Sibutramine
Sibutramine is a centrally-acting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor structurally related to amphetamines. Originally used in the treatment of depression, [1] it is now used to help obese and overweight patients lose weight, and along with Orlistat, in 2008 was the only drug licensed for use in the UK. [2] It has been associated with increased cardiovascular events and stroke, and has since been withdrawn from the market.
Sibutramine acts within the hypothalamus by preventing reuptake of both noradrenaline and serotonin. [3][4] This inhibition causes the patient increased feelings of satiety, a decreased appetite, and a corresponding reduced intake of food which results in weight loss. [5] Some studies have shown that sibutramine may increase thermogenesis and as such, contribute to weight loss, but there have also been other studies in which no such effects were shown, and it seems that this action contributes in, at most a minor way to weight loss. It is also thought that sibutramine may effect levels of the hormones leptin and ghrelin, as well as central neuropeptide Y (NPY), and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA. Sibutramine treatment differs to orlistat in relation to leptin, as, when using sibutramine, transfer of leptin into the brain is maintained or even increased during weight loss which does not happen when using orlistat.
Sibutramine was first marketed by Knoll Pharmaceuticals and subsequently by Abbott Laboratories under various brand names including Reductil, Meridia and Sibutrex. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the U.S.A.
Side-effects
One of the major side-effects of sibutramine therapy is the increase, in a dose-dependent manner, of both blood pressure and heart rate. [1][3] An obese patient is likely to already have elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and as a result, if an obese patient is taking sibutramine, it is important to check these levels on a regular basis to make sure they are not too highly elevated. [2] Patients with hypertension and/or cardiovascular disease are strongly advised against taking the drug due to these adverse effects. As well as these side-effects, sibutramine can also on occasion cause the patient to suffer from a dry mouth, constipation and insomnia. [6] Any adolescents taking sibutramine should be regularly checked for a possible increase in suicidal thoughts, as it acts in a similar way to anti-depressants by preventing noradrenaline and serotonin uptake. [3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Woo T (2009) Pharmacotherapy and surgery treatment for the severely obese adolescent. J Paediatric Health Care 23:206-12
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rang H et al.(2007) Pharmacology. Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier. 417-8
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bray G (2008) Lifestyle and pharmacological approaches to weight loss: efficacy and safety. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93:S81–8
- ↑ Tziomalos K et al. (2009) The use of sibutramine in the management of obesity and related disorders: An update. Vascular Health and Risk Management 5:441-52
- ↑ Coutinho W (2009) The first decade of sibutramine and orlistat: a reappraisal of their expanding roles in the treatment of obesity and associated conditions. Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia 53:262-70
- ↑ Boon NA et al.(2006) Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine 111-117