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Abstract
Introduction. Sibutramine is a centrally acting neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor used for the treatment of obesity. In doses of 10–15 mg/day, sibutramine has been shown to promote modest weight loss; however, the literature devoted to characterizing overdoses and abuses of sibutramine is limited. Methods. We queried and retrospectively reviewed the California Poison Control System database between January 1998 and August 1, 2008. This was an observational case series. Results. A total of 62 cases were identified. Forty-four (71%) of our study subjects were females. Twenty-three patients (37%) were between 8 months and 2 years of age; 17 patients (27%) were between 31 and 50 years. The doses ranged from 2.5 to 75 mg. A total of 27 patients (44%) were referred to a medical center. In general, medical outcomes were minor. Twenty-five (40%) patients had no effects reported; 30 patients (48%) reported minor effects; and three patients (5%) had moderate effects. There were no major effects or deaths reported. In 58 (94%) patients, the ingestion was unintentional. Thirty-two (52%) cases resulted in the recommendation of observational therapy only as their management strategy. Of the patients who did experience adverse effects, cardiovascular side effects were the most common. In particular, tachycardia (nine patients, 14.5%) was the most notable, followed by chest pain (four patients, 6.5%). Six patients (10%) reported central nervous system side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects occurred in four patients (6.5%). The dose ingested did not appear to correlate with the clinical effects observed. Discussion. Sibutramine ingestion resulted in no serious effects or deaths on our retrospective case series. Mild to moderate effects that were rarely reported included tachycardia, chest pain, agitation, irritation, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.