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Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

Qsymia Alternative (Phentermine-Topiramate): Cheaper And Safer Qsymia Over The Counter Alternatives and Substitutes 

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Qsymia is a prescription weight loss medication that is designed to help people reduce their appetite and lose weight. It is FDA-approved for use in adults with obesity and is considered safe for long-term use under medical supervision.

However, Qsymia can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars per month. It also has the potential to cause dangerous side effects.

Fortunately, if you are looking for a safer and more affordable alternative to Qsymia, there are several excellent options available to buy over the counter (OTC).

Top 3 Qsymia Alternatives that Are Cheaper and Safer to Use

Here are the top 3 Qsymia alternatives available to buy online in 2023:

  1. PhenQ – Best Qsymia Alternative Overall
  2. Capsiplex (Burn and Trim)
  3. Zotrim

All three options come from reputable manufacturers that provide free shipping and money-back guarantees.

#1 PhenQ – Best Qysmia Alternative Overall

PhenQ

CLICK to view PhenQ website and see price and availability

PhenQ and Qsymia are both popular diet pills, but they differ in several ways including their ingredients, method of action, and accessibility.

Qsymia is a combination of Phentermine and Topiramate. It requires a prescription and is typically prescribed to people who have been unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.

PhenQ is a weight loss supplement made from natural ingredients. It does not require a prescription, making it more accessible to people who want to lose weight. It was created for people seeking a safe alternative to Phentermine weight loss pills.

Many PhenQ users say the supplement provides similar results to Phentermine and works even better than Qsymia. PhenQ reviews and reports like this have only served to increase the demand for PhenQ, which has now helped more than 190,000 people to lose weight.

How PhenQ Works for Weight Loss

Unlike Qsymia, PhenQ is not solely an appetite suppressant. It supports people in their weight loss efforts in several other ways as well. No other supplement can match it for versatility, efficacy, or results. It’s not unusual for people taking PhenQ to lose 11 pounds or more in a month.

The key weight loss benefits with PhenQ look like this:

  • Controls hunger and cravings
  • Accelerates metabolism and fat loss
  • Boosts energy
  • Helps reduce fat accumulation
  • Enhances mood

You get all these benefits just by taking two tablets a day. You take the first one at breakfast and the second one at lunch.

Key Ingredients

a-Lacys Reset

This is a proprietary blend that includes alpha-lipoic acid and cysteine. It’s known to offer significant weight loss effects by increasing the body’s temperature (thermogenic effect), which accelerates calorie burning.

Capsimax Powder

Capsimax powder is a popular dietary supplement ingredient. It’s a blend of capsicum, piperine, caffeine, and niacin (Vitamin B3). Capsicum and piperine (black pepper) have strong thermogenic properties which can help you burn calories and fat by increasing your body heat.

The capsaicin capsicum also suppresses hunger and provides additional weight loss benefits including inhibiting adipogenesis (fat buildup). [1]

Nopal

Nopal is a type of cactus that’s high in fiber and helps prevent hunger. It’s also extremely rich in amino acids that help increase energy levels.

Research suggests nopal may further support weight loss by enhancing the gut microbiota and reducing the absorption of dietary fats. [2, 3]

InnoSlim

InnoSlim is a patented ingredient derived from Panax notoginseng and Astragalus membranaceus. It’s been shown to reduce glucose absorption and stimulate fat-burning activity, making it a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements.

PhenQ Summary

PhenQ may be a lot cheaper than Qsymia but it’s certainly not lacking in power. Its ability to tackle multiple aspects of weight loss, allows it to blow the prescription drug out of the water. If you want to lose weight faster without having to contend with obstacles such as hunger, fatigue, and mood issues, this is the best Qsymia substitute to choose. It’s designed to be the best Phentermine alternative but people are finding it’s a great substitute for other prescription weight loss drugs too.

#2 Capsiplex (Burn and Trim)

CLICK to view Capsiplex website and see price and availability

Capsiplex is a high-potency thermogenic fat-burning supplement that comes in two versions: Capsiplex Trim and Capsiplex Burn. Both of them boost metabolism to speed up weight loss.

Capsiplex Trim is specifically designed for women. It works by pushing the body into fat-burning mode, while also providing the extra energy, focus, and drive necessary for pursuing athletic pursuits.

It further helps promote weight loss by reducing appetite but its ability to curb hunger is not as strong as that of PhenQ.

Capsiplex Burn is a ground-breaking fat-incinerating formula specifically designed for men seeking a well-toned and attractive physique. It provides many of the ingredients that are present in its sister product but the inclusion rates have been tweaked to compensate for the metabolic differences between men and women.

Both versions primarily function as fat burners and reviews from people with experience using them suggest weight losses of 9 pounds or more per month are not uncommon.

