Weight Loss Boards

Acomplia

July 2nd, 2008

Acomplia (Rimonabant) helps to reduce appetite and is the first selective CB1 receptor blocker approved for use anywhere in the world. It first became available in the UK in 2006, and in early 2007 in the US by the name of Zimulti. As of this year, the drug is available in 56 countries. Acomplia has also been found to help people stop smoking, although is not approved to do this. The FDA has required more studies be performed on the drug before it can be released as an aid in quitting smoking. Initial tests prove that Acomplia increases the chances to stop smoking by 1.5 times. Studies show it may also improve memory and reduce relapsed by former illegal drug abusers.



The drug’s active ingredient, Rimonabant, works by blocking CB1 receptors (which receive the signals of hunger) in the brain and peripheral organs that are important in glucose and fat metabolism. This acts to decrease the over activity of the EC system. The EC System has been proven to play a key role in maintaining body weight, controlling energy balance and fat metabolism. Acomoplia helps the brain release dopamine, a hormone which is naturally released when we eat. Dopamine gives us the feeling of pleasure and happiness; this is our reward for eating good food.

Anyone with an underlying neurodegenerative disease should not take Acomplia since it works with the central nervous system. It could promote such types of disease as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, as well as others. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take Acomplia either. As always, make sure to tell your doctor of any other medications you are taking before being prescribed this medication.

Not long after Acomplia was released independent studies have shown that the listed side effects actually occur more often and at a greater intensity than suggested on the label. Reports of severe depression have been reported while taking Acomplia. This is thought to be because the drug is active in the central nervous system. Other side effects include vomiting, nausea, stomach upset, sleep disorders, irritability, anxiety, dizziness, restlessness and muscle cramps are the most common. These side effects are said to be brought on by taking the wrong dosage of the medicine, and that once it is adjusted, they will subside.

Past studies have shown that Acomplia effectively works as a weight loss drug. In one year study, when the drug was coupled with a low calorie diet, 70% of the patients receiving 20 mg of the drug lost 5% of their body weight, while another 33-44% lost 10% or more. However, of the 1,036 patients that began the trials, approximately one third dropped out of the study due to the side effects. The drug has also been seen to reduce HDL (the good) cholesterol. It seems that while it may work for some, there’s also a chance the side effects will halt their experience with the medicine. Studies will continue until it is evident the drug is an “acceptable risk.”

Entry Filed under: Prescription Diet Pills