(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.
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