Acomplia Linked to Depression
November 20th, 2007
The Lancet have published a new study suggesting the anti-obesity and diabetes drug rimonabant (Acomplia) can double the risk of anxiety and depression. Researchers analyzing 4 studies involving over 4,000 patients found those taking 20 milligrams of the drug daily were 2.5 times more likely to stop treatment due to depressive disorders, and 3 times more likely to stop because of anxiety compared to those who were administered a placebo.
Dr Abraham, who has prescribed rimonabant, says: "The mood altering properties of rimonabant have been well described and are probably more common than quoted from the clinical trials. I always ask about its possible existence with patients and surprisingly, it is often a spouse or partner who objects more to the increase in irritability or change in mood. Rimonabant is not for everyone and has not been popular with all patients yet when it causes no change in mood, it can be one of the most helpful weight loss medications around. I insist on reviewing patients regularly to discuss possible side effects before represcription".
SmartWeight™ is different. It's not a "here today, gone tomorrow" diet. In fact SmartWeight™ does not involve dieting at all!