Side Effects of fenfluramine: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of fenfluramine
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of fenfluramine: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of fenfluramine: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Fenfluramine was a drug previously used for weight loss. However, it was withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects, particularly heart valve damage. 14 , 10 , 19 , 22 . Fenfluramine works by affecting the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in appetite regulation. However, excessive serotonin activation can lead to heart valve problems. 10 , 19 . Norfenfluramine, a breakdown product of fenfluramine, can activate serotonin 2B receptors, potentially contributing to heart valve enlargement. 19 .

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of fenfluramine are primarily linked to the excessive activation of serotonin. 10 . While fenfluramine helps in weight loss by regulating serotonin levels, excessive serotonin activity can lead to adverse effects on the heart and other systems.

Common Side Effects

Heart Valve Abnormalities

The most significant side effect of fenfluramine is damage to heart valves. 10 . This can involve valve thickening or leakage, potentially leading to heart problems. The mechanism is believed to involve the stimulation of serotonin 2B receptors by fenfluramine, which can promote the growth of heart valve cells. 19 , 13 .

Pulmonary Hypertension

Fenfluramine can also lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. 10 . This could be due to fenfluramine constricting blood vessels in the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Mental Side Effects

Fenfluramine may cause mood changes, anxiety, and other mental side effects. 3 . This is possibly because fenfluramine affects serotonin levels in the brain, which plays a role in mood regulation.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Fenfluramine can also cause digestive system side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 1 . This might be related to fenfluramine's impact on the digestive system's functioning.

Other Side Effects

Other reported side effects of fenfluramine include fatigue, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and constipation. 12 , 2 .

Side Effect Management

Heart Valve Abnormalities

In many cases, heart valve abnormalities improve after discontinuing fenfluramine. 10 . However, if the condition progresses, surgery might be necessary.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension doesn't always resolve even after stopping fenfluramine use. 10 . If pulmonary hypertension worsens, medication or surgery might be required.

Mental Side Effects

Mental side effects usually improve when fenfluramine is discontinued. 3 . However, if mental side effects are severe or persist, consulting a psychiatrist is recommended.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Gastrointestinal side effects typically resolve after stopping fenfluramine use. 1 . If gastrointestinal problems are severe or persistent, consulting a gastroenterologist is advisable.

Comparison Among Studies

Similarities Among Studies

Several studies have highlighted the potential for fenfluramine to cause side effects such as heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension. 10 , 19 , 13 , 22 . These adverse effects are believed to be linked to excessive serotonin activation.

Differences Among Studies

The rate at which fenfluramine causes side effects and the severity of these effects can vary across studies. 20 , 7 . This variation is likely due to factors like the age, gender, weight, duration of use, and dosage of the medication in the individuals studied.

Cautions for Real-Life Application

Fenfluramine has been linked to serious side effects such as heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension. 10 , 19 , 13 , 22 . Consequently, fenfluramine is no longer available for use. For weight management, lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and regular exercise are crucial.

Limitations of Current Research

Our understanding of fenfluramine's side effects is still incomplete, particularly regarding long-term consequences. 10 , 20 . Further research is needed to fully comprehend the long-term effects of fenfluramine.

Directions for Future Research

Further research is necessary to unravel the mechanisms behind fenfluramine's side effects. 10 . Additionally, developing safe and effective weight-loss medications as alternatives to fenfluramine is a priority.

Conclusion

Fenfluramine was a weight-loss drug that was removed from the market due to serious side effects like heart valve damage. 10 . It is currently not safe to use fenfluramine. Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and exercise, are essential for managing weight.

Literature analysis of 22 papers
Positive Content
14
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
5
Article Type
2
1
0
6
22
1.

An overview of the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine and mazindol in the treatment of obesity.

Author: StahlK A, ImperialeT F

Weight loss
Addiction
Side effects

This review assessed the effectiveness and safety of mazindol and fenfluramine hydrochloride, two appetite-suppressant drugs with purported low abuse potential.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.

Language : English

2.

Fenfluramine and methylphenidate in children with mental retardation and borderline IQ: clinical effects.

Author: AmanM G, KernR A, OsborneP, TumuluruR, RojahnJ, del MedicoV

ADHD treatment
Neurotoxic action
Side effects

Methylphenidate and fenfluramine were compared for their effectiveness in treating children with mental retardation or borderline IQ and ADHD. Fenfluramine was more effective than methylphenidate on several parent and teacher subscales. The highest dose of fenfluramine produced more behavior compliance but apparently at the cost of cognitive efficiency.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

3.

Identification of alverine and benfluorex as HNF4α activators.

Author: LeeSeung-Hee, AthavankarSonalee, CohenTom, PiranRon, KiselyukAlice, LevineFred

Diabetes treatment
IBD treatment
Cardiovascular side effects

Alverine and benfluorex, two drugs used in different clinical settings, were found to activate the nuclear receptor transcription factor HNF4α. This novel mechanism of action suggests a possible path toward the development of therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Dexfenfluramine reduces cardiovascular risk factors.

