Lorcaserin

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Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin (pronounced lor-KAS-er-in) is a weight-loss drug developed by the pharmaceutical company Arena Pharmaceuticals. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 for use in the treatment of obesity.

Etymology

The name "Lorcaserin" is derived from the chemical structure of the drug, which includes a lorcaserin hydrochloride component. The "lor" is short for "lorcaserin," the "cas" refers to the chemical group carboxamide, and the "erin" is a common suffix used in pharmaceutical naming.

Usage

Marketed as Belviq, Lorcaserin is used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity. It is sometimes given to people who are overweight due to medical problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Mechanism of Action

Lorcaserin works by controlling appetite — specifically by activating brain receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of satiety and satisfaction. Serotonin is also involved in mood; many antidepressant medications work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin and thereby increasing brain levels of this neurotransmitter.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lorcaserin include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation. In some people, lorcaserin may cause serious side effects like slow heartbeat, easy bleeding/bruising, or mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide).

Withdrawal

On 17 September 2020, The United States FDA withdrew approval for lorcaserin and for extended-release lorcaserin tablets.

Related Terms

External links

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