Sibutramine (Brand: Reductil) is an antiobesity agent which acts directly on the nerves in the brain which are responsible for eating behaviour.

Active breakdown products of subutramine inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters (nerve messangers) noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine by nerves in the brain, thereby lengthening the period that the nerves are stimulated. This lengthens the period of feeling \"satisfied\" following eating, thereby decreasing the urge to eat. It also increases the metabolic rate which prevents the decline in energy, which often occurs during weight loss.

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects occurred at the start of the treatment during the first four weeks.

• Cardiovascular: flushing, hypertension, palpitations, rapid heat rate.
• Central & peripheral nervous system: dry mouth, insomnia, headache, light headedness, numbness.
• Dermatological: excessive sweating.
• Gastrointestinal: aggravation of haemorrhoids, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, taste alteration.
• Psychiatric: anxiety.

Warnings & Precautions

Avoid the use of sibutramine in pregnant and breast feeding women, children and elderly patients; in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, severe liver impairment, severe renal impairment, narrow angle glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia with urine retention; in patients with an eating disorder, mental illness, Tourette\'s syndrome or with a history of substance abuse.

Avoid the use of sibutramine concurrently with major tranquillisers, MAOI (within 14 days prior to and 14 days following their use), centrally acting appetite suppressants and tryptophan.

Use sibutramine under medical supervision in patients with controlled hypertension, liver or kidney impairment, gallstones, epilepsy, or tics (including a family history of tics).

Possible Interactions

Sibutramine (Brand: Reductil) may adversely interact with other drugs which have central nerve system (CNS) action, especially serotonergic drugs (such as SSRI), MAOI, anti migraine drugs, lithium, tryptophan, some opioid, medications which produce hypertension or tachycardia (fast heart rate), drugs which inhibit or induce the CY3PA4 enzyme (including ketoconazole, erythromycin, macrolides, phenytoin, dexamethasone), and excess alcohol.

Important Notes

Sibutramine (Brand: Reductil) is prescribed in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and only for patients who have not responded to a calorie controlled weight loss diet alone.

Further Information

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information, or refer to the patient information leaflet contained in the medication pack.