In 2012, the FDA approved a new drug for weight loss – Belviq. This drug is used as an obesity therapy in adult patients, whose BMI is:
- 30 kg / m2 or more
- 27 kg / m2 and above, in case of risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia)
Any drug can cause side effects and Belviq is not an exception. All Belviq side effects are dose-dependent and often caused by individual features of the patient.
As indicated in most Belviq side effects reviews, usually patients can experience Belviq adverse reactions, such as:
- Vertigo
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Often, Belviq side effects appear under the influence of active substance Lorcaserin Hydrochloride. Its effect is based on the fact that it blocks the urges of hunger and keeps a feeling of fullness for a long time.
As indicated in Belviq patient reviews of 2014/2015, the side effects of Belviq tend to appear at the beginning of obesity treatment and go away as soon as the body of obese person adapts to the influence of anorexigenic substance – Lorcaserin.
However, sometimes, some patients can experience really severe Belviq side effects when using this diet drug. As noted in Prescribing Information, Belviq appetite suppressant can cause Serotonin Syndrome or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
Such conditions may occur when using medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake or most often in combination of Belviq anorectic drug with certain medications for depression, migraine headaches, common cold.
The patient should immediately consult a doctor if he is experiencing one of the following Belviq side effects:
- Dysphoria
- Chills and fever
- High or low blood pressure
- Increased sweating
- Muscle convulsions and loss of coordination
- Change in mental status (hallucinations, agitation, confusion)
This weight loss drug can cause valvular heart disease in some patients and herewith the patient can experience Belviq side effects, such as:
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling of the extremities
- shortness of breath
- fatigue or weakness that will not go away
The appearance of some side effects may depend on the patient’s gender. For example, Belviq side effects on men include painful erection (priapism), which can last more than 6 hours. In such a case, you should stop taking the slimming drug and seek medical advice.
It often happens that under the influence of Belviq, the level of hormone prolactin may increase in the patient’s body. Herewith, the patient feels pain in the mammary glands. Breasts begin to produce milk, regardless of the patient’s gender. This Belviq side effect goes away together with the termination of using Belviq diet medicine.
If the patient noticed that his breast increases or milky liquid is released from the breast, he should stop using Belviq and seek medical advice.
As noted in Belviq patient reviews, the patients, who suffer from the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, may experience Belviq side effects such as heartburn and diarrhea. How long these adverse reactions last depends on the taken dose and the drugs taken simultaneously with Belviq.
Patients should pay attention to the fact that the level of blood sugar depends on the drug interaction of Belviq anorectic with drugs taken for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Belviq drug for weight correction can cause hypoglycemia.
So, before to start the obesity therapy with Belviq, as well as during the whole therapy, the patient should periodically check his blood sugar. Among other Belviq side effects, depression or thoughts of suicide were noted.
The doctor should pay attention to the person’s mental state taking Belviq weight management product. Any changes in the patient’s psyche, such as mood swings, sudden thoughts and talks about death may indicate serious Belviq side effect.
If the patient has mental changes, he should immediately consult the doctor or psychotherapist.