Weight-reducing regimen associated with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Abstract

Obesity is already a costly problem in developed countries and is significantly becoming one in developing countries, in terms of costs, morbidity, and mortality [1]. Using anorectic drugs as an adjunct in a comprehensive weight-reducing plan has become more common around the world. Among all the anorectic or appetite suppressant drugs available for the treatment of obesity amphetaminelike drugs, phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine with significant anorectic activity in animal models. Its appetite suppressant effect is generally considered to be exerted through the hypothalamus, but it is not certain that this is the only effect related to weight loss [1]. Phentermine has major effects on the dopaminergic and noradrenergic nervous systems. The cardiovascular effects include a pressor response and increase in heart rate and force of contraction. They were withdrawn from the markets. However, many illegally imported slimming regimen (weight-reducing products) may still contain those unsafe drugs. They are possibly being promoted to the general public through the electronic media, print advertisements, and health food stores for which there is no evidence of efficacy. Health professionals too should query their patients about products purchased over the counter and be more vigilant in detecting previously unobserved and/or unreported adverse effects. We report here a case of very dangerous cardiac arrhythmia that was caused by slimming regimen pills containing phentermine and chlorpheniramine.