Zimulti Weight Loss Drug: Suicidal Thoughts? :

Rimonabant is a popular prescription weight loss drug that is currently available in 18 countries (under the name Acomplia - from Sanofi-Aventis). The drug has been before the FDA - awaiting approval for some time now.

Some time last year I wrote a large article that discussed some of the side effects of the drug.

The FDA has now released an analysis - showing why they are taking such a long time to look at Zimulti (Rimonabant).

They conclude:

Rimonabant 20 mg daily vs. placebo was associated with statistically and clinically significant weight loss. Rimonabant 5 mg daily vs. placebo was associated with statistically significant but clinically insignificant weight loss.

However, a brief look through the report ( PDF ) shows that adverse psychiatric events are a major issue. Anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression being the most common.

There is also extensive analysis of "suicidality" - an increase of suicidal thoughts among Rimonabant (20mg) users.

I suspect it will be sometime (if ever) until this drug is approved.

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