However, unlike PhenQ, Capsiplex pills are not a good option for general weight loss. They are for people who have very serious body ambitions and are prepared to put in the necessary work at a gym.

The Capsiplex Fat Burning Formulations

Both formulas provide a combination of natural fat burners and ingredients that enhance energy and stamina. In this case, you only need to take one dose per day. 

On training days, you take Capsiplex Burn or Trim 30 minutes before your workout. On non-training days, you take the supplement 30 minutes before breakfast.

Like PhenQ, both Capsiplex formulas provide Capsimax powder. However, the doses are somewhat higher to take maximum advantage of the thermogenic properties of capsaicin. The formulation also contains a generous dose of caffeine, along with vitamins and minerals that contribute to swift metabolism, fat loss, and muscle growth.

Capsimax Powder

As we already pointed out in our PhenQ review, Capsimax powder increases thermogenesis, while also supporting fat loss in additional ways. [1]

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. It stimulates the brain and central nervous system, helping you stay alert and preventing the onset of tiredness. Caffeine can also boost metabolism, increase fat loss, and enhance exercise performance. [4, 5]

B Vitamins

B vitamins play vital roles in maintaining good health and well-being. They have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Due to the important role they play in energy metabolism, B vitamins are common additions to energy drink formulations.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It also aids immune function, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, cell division, and wound healing.

Research suggests strenuous exercise may cause zinc depletion. [6]

Low levels of zinc are associated with increases in body fat and lean body mass reduction so Zinc is a very useful addition to the Capsiplex supplement formulations. [7]

Capsiplex Summary

Part fat burner and part pre-workout supplements, Capsiplex Burn and Capsiplex Trim may not be the best Qsymia alternatives overall, but they are a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their body composition by burning fat faster and developing lean muscle mass via weight training.

#3 Zotrim

Zotrim - weight loss aid

CLICK to view Zotrim website and see price and availability

Zotrim is a herbal weight loss pill that has been available since 2001 and has excellent customer reviews. It has also outperformed prescription weight loss drugs in clinical trials. However, good as it is, the supplement is held back by its limited abilities.

Like Qsymia, Zotrim helps you lose weight by suppressing your appetite. It does this very well, helping to manage food cravings and enabling better food portion control.

However, Zotrim also functions as an energy booster. This allows it to help reduce diet-related fatigue.

Although Zotrim is certainly cheaper and safer than Qsymia. It’s not as versatile as PhenQ and is unable to match its ability to accelerate fat loss. It will get you there in the end without hitting you with a lot of side effects but, for rapid results, you are better off choosing PhenQ.

 Zotrim Ingredients

The most important Zotrim ingredients are yerba mate, guarana, and damiana leaf extract. All three ingredients are native to South America.

Yerba mate tea is an important part of many south American cultures. Elsewhere in the world, you are more likely to encounter it as a supplement ingredient.

Guarana is a berry that provides caffeine. It differs from other natural sources of caffeine because it releases the stimulant into the body so slowly.

Damiana is associated with several health benefits and appears to be useful for regulating blood sugar.

However, the key value of all three ingredients has nothing to do with their individual abilities. The magic happens when they are brought together.

Research shows this combination of herbs increases satiety by slowing down gastric emptying. The obese individuals in one study achieved significant reductions in weight due to a 45-day treatment. [8]

Zotrim Summary

Zotrim has more in common with Qsymia because both pills primarily support weight loss by suppressing appetite. The big difference is, Zotrim doesn’t cause any adverse effects. It’s a lot cheaper to use as well. If all you need is the help of an appetite suppressant, it will certainly do the job.

What is Qsymia?

Qsymia is a prescription medication for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater. It’s also approved for use in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.

The medication is a combination of two drugs – phentermine and topiramate. It is sometimes mispronounced as Qysmia.

Prescription Phentermine pills are a central nervous system stimulant that belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines. It’s a popular weight loss medication in its own right. Unfortunately, although it can work well as an appetite suppressant, Phentermine is an addictive drug that can have dangerous side effects.

Topiramate is a medication for treating seizures and migraine headaches.

In clinical trials, people who took the recommended dose of Qsymia lost an average weight of 15 lbs after taking this medication for about 3 months, compared to 5 lbs lost by people who only managed their weight through diet and exercise.

Although Qsymia can be more effective than many other weight loss pills, it can cause depression, mood problems, and insomnia. It may also affect how you think and cause confusion, problems with concentration, attention, memory, or speech. That’s why so many people prefer to use natural alternatives.

It’s worth noting the company that developed Qsymia tried to get approval to distribute the medication in Europe, under the Qsiva brand name.

