Is It Possible To Overdose On Diet Pills?

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Isaak Stotts Authored by Isaak Stotts, LP
0 sources cited

The number of overweight or obese people is greater than ever before. This problem has not passed unnoticed by pharmaceutical companies that make multi-billion dollar industries by producing diet pills. Today, there are hundreds of different types of diet pills available, which many see as an easy and fast way to melt away the extra pounds.

But, all is not well in the land of easy solutions. Diet pills can cause multiple side-effects which include physical and psychical addiction and overdose.

Diet Pills Mechanism Of Action

Manufacturers produce diet pills under many labels and trademarks. They are available as prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal drugs. No matter their formare sold, pharmaceutical companies compete and think of new ways to lure in more consumers. Diet pills work by:

  • suppressing appetite
  • elevating oneโ€™s metabolic rate
  • blocking the bodyโ€™s ability to absorb fat
  • creating a feeling of satiety because they expand in the stomach
  • increasing waste or fluid elimination from the body

Diet Pills Side Effects

If not taken correctly, diet pills can cause the following side-effects:

  • Heart rate increase (tachycardia)
  • High blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Sleeping problems
  • Kidney damage
  • Stomach pain
  • Liver damage โ€“ some diet pill ingredients like Alli or Xenical can cause a particular liver injury manifested by itching, yellow skin or eyes, and
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Overdose – diet pill overdose can happen and can be very dangerous

Diet Pills Overdose Amount

It is hard to tell how many pills it takes for someone to overdose. It depends on the drug type and the userโ€™s weight, health, and tolerance. However, it is common for people who overdosed to experience:

  • Tremors
  • Convulsions
  • Hallucinations
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Renal failure
  • Heart attack

Risk Groups for Diet Pills Overdose

Obese and overweight people are predominantly those who abuse diet pills, but so are the people who do not have actual weight problems (they only think they do). No matter the age group or gender, people with eating disorders are more likely to take more pills than necessary to speed up the weight loss process.

Signs and Symptoms That Can Lead to Diet Pills Overdose

If there are any reason to assume someone is abusing diet pills, look out for the next few signs and symptoms:
Diet Pills

  • He/she is taking far more dietary supplements than necessary
  • Choosing products that aren’t intended for average weight or underweight people
  • Taking prescription pills without any medical control
  • Emotional instability
  • Thinking of diet pills as a magic cure for their problems
  • Obsessing about diet pills and constantly thinking of the ways in obtaining them
  • Mixing different diet pills
  • Combining diet pills with laxatives or diuretics
  • Combining diet pills with illegal drugs such as methamphetamine or cocaine

Can Diet Pills Cause Death?

There are multiple death cases reported due to diet pill overdose. Pulmonary hypertension or cardiac arrest cause fatal consequences. Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the lung arteries. Taking too many diet pills can intensify this symptom and end fatally. Diet pills may also cause heart to stopโ€” after an increased dose of diet pills, the heart suffers enormous pressure and becomes unable to function properly.
If one overdose on diet pills, do not seek advice on forums, but immediately call 9-1-1 or a poison control center. Do not induce vomiting, because sometimes that can only make things worse.


Page Sources

  1. Hyun-Sic Jo, Sheng-Min Wang, Jung Jin Kim. Recurrent Psychosis after Phentermine Administration in a Young Female: A Case Report. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2019 Feb; 17(1): 130โ€“133. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361044/
  2. Daneschvar HL, Aronson MD, Smetana GW. FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs in the United States. Am J Med. 2016. https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(16)30197-8/fulltext
  3. D. A. Cahal. Dangers of certain appetite suppressants. Br Med J. 1969. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1983182/pdf/brmedj02030-0084b.pdf

Published on: June 14th, 2017

Updated on: March 20th, 2024

Comments

Leave a comment

  • Anon
    Out of curiosity, I’ve been taking these pills that have had no effect on my body at all. I took multiple at once – stupid, i know, but hear me out – and yet i feel literally NO effect on my body. Is it possible that I have been sold placebos? They are NOT prescription, just big-ish white capsules that I bought for about $30.
  • tamya
    Hey anon, most likely they are just supplements, Highly recommend you read the ingredients list. Mine are exactly like placebos, they only have natural ingredients and herbs. Hey, even if they don’t work at weight loss at least your getting nutrients if thats the type you bought.
  • Aleeshia hayes
    So I need help because me and 2 of my mates took the boots branded fat Controll diet pills Which we bought with out it being Prescribed We took 4 Of them because it said to take 2 twice a day. Then we had 2 of these other boots ones they were in a yellow and white box idk the name tho and now Iโ€™m worried that we have overdosed. Please help
  • AK2005
    So I have a little question, I take weight loss pills from keto but i take the advanced and i take 2 a day and im like 145lbs is that ok because idk if this has anything to do with it but im 5’2 and i think i need to take these but im in 8th grade
    • Bobbi
      Hi AK2005. Please donโ€™t take these types of pills at such a young age. Try eating a clearner diet and exercising 3-5x a week. I started to take wheight loss pills around your age and wish I would have never started. They have cause me a lot of health issues. Causing my family and I a lot of heart ace. You are at a healthy weight. But if you feel you are not try a more natural and positive approach to losing wheight. Try lifting weights in a gym and have a positive outlook of getting strong and healthy rather then the number on the scale. Mind over matter. It will change your life. Best of luck to you.
    • Elise Espada
      Usually diet pills are recommended for people who are 18 years or older. Because you are in 8th grade you are obviously still growing and diet pills are better for people howโ€™s growth has slowed down or ever stopped growing because it can mess with your grow. I recommend to not take the diet pills because youโ€™re still growing.
  • Reta hanna
    Hi im 47kg. Emotional upset and decided to take 1 tablet of T5 after 3hours later I took another 3tablets in one go… What would happen
  • manu
    hi what did happen
  • Amna
    I’m at 83kg and want to lose weight I’m 28 can I mix slimmers herbex and apple cyder vinegar tablets to lose weight faster coz I’m staying on this weight no matter what I do plz help
  • Sheila
    I’ve been on different kinds of diet pills for 10 years, I am 45 now am on anitdepressants, Valium, morphine, I have just recently purchased goodia, I have began taking 2 pills 3 times a day instead of 2 once a day Am I in danger?
  • Sharon
    Can zantrex black cause shortness of breath
  • Blazer
    Hey this is a bit abrupt but I’m 300 pounds and 17 I take lipozone diet pills I take 8 a day 4 in the morning and 4in the evening is this bad
  • Eileen du toit
    I still want to kno w if i can use herbex fat attack with xenical

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