FDA-approved for weight loss but are commonly prescribed off-label as a weight-loss drug. Contrave, Rybelsus, and Qsymia are taken by mouth, while Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are injected under the skin. 

Who can take appetite suppressants?

Adult men and women

Adult men, as well as adult women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, can typically take appetite suppressants, but different appetite suppressants have different contraindications (reasons that a medicine would be unsafe or inappropriate for a person). 

For example, someone with heart disease or a history of substance use disorder should not take a drug like phentermine—while someone with medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use Wegovy. 

Because each drug has special considerations, only a healthcare provider can determine which appetite suppressant is appropriate for the specific person. 

Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding would not typically be prescribed an appetite suppressant.

Children

While most appetite suppressants are FDA-approved for adults only, some may be used in pediatric patients of a certain age who fit certain criteria. For example, Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss in adults and children 12 years and older with obesity. However, Ozempic and Rybelsus contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and are only approved for adult use. 

Older adults

Adults 65 years and older are sometimes cautiously prescribed certain long-term appetite suppressants if they are approved by their healthcare provider. For some drugs, they may be prescribed lower doses and undergo close monitoring. 

Are appetite suppressants safe?

Recalls

No recalls found.

Restrictions

Different appetite suppressants have different restrictions. For example:

• Phentermine should not be used by people with heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history of substance use disorder, among other restrictions.

• Wegovy should not be used by people who are allergic to semaglutide or with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). 

• People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia should not use Contrave.

You can discuss restrictions with your healthcare provider. Before taking an appetite suppressant, tell your healthcare provider about your medical and family history and all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. 

Are appetite suppressants controlled substances? 

Long-term appetite suppressants are not controlled substances, except Qsymia. Qsymia is a controlled substance because it contains phentermine as one of its two active ingredients, and phentermine is a controlled substance. 

Short-term appetite suppressants, such as phentermine, benzphetamine, and diethylpropion, are controlled substances, because they have a potential risk of abuse and dependence.

Common appetite suppressant side effects

Side effects vary widely by drug. Here are some common side effects of appetite suppressants. 

For drugs such as phentermine, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine, common side effects include:

• High blood pressure

• Heart palpitations or fast heart rate

• Restlessness

• Dizziness 

• Trouble sleeping

• Mood swings

• Dry mouth 

• Sexual problems

With drugs in the GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 category, common side effects are gastrointestinal and include:

• Nausea 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Stomach pain

• Indigestion 

• Gas 

• Bloating 

Because there are so many different medicines with varying side effects specific to each one, you can consult your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects for a specific medication.

How much do appetite suppressants cost?

The price of appetite suppressants will vary by factors such as the drug and dosage, insurance coverage, and pharmacy. Insurance coverage varies by plan, so contact your provider for the most recent pricing information. You can also check manufacturer websites of brand-name drugs (such as Zepbound or Wegovy) for more information on coverage and savings options. Also, using a SingleCare card can save a significant amount of money on your appetite suppressant prescription. Here are some general examples, but prices vary based on dose, quantity, and pharmacy location. 

• The average out-of-pocket price of a one-month supply of phentermine is about $51, but you can apply a free SingleCare discount to pay as low as $5 for your prescription. 

• For patients paying without insurance, a one-month supply of Contrave costs about $833, but a free SingleCare discount can bring the price down to about $646.

• A one-month supply of Zepbound without insurance costs about $1,500, but a free SingleCare discount can lower the price to around $947.

Sources

• Appetite suppressants, Cleveland Clinic (2023)

• What is food noise? A conceptual model of food cue reactivity, Nutrients (2023)

• Adipex-P, DailyMed (2024)

• Wegovy, DailyMed (2024)

• Zepbound, DailyMed (2025)

• A review of current guidelines for the treatment of obesity, The American Journal of Managed Care (2022)

• Contrave, DailyMed (2024)