(NaturalNews) European health agencies have warned that the weight-loss drug rimonabant -- marketed as Acomplia, Zimulti, Riobant, Rimoslim and Slimona -- may cause dangerous psychological side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
Rimonabant acts to suppress appetite by blocking receptors in the brain that regulate food intake and help break down sugars and fats. It failed to gain approval for use in the United States when the FDA concluded that there was insufficient evidence that the drug was safe.
The drug was approved for sale in the European Union, however, in June 2006. The European Commission approved its use to treat obesity, in combination with diet and exercise, among those at risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. Sales began in the United Kingdom in July 2006, and the drug has since been prescribed to 41,000 patients in that country.
Evidence suggests that 10 percent of rimonabant users develop psychological side effects, the most common being depression. Other potential side effects include anxiety, irritability, nervousness and sleep disorders. Approximately one percent of users experience suicidal thoughts while taking the drug.
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) said that it had previously warned doctors of the risk, but that it was now making its warning stronger. The agency now says that rimonabant should not be taken by patients suffering from severe depression, or by those taking antidepressants.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has also issued warnings about the drug.
"If you start to experience symptoms of depression while taking Acomplia, or if you are currently being treated, consult your doctor," the agency said. "If you have had depression in the past ... you should discuss your treatment with your doctor at your next routine appointment."
Sanofi-aventis, the maker of Acomplia, responded to the warnings by saying that the labeling on the drug has been changed to reflect new cautions.
###
Related Articles
• Acomplia drug hype reveals mythology of prescription drugs, shortcut philosophy of American culture
• Acomplia weight loss drug launches in UK
• Acomplia diet drug shows real promise for sustained weight loss, but only if you keep taking it
• Hoodia gordonii helps for weight loss, but isn't a miracle solution
 |
Popular Topics:
Acomplia, side effects, weight loss drug, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022361.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
Adderall vs. Meth
When pharmacists tell the truth
Medical Quackery
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
