Appetite suppressants are sometimes recommended to obese individuals to help them lose weight. However, the use of appetite suppressants long term may cause health problems and potentially even death. These drugs are meant to be used short term only and long term use is reckless, careless and very likely to cause a host of health problems.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common in those who abuse appetite suppressants long term. These drugs are contraindicated for individuals with cardiovascular problems or a history of high blood pressure. Those who use these drugs long term may find themselves with very high blood pressure levels regardless of how much weight they lose.
Damaged Heart Valves
Some appetite suppressants have a high risk of damaging heart valves if used long term. However, many individuals continue using them despite the risk in their quest to lose weight and become thin. Unfortunately, there are many health problems that come with damaged heart valves, including the increased chance of a rapid heart beat, which can be deadly.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia, a fast heartbeat, may be caused by taking appetite suppressants long term. This is not a healthy cardiovascular state and is not healthy long term. Tachycardia may cause dizziness, chest fluttering and even cardiovascular failure.
Addiction
Long-term use of appetite suppressants may result in addiction. This may cause the individual to want to continue taking the drug due to a strong "need" to do so. Many times addicts will feel they must increase the drug's dosage despite contraindications to achieve better results.
Tolerance
Some individuals who take appetite suppressants long term actually develop a tolerance to the drug, which means a higher dosage is necessary to achieve results. When higher dosages are taken the individual puts himself at risk for a host of cardiovascular and other problems.
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