Acomplia cannabinoid antagonist is the Anti-Pot

As a follow-up to the story on Obesity pills and depression, we take a look at the diet drug Acomplia, a cannabinoid antagonist. You know how pot gives you the munchies? Well, some clever research scientists used this premise to engineer an anti-pot that makes you not-hungry, giving you the anti-munchies. NORML has been tracking development of this drug, known also as Rimonabant (and Zimulti), and has some information regarding its action and side-effects.

Rimonabant blocks the natural binding of endogenous cannabinoids (as well as exogenous cannabinoids such as delta-9-THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana) to the neuronal CB1 receptors, causing users to lose their appetites. However, because the endocannabinoid receptor system is intricately involved in the regulation of a broad range of primary biological functions ­-- including appetite, body temperature, mood regulation, blood pressure, bone density, reproduction, learning capacity, and motor coordination --­ some experts are concerned that the long-term use of Rimonabant or similar drugs may eventually contribute to a host of significant adverse health effects.

In preclinical trials, newborn mice injected with Rimonabant refuse feeding and often die days after birth. Mice genetically bred to lack the CB1 receptor also suffer from numerous health defects such as cognitive decline, hypoalgesia, decreased locomotor activity, and increased mortality compared to healthy controls.

What happens to people who use this drug? Side effects may include suicide and suicidal ideation. From a story at CBSNews.com:

FDA also drew attention to a possible link between Acomplia and suicidal behavior. In studies of the weight loss drug, Sanofi reported one patient committing suicide and eight having suicidal thoughts. Among patients taking a fake pill, Sanofi reported two suicide attempts and five instances of suicidal thoughts.

Yes, you read that correctly. This drug is so bad even its placebo makes people want to kill themselves. Everybody run! It's the anti-pot!