On Belviq (lorcaserin)

Belviq is a new anti obesity pill approved by FDA and expected to have a huge demand.

The drug works by activating brain receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that triggers sense of satiety and satisfaction. Makers of Belviq (Arena) claims that drug is designed to seek out only the serotonin receptors that affect appetite - But - central side effects are expected including headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation. Diabetic patients may get encounter with hypoglycemia.

It would be interesting to watch from Intensive Care Medicine perspective any incident of Serotonin Syndrome. Also, cardiac valvular defect remains a concern as happened with fenfluramine in past. FDA has asked Arena to conduct studies once the drug reaches the market to determine whether it causes heart attacks or stroke in people who take it.