Sibutramine: possible cause of a reversible cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Obesity is an ever increasing worldwide epidemic [1]. Treatment necessitates an interdisciplinary approach and there are not many choices for pharmacological treatment of obesity. Sibutramine, a drug used for treating obesity, acts centrally by inhibiting hypothalamic neuronal re-uptake of noradrenalin and serotonin. Frequent side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, asthenia and constipation. The drug produces small increases in blood pressure and pulse and that is why it is contraindicated in some individuals with heart disease.