What is sibutramine and what is it for?

What is sibutramine?

To begin with, sibutramine is a drug thatis used in the framework of comprehensive programs of obesity treatments, functioning as an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, stimulating weight loss.

Sibutramine is chemically composed of sibutramine and hydrochloride monohydrate, come in the form of white capsules with blue cap (containing 15 mg ofsibutramine) andare prescribed in initial strict doses of 10 mg.

Important: One analysis requires that “Sibutramine should be administered only to patients who have a Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 30 Kg/m2 or a BMI greater than or equal to 27 Kg/m2 with other associated cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes 2 or dyslipidemia.” (1)

What is sibutramine for?

Sibutramineserves as a special treatment for obesity (in necessary cases if the doctor sees it possible) but specifically, they have many functions. We present the most important ones:

1. Increased feeling of fullness

Sibutraminestimulates the feeling of satiety, preventing the intake of many fatty foods, but how does this happen?

This is achieved by the retraining of monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and to a lesser extent dopamine, which are involved in the regulation of food intake.

Note: A study highlights the following “The possible influence on the production of body heat (thermogenesis) is also postulated, the pathway of generating heat in the body by metabolic reactions” . (two)

2. Increased thermogenesis

Continuing with the previous appointment, this medicine also has a great influence on thermogenesis , approximately in an increase of 3 to 5% of energy expenditure.

Thermogenesis occurs both in humans and in the animal kingdom , it is the act of converting energy from food into heat, thereby consuming large proportions of lipids and glucose (groups of organic molecules).

To highlight: Thanks to studies of treatments against obesity, it is known that “The rate of thermogenesis is controlled by the adrenaline released by the sympathetic nerves” . (3)

3. Weight reduction and maintenance

This is the result of the previous functions of sibutramine, maintaining balance for the patient , regarding his weight.

When satiety is greatly increased, the patient tends to consume less food in excess (especially those that are high in fat) and, like the boost in converting food to heat, the metabolism of the human being speeds up.

Important: It must be remembered that if a patient does not respond adequately to this treatment, sibutramine should be discontinued.

contraindications of sibutramine

Sibutramine is a great drug for weight loss, but it is used with many precautions and only in necessary cases. How many contraindications can it have? We present them to you below:

1. Sensitivity to components

Also known as Hypersensitivity, it is one of the main contraindications that we get in this drug.

Sibutramine should not be used in people who have metabolic sensitivity towards it or towards other components, inside the capsules such as the hydrochloride and the monohydrate.

2. Eating disorders

It is not recommended for people who have suffered or continue to have certain episodes of eating disorders or disorders thereof.

Note: The different known disorders are bulimia, anorexia or restricted food intake.

3. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease

Of course, sibutramine could not be taken by patients with active diabetes , increased blood pressure or heart disease, as well as high cholesterol.

This is because the drug can have effects closely related to these pathologies, which could not alleviate the problem but worsen it, especially in the areas of the heart (cardiovascular system), the digestive system and even the central nervous system.

4. Pregnancy and lactation

The consumption of sibutramine should be kept away during the stage of pregnancy and lactation. The foregoing is due to the fact that there are currently No levels of safety regarding the consumption of this drug during pregnancy, much less during lactation.

Note: It must be remembered that it can affect the newborn much more than the mother herself, therefore it is preferable not to consume it.

5. Children, adolescents and older adults

The consumption of sibutramine should not be prescribed in children or adolescents, whose organs and nervous system are still developing, since it could generate a mutation or possible poisoning.

When it comes to older adults, those who suffer from heart disease are at very high risk of worsening symptoms, from myocardial infarctions to contraction of the veins, obstructing blood flow.

To highlight: It is known that “All clinically significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate tend to occur early in treatment (first four weeks)”. (4)

6. Interaction with other drugs

Sibutramine cannot be taken while taking other medications, since their active metabolites are automatically eliminated and may affect how sibutramine works.

Note: Especially some antibiotics such as Rifampicin, Erythromycin, Troleandomycin and Clarithromycin, including decongestants or drugs for migraines, where Sumatriptan stands out.

Not to mention that the mixture of drugs can increase the presence of serotonin in the brain and cause serious conditions, the interaction between them is not adequate and can bring serious side effects.

What side effects does sibutramine produce?

Sibutramine can cause various side effects in the body, could you get an idea of what they are like? Here we present the most common adverse reactions and those that should be alert:

1. Tachycardia and palpitations

There are reasons why this drug is not recommended for people with heart conditions or Blood pressure problems.

This drug can cause tachycardia , which is a process where the heart beats faster and stronger than usual, while palpitations tend to be more sudden and can cause certain chest pains.

Important: If this is prolonged, delicate patients can suffer from heart attacks.

2. Gastrointestinal upsets

Sibutramine Can cause certain gastrointestinal effects that will not be very pleasant, so caution must be taken with the dose.

Among the main known gastrointestinal discomforts are loss of appetite, nausea and constipationtag. In rare cases, they can worsen the presence of hemorrhoids.

3. Headache

This occurs when it has an effect on the central nervous system, also caused by blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

The headache may be accompanied by certain cases of anxiety , light-headed sensations, and in some cases, insomnia may occur in the patient who takes this medication, so once again great care should be taken with its intake.

4. Insomnia and anxiety

As mentioned above, sibutramine can cause insomnia and anxiety. Anxiety can be common and tolerable, as it is the nervous system’s response to imminent danger.

With this many varied symptoms can come, among them may be insomnia, since this occurs when the person continues excessively with their worries without any type of rest.

5. Altered taste

In very rare cases , a slight difference can be felt on the palate, considering it a very temporary change.

Note: There are those who can feel the flavors differently on the palate , it occurs when the medication has some action on the sense organs and causes taste changes, we must be alert in these cases. It also causes dry mouth.

6. Sweating and tingling

The skin can also react differently. A certain level of sweating may occur(product of the thermogenesis process) and tingling or tickling may also be felt in the dermis, it all depends on the state of obese patients and the care they take after treatment.

Key Findings

• Sibutramine is a medication used in weight loss treatments.
• Its mechanism of action is possible by serotonin and dopamine.
• This Treatment for obesity should not be used in children, adolescents and patients over 65 years of age.
• It has adverse effects, such as tachycardia, headaches and gastrointestinal pain.
• Its consumption should only be carried out under the supervision and approval of a specialist doctor.