Why not go for the prescription strength?

maggie · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 07:39 PM

Should I see if my doctor will prescribe xenical, or should I just go with the over-the-counter product, alli? I know xenical is double the strength. Does that mean double effectiveness? Double side effects?

summer · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 07:37 PM

I thought about the same thing. What I decided was to try alli, so I'd start out at a lower dosage and give my body time to adjust. If I do well, I might see my doctor about taking Xenical instead.

maggie · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 08:04 PM

But then you will go through weeks of dieting without losing the maximum weight possible. I really hate the idea of dieting for a month, and then saying, oh, but I could have lost more for the same effort and in the same amount of time.

melmel · #4 (**permalink**) 07-12-2007, 04:24 AM

I think the advantage of taking Alli first is that you can let yourself and your body get used to the medication, before suddenly starting with Xenical. Additionally, you may find that Alli is strong enough.

maggie · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2007, 08:09 PM

I think I also wanted to have my doctor verify that I don't have any problems that will be aggravated by the medication.

chocolate · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2007, 02:14 PM

I've been debating, and I think I've decided on alli at first, and then maybe xenical. Though I do agree that if it goes well and I don't have many problems, I'll regret that I could have lost more weight.

hazelrosemary · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 03:13 PM

Hi guys im new here and i just started taking Alli on sunday i havent ben able to document my weightloss yet becasue my scale broke so i have no i dea if it has started working of r me yet , I was wondering if any one knew if uping the doze of alli per meal will increase my weight loss since taking one is half the doze of Xenical , i thought maybe doubleling would be the the full doze i think i read it some where just wasnt sure if its healthy or not and if would double the side effects, Does anyone know?

citygirl · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 06:53 PM

It's the full dose if you double it and you should be under a doctor's care. I think it's riskier at the higher doses.

popcorn · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 02:19 PM

I started with Alli and was taking it three times a day and losing weight. I went to xenical because I am on a drug plan and the doctor gave me a prescription. I found three doses of xenical to be too much for me so I started taking it primarily with my dinner. I have lost 18lbs since October and I feel good but I do follow a low fat diet and have added some exercise.