Lorcaserin: A novel antiobesity drug

J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2014 Apr;5(2):175-8. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.130158.

Abstract

Obesity is a major co-morbidity with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There are few drugs for treatment of obesity like orlistat and recentlty approved drug lorcaserin. Lorcaserin has serotonergic properties and acts as an anorectic. It may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors. Although, mainstay and first line of approach of treatment will always remain in having low calorie diet and increase in physical activity. Lorcaserin has come as a new hope to achieve success in treating obese patients but still a long road with further extensive research to be undertaken in the treatment of obesity.

Keywords: Lorcaserin; obesity; serotonin.