Author: BremerJ M, ScottR S, LintottC J

Improved glucose tolerance
Improved insulin sensitivity
Lower blood lipids
Side effects

Dexfenfluramine did not significantly improve biochemical or clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease in obese dyslipidaemic individuals, despite weight loss and improved dietary composition.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

5.

Is DL-fenfluramine a potentially helpful drug therapy in overweight adolescent subjects?

Author: PedrinolaF, CavaliereH, LimaN, Medeiros-NetoG

DL-Fenfluramine adherence
DL-Fenfluramine weight loss
DL-Fenfluramine side effects

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of two different doses of DL-fenfluramine (DL-F) in prepuberal and adolescent obese subjects. Continuous administration of DL-Fenfluramine for 12 months resulted in weight loss in 65% of patients, compared to only 17.4% in the placebo group. The study found that DL-Fenfluramine may help obese adolescent subjects adhere to a diet and maintain weight loss without major adverse effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

The development of tolerance to drugs that suppress food intake.

Author: FernstromJohn D, ChoiSujean

Weight reduction
Side effects
Tolerance

Appetite suppressants can reduce hunger and food intake but their effectiveness diminishes with chronic use. The article discusses the biological mechanisms underlying this tolerance, highlighting the need for new appetite suppressants that maintain efficacy over extended periods.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Plasma fenfluramine levels, weight loss and side effects: a failure to find a relationship.

Author: PietruskoR, StunkardA, BrownellK, CampbellD B

Weight loss

Fenfluramine dosage and plasma levels are not correlated with weight loss or side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

10.

[Appetite suppressants and heart valve disorders].

Author: AdamsC, CohenA

Appetite suppression
Pulmonary hypertension
Valvular regurgitation

Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market due to cardiopulmonary complications including primary pulmonary hypertension and valvular regurgitation. Prolonged exposure to these drugs increases the risk of valvular heart disease.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

11.

[Orlistat (Xenical)].

Author: CrenierL, SternonJ

Improved lipid levels
Weight loss
Steatorrhea

Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, contributes to weight loss when administered with a mildly hypocaloric diet.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : French

12.

[Effect of dexfenfluramine on eating behavior and body weight of obese patients: results of a field study of Isomeride in Austrian general practice].

Author: GeyerG, HaidingerG, FrancesconiM, LangmayrN, PragerR, SchoberbergerR, ToplakH, von KalckreuthG, KunzeM

Improved lipid profile
Weight loss
Fatigue
Sedation

Dexfenfluramine, an appetite suppressant, was found to be effective in reducing weight in obese individuals following a calorie-restricted diet. It was well tolerated with minimal side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : German

13.

Role of echocardiography in toxic heart valvulopathy.

Author: DroogmansSteven, KerkhoveDirk, CosynsBernard, Van CampGuy

Valvular heart disease

This review discusses the use of drugs to treat valvular heart disease (VHD) since the 1960s. It covers historical background, drug-induced VHD, morphological and echocardiographic features, associated drugs, the influence of dose and risk factors, the natural course, and practical recommendations for using potential valvulopathic drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

17.

Pharmacological characterization of an antisense knockdown zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome: inhibition of epileptic seizures by the serotonin agonist fenfluramine.

Author: ZhangYifan, KecskésAngéla, CopmansDaniëlle, LangloisMélanie, CrawfordAlexander D, CeulemansBerten, LagaeLieven, de WittePeter A M, EsguerraCamila V

Treats Dravet syndrome

Fenfluramine, a serotonin agonist, shows promising results in treating Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe form of childhood epilepsy. This study developed a zebrafish model of DS and found that fenfluramine effectively reduces epileptiform discharges in scn1Lab morphants.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Comparison of an ephedrine/caffeine combination and dexfenfluramine in the treatment of obesity. A double-blind multi-centre trial in general practice.

Author: BreumL, PedersenJ K, AhlstrømF, Frimodt-MøllerJ

Lower blood pressure
Weight loss
Agitation
Gastrointestinal symptoms

This study compared the efficacy and safety of dexfenfluramine and ephedrine/caffeine in promoting weight loss in obese patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

19.

Appetite suppressants, cardiac valve disease and combination pharmacotherapy.

Author: RothmanRichard B, BaumannMichael H

Treat obesity
Cardiac valve disease

Obesity and drug addiction both involve dysregulation of biogenic amine neuron systems in the brain. This review discusses the neurochemical mechanisms of stimulant medications used in obesity treatment and highlights the potential for combination pharmacotherapy to yield effective and safe antiobesity medications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., IntramuralFunding provided by the NIH for research projects within the NIH.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

21.

Challenges in obesity management.

Author: PostonW S, ForeytJ P, BorrellL, HaddockC K

Improved comorbid conditions
Improved quality of life
Weight loss
Controversial treatments
Side effects

This review found that current therapies for obesity are ineffective in the long term and that therapies that combine psychosocial interventions, drugs, and extended maintenance appear to have the most promising long-term benefits. The review suggests that broader definitions of treatment outcome and success are needed.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.