Dexfenfluramine for weight gain secondary to psychotropics

Depress Anxiety. 1997;6(3):119-23. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1520-6394(1997)6:3<119::aid-da5>3.0.co;2-8.

Abstract

We describe the use of dexfenfluramine (Redux) in six patients with mood disorders (bipolar disorder = 3; major depression = 3) who developed significant weight gain as a result of their psychotropics. All patients were females with an age range of 27-58 years. The duration of the trial varied from 3 to 20 weeks, with the dexfenfluramine dosage being 15 mg twice daily. Weight loss ranged from 2 to 23 pounds. None of the patients had any evidence of primary pulmonary hypertension or serotonin syndrome, despite being on serotonergic agents such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects
  • Appetite Depressants / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fenfluramine / adverse effects
  • Fenfluramine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Serotonin Agents / adverse effects
  • Serotonin Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Weight Gain* / drug effects

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Appetite Depressants
  • Serotonin Agents
  • Fenfluramine