Drugs against obesity
Keller, U.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 47(8): 658-663
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 2171153 Document Number: 358633
The position of pharmacotherapy of obesity is still controversial. Different groups of drugs are currently available in Switzerland--none is covered by the health insurances. Apparently the authorities are not convinced of their efficacy. Various groups of drugs have been tried, such as amphetamine derivatives, adrenergic drugs, serotonin agonists or hormones with thermogenic effects, intestinal enzyme inhibitors and dietary fibres. The results of sympathomimetic drugs demonstrate a relatively high incidence of side-effects, and with some preparations there is also the risk of addiction. The serotoninergic drug fenfluramine has been demonstrated in several controlled studies to be an effective weight-reducing agent; however, its effect was relatively modest: It lasted only as long as the drug was taken. Fenfluramine is relatively free of side-effects and is reported to diminish 'carbohydrate craving'.