- Release form
- Features of “light”
- Composition
- Indications
- Contraindications
- Dosage regimen
- Side effects
- Helpful tips
In recent times, a wide range of over-the-counter weight loss drugs has emerged, and they are quite often prescribed by bariatric specialists, as well as used by women looking to shed a couple of extra pounds.
Reduxin is one such product. It is a dietary supplement that promises long-term results and helps to lose weight, even with obesity. However, before embarking on a treatment course, it is important to understand the inner workings of the drug and how it should be combined with dietary modifications. Consulting with a bariatric specialist, physician, or other appropriately qualified expert is advisable.
Release form
Reduxin diet pills come in two distinct varieties. The capsules differ in color (making them easily distinguishable) and also contain different amounts of the active ingredient:
- blue tablets contain 10 mg of sibutramine and 158.5 mg of cellulose;
- blue capsules contain a higher dosage of active ingredient and a lower amount of excipient: 15 mg of sibutramine and 153.5 mg of cellulose.
In addition, another drug with the same name is manufactured, with the word “light” added to the name. Which naturally begs the question: which Reduxin is more effective for weight loss, the regular one or the “light” one?
Features of “light”
Reduxin Light is also intended for weight loss. However, unlike its regular counterpart, which has a central effect on the body, bariatric specialists and physicians characterize this as nothing more than a bioactive food supplement. Its main active ingredient is polyunsaturated conjugated fatty acid, or linoleic acid. It functions to stimulate and normalize metabolism, which it achieves in the following ways:
- affects the body’s enzymatic systems responsible for the deposition of fat in subcutaneous tissue;
- blocks their ability to function normally;
- prevents further growth of adipose tissue under the skin;
- as a result, fat is not stored in reserve;
- stimulates protein synthesis, which leads to stronger muscle tissue;
- as a result, the skin in problem areas becomes more elastic and toned.
The primary advantage of Reduxin “light” is a shorter list of contraindications compared to its regular counterpart. However, it is the original capsules, not the dietary supplement, that will help you lose weight faster and more effectively. The “light” version is unlikely to yield significant weight loss but will also cause fewer side effects. Therefore, the choice is yours (of course, after consulting with an expert). Before deciding to use this aid for weight loss, be sure to familiarize yourself with its composition.
Composition
What makes Reduxin so effective for weight loss? The effects of the drug on the body are determined by its active ingredients, each of which plays a role in shedding those extra pounds:
- Sibutramine selectively affects certain areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating appetite. This substance artificially induces a feeling of satiety, significantly reducing food intake;
- cellulose actively absorbs and then quickly removes various microorganisms, toxins, xenobiotics, and allergens that can accumulate in the body and contribute to weight gain;
- calcium, as an auxiliary substance, helps the body avoid a deficiency of this essential mineral, which plays a role in the primary metabolic processes during weight loss with Reduxin.
The capsule shell is made of gelatin and harmless dyes that do not affect the body. Thus, the primary mode of action on the body of Reduxin for weight loss is the treatment of the disease of obesity.
Myth busting. Contrary to rumors, drugs containing sibutramine (including Reduxin for weight loss) are not banned in Russia.
Indications
It is important to bear in mind that despite being used for weight loss, Reduxin is a fully-fledged pharmaceutical preparation. As such, self-medication is inadvisable. Its use should be prescribed by an expert. The indications for use are as follows:
- body mass index (or BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or significantly higher;
- BMI can also be 27 kg/m2, but only if you have a concomitant disease, such as diabetes (but only type II, i.e. non-insulin dependent).
These tablets are a potent tool, so taking Reduxin for weight loss can be stressful for the body. That is why, in addition to side effects, the drug also has a number of contraindications.
Contraindications
For weight loss with Reduxin to be effective and side effect-free, it is imperative to study the list of contraindications to its use. There are quite a few of them:
- organic causes of obesity;
- nervous bulimia or anorexia;
- mental illness;
- nervous tics;
- taking medications such as MAO inhibitors (phentermine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, ethylamphetamine, ephedrine), antidepressants, antipsychotics, or drugs containing tryptophan;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- blood pressure exceeding 145/90 mm Hg.
- liver or kidney disease;
- problems with the prostate gland;
- glaucoma;
- drug, alcohol, or substance abuse;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- young (approximately under 18 years) and old age (over 65 years);
- individual intolerance to its main active ingredient, sibutramine.
If you have at least one of the above conditions, you will need to choose a more gentle analogue of Reduxin for weight loss. For example, Reduxin Light has a much shorter list of contraindications (it cannot be taken only during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and at a certain age).
Remember. Reduxin for weight loss is available in pharmacies by prescription only.
Dosage regimen
Naturally, in order to achieve the desired results, it is necessary to understand how to take Reduxin for weight loss. Instructions for use must be included in the packaging if you buy it from a pharmacy, rather than from someone else’s hands (which is strictly prohibited, especially given the list of contraindications). So, how should Reduxin be taken for weight loss?
- Most obese patients are recommended to take up to 15 mg of sibutramine per day;
- the drug is taken in one capsule once a day, in the morning;
- in some cases, the physician may increase the dosage of sibutramine to 15 mg twice a day.
It is important to take Reduxin at the same time each day in order to maintain a constant level of its active ingredients in the blood.
Side effects
The drug is generally well tolerated. However, side effects may also occur, including:
- insomnia;
- nausea;
- dry mouth;
