Weight-Loss Drug Rimonabant Increases Risk for Adverse Psychiatric Effects
February 13th, 2008
The anti-obesity drug, Rimonabant (Accomplia), has been found to increase the risk of psychiatric events, according to a review published in the Lancet in November 2007. These findings are important because they raise questions about the safety of the drug in obese people who are already at an increased risk of depression.
The review, which included 4105 participants who received 20mg per day of rimonabant or placebo, found that those participants being treated with rimonabant achieved significantly greater weight loss (4.7kg) at one year and were five times more likely to achieve the target of at least a 10% loss in their weight. However, those patients were also 2.5 times more likely to discontinue the trial because of depressive mood disorders. Further analyses suggested that older persons were more likely to have serious adverse effects during treatment than younger patients, and higher triglyceride levels also predicted the risk for depressive mood disorders. Dr Ralph Abraham, who runs the SmartWeight lifestyle programme here at London Medical, says: “These findings are a reminder that there is a continued need for vigilance, not just for depressive mood disorders, but altered mood signals – an increase in short temper and agitation and mood swings are more common than reported in the clinical trials. It seems to me that such reports come more commonly from the spouse or partner rather than the patient themselves.”
If you are taking rimonabant and are feeling anxious or depressed, you should notify your consultant immediately. A healthy calorie-controlled diet is an essential part of obesity management, alongside drug treatment. Speak to London Medical about joining the SmartWeight programme: www.smartweight.co.uk
