Weight-control drug causes psychosis

Weight-control drug causes psychosis

Raymond Poon

Jun 26, 2008
AsiaOne

Two young adults suffered mental disorders after taking a product that claimed to control belly fat and stress.

The man and woman, both in their early 20s, were admitted to hospital with symptoms of psychosis like hearing voices, hallucinations and confusion, according to a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) press release. They also had anxiety and increased heart rates from taking the supposed dietary supplement, but have since been discharged.

The duo said they bought the product, marketed as "Relacore", over the Internet. It has been found, however, that the packaging of the particular product they took did not fully match that of a same-named product sold on some Internet sites.

In the product they took, there was an undeclared western drug ingredient, Sibutramine. This is a prescription drug used as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity and is to be avoided by people with heart problems.

Following the incident, the HSA issued an alert yesterday to the public, advising them not to purchase or take the
product. HSA is now determining if the duo had taken a counterfeit version of "Relacore".

The HSA stresses that it is dangerous to purchase drugs and health products over the Internet. To download its consumer advisory guide on the online purchase of such items, visit www.hsa.gov.sg