Although the FDA permits the Phentermine-Topiramate combination to be distributed in the USA, the European Medicines Agency rejected it. The European regulatory body considered the benefits of the drug to be too poor and the risks presented to those using it too high. [9]

Qsymia Side Effects and Risks

Qsymia weight loss pills have several potential side effects. These include:

  • Dizziness and drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Muscle tremors
  • Rapid breathing/breathlessness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Tiredness
  • Tingling of the hands/feet
  • Constipation
  • High blood pressure
  • Metallic taste in the mouth

The drug may also cause more serious side effects, including birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate if it’s taken during pregnancy.

Additionally, people using Qsymia for weight loss sometimes report experiencing rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or mood disorders. It’s a poor option for people with uncontrolled hypertension or emotional issues.

Qsymia and Its Competitors: Comparing Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Qsymia is just one of many prescription weight loss medications available today. Other drugs, such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy), have also shown promise in aiding weight loss.

Studies have shown that liraglutide 3 mg produces an average weight loss of about 17-18 pounds after one year of treatment, compared to an average loss of 4.5 pounds in patients receiving a placebo.

In contrast, Qsymia has been misleadingly suggested to help patients lose weight three times faster than diet and exercise alone. Unfortunately, although Qsymia can certainly aid in weight loss, it’s important to remember that achieving a healthy body weight typically involves lifestyle changes beyond simply taking medication.

Natural Diet Pills vs Qsymia

When it comes to losing weight, many people turn to prescription drugs like Qsymia. However, Qsymia is not without its drawbacks, such as side effects and the need for a prescription to buy it.

On the other hand, natural alternatives to phentermine, one of the active ingredients in Qsymia, are becoming increasingly popular. These over-the-counter diet supplements often contain ingredients like cayenne pepper, amino acids, green coffee bean extract, nopal, caffeine, chromium picolinate, and/or vitamins and minerals. They suppress hunger naturally. Top options, like PhenQ provide support in other areas as well.

Cheaper Qsymia Alternatives Final Thoughts

All in all, while Qsymia may be effective for weight loss because it suppresses appetite, it is expensive, difficult to obtain, and has numerous potential side effects.

Unlike Qsymia, natural supplements provide a much more cost-effective, easy-to-obtain solution. What’s more, natural supplements offer greater value in that they are typically more versatile because they provide additional benefits beyond just appetite suppression.

So if you’re looking for an effective weight loss solution that won’t break the bank or have scary side effects, a natural supplement might be just what you need.

Qsymia FAQs

How long does it take for Qsymia to start working?

Qsymia starts working immediately after you take it. You should notice it reduce your appetite, potentially providing you with all-day hunger control.

Which diet works best with Qsymia?

Qsymia is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. The type of low-calorie diet plan you follow is up to you.

Can I take Qsymia if I am pregnant or nursing?

No, Qsymia is not suitable for pregnant or nursing women. It can harm an unborn baby, leading to birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Are there any over the counter alternatives to Qsymia?

There are no exact over-the-counter alternatives to Qsymia. However, certain natural diet pills make excellent Qsymia substitutes. The top option is a weight loss tablet called PhenQ.

How much weight can I expect to lose with Qsymia?

In clinical trials, patients who took the recommended dose of Qsymia lost an average of 15 lbs after about 3 months, compared with 5 lbs lost by those who only managed their weight through diet and exercise.

Can Qsymia cause weight gain?

No, Qsymia aims to encourage weight loss. If you’re experiencing weight gain while taking this medication, it could be due to other factors such as diet or lack of physical activity.

How does Qsymia compare to other weight loss medications?

Qsymia has been shown in clinical trials to be more effective than some alternative prescription medications when it’s used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, individual results can vary, and it’s important to discuss the best treatment options for you with your healthcare provider.

Does Qsymia affect fat cells?

Qsymia doesn’t directly affect fat cells. Instead, it eases the weight loss journey by suppressing your appetite and making you feel full, which can lead to a lower calorie intake and subsequent weight loss.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Qsymia?

If you miss a dose of Qsymia, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Latest Qsymia Scientific Sources 2023

  1. Dietary Capsaicin and Its Anti-obesity Potency: From Mechanism to Clinical Implications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/
  2. Physical and Dietary Intervention with Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal) in Women with Obesity Improves Health Condition through Gut Microbiota Adjustment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912383/
  3. Effects of Cactus Fiber on the Excretion of Dietary Fat in Healthy Subjects: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Clinical Investigation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109417/
  4. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Caffeine and Exercise Performance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7777221/
  5. Caffeine Increases Maximal Fat Oxidation During a Graded Exercise Test: Is There a Diurnal Variation?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7792284/
  6. Zinc at the Crossroads of Exercise and Proteostasis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32273258/
  7. Association Between Zinc and Body Composition: An Integrative Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35121408/
  8. Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11424516/
  9. Qsiva: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/qsiva

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