scholarly journals Ventricular Tachycardia Induced by Weight Loss Pills

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manan Pareek ◽  
Nils Henrik Hansson ◽  
Erik Lerkevang Grove
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Multiple Episodes

A previously healthy 29-year-old man was admitted with palpitations, dizziness, and near-syncope after he had recently started taking weight loss pills purchased on the internet. The pills contained caffeine and ephedrine. An electrocardiogram and telemetry revealed multiple episodes of non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, which was successfully treated with amiodarone. In conclusion, unauthorized weight loss pills can be harmful. In particular, ephedrine-containing drugs carry a risk of ventricular tachycardia and should be discouraged.

Obesity Therapy: How and Why?

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Paccosi ◽  
Barbara Cresci ◽  
Laura Pala ◽  
Carlo Maria Rotella ◽  
Astrid Parenti
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Obesity Drugs

Background: Obesity represents the second preventable mortality cause worldwide, and is very often associated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The first line treatment is lifestyle modification to weight-loss, but for those who fail to achieve the goal or have difficulty in maintaining achieved results, pharmacological treatment is needed. Few drugs are available today, because of their side effects. Objective: We aim to review actual pharmacological management of obese patients, highlighting differences between Food and Drug Administration - and European Medicine Agency-approved molecules, and pointing out self-medications readily obtainable and widely distributed. Methods: Papers on obesity, weight loss, pharmacotherapy, self- medication and diet-aid products were selected using Medline. Research articles, systematic reviews, clinical trials and meta-analyses were screened. Results: Anti-obesity drugs with central mechanisms, such as phentermine and lorcaserin, are available in USA, but not in Europe. Phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion combinations are now available, even though the former is still under investigation from EMA. Orlistat, with peripheral mechanisms, represents the only drug approved for weight reduction in adolescents. Liraglutide has been approved at higher dose for obesity. Anti-obesity drugs, readily obtainable from the internet, include crude-drug products and supplements for which there is often a lack of compliance to national regulatory standards. Conclusion: Mechanisms of weight loss drugs include the reduction of energy intake or the increase in energy expenditure and sense of satiety as well as the decrease of hunger or the reduction in calories absorption. Few drugs are approved, and differences exist between USA and Europe. Moreover, herbal medicines and supplements often sold on the internet and widely used by obese patients, present a risk of adverse effects.

Mechanism of Repetitive Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Circulation ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce B. Lerman ◽  
Kenneth Stein ◽  
Erica D. Engelstein ◽  
David S. Battleman ◽  
Neal Lippman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document