How It Works
Rimonabant (European brand name Acomplia) works on the endocannabanoid system. There is a
chemical receptor in our bodies called cannabanoid type 1 (CB1) that is
stimulated by cannabis (or marijuana). Activating this receptor has
been shown to increase food intake and fat accumulation in animals.
Rimonabant blocks the CB1 receptor and
has been shown to decease these effects.
ProsOne
larger study showed that obese people lost about 10 lbs in 1 year. On average, it can cause a 5% weight loss.
ConsThis
drug is only approved in some European countries, Mexico, and Argentina, but not in the US or
Canada.
Side
effects include psychiatric events like
depression and anxiety as well as nausea and diarrhea. The psychiatric
side effects have caused the FDA to hold off on approving this weight
loss drug for use in the United States.
Return to Home
Page or Weight
Loss Drugs.
It
is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your
doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you.
Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all
exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people.
You need to discuss all these things with your physician before
starting any weight loss or exercise program. In addition, the dosage
of any medicine may be different if it is used for weight loss and not
its FDA approved indication. You should also discuss this with your
doctor.
This
article was written by John
Vickery, MD.
References
Treatment
Guidelines from the Medical Letter 2008;6:23-28
Lexi Comp
database accessed on 6/7/08
NEJM 2008;358:1941-50 
