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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 10, 2004, at 8:44:56
Though I realize this drug is not undergoing studies to ascertain any potential psychotherapeutic effects (yet), I know there are many among us who are having difficulty addressing the issues of weight loss and smoking cessation so I thought it was appropriate to post this.
Rimonabant, a selective CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist developed by Sanofi-Synthelabo, is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials and from what I've read, hopes are high in the medical community that this drug will be available to consumers within the next year or two. It will go by the trade name Acomplia.
Apparently, this compound aroused interest due to the simple fact that agonism of said receptor, by dronabinol, anandamide, cannabis, etc, is believed largely responsible for the "munchies" phenomenon. Likewise, it may be implicated as well in the reinforcing effects of aforementioned drugs, and thus was hypothesized to play a role in addiction. Studies have since supported these theories.
Anyways, just thought I'd report the news to those who hadn't heard it yet -- it certainly seems to me that cannabinoid receptor antagonism is a novel area of research worthy of our continued interest. I imagine the indications for this drug (or similar agents) could extend to many varied areas of psychiatric utility -- mania, psychosis, delirium, disassociation, and certain manifestations of anxiety could potentially respond to such a unique neurochemical approach.
Just my two cents. :-)
Posted by magdalena on March 10, 2004, at 15:47:46
In reply to Rimonabant - cannabis-inspired obesity/smoking med, posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 10, 2004, at 8:44:56
do you mean that smoking pot can cause obesity?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 10, 2004, at 18:26:24
In reply to Re: Rimonabant - cannabis-inspired obesity/smoking med, posted by magdalena on March 10, 2004, at 15:47:46
Well, the pot itself won't make you fat... it's the resultant munchies that accomplish that. :-)
This is the end of the thread.
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