Fluoxetine treatment for weight reduction in steroid-induced obesity: a pilot study in myasthenia gravis patients.

Author: Achiron A, Barak Y, Noy S, Pinhas-Hamiel O

Author affiliation: Sheba Medical Center, (Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University) Tel-Hashomer, Israel. Achiron@post.tau.ac.il

Publication date & source: 1999.01, Eur Neuropsychopharmacol., 9(1-2):111-3.

Publication type: Clinical Trial

To evaluate the weight reducing effect of fluoxetine on steroid-induced obesity, we conducted an open, clinical intervention study of 20-40 mg/day fluoxetine, 24 weeks duration. Thirteen myasthenia gravis, overweight, long-term steroid-treated patients [age: 31-59, body mass index (BMI): 29-54 kg/m2] were included. Measurements of weight, BMI, and routine laboratory tests, were undertaken at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Muscle strength and fatigue parameters were assessed at 4 week intervals. Fluoxetine induced mean weight loss of 7.7+/-2.6 kg and 10.3+/-2.9 kg over a period of 12 and 24 weeks respectively, (P<0.05). Mean BMI decreased from 35.8 to 32.2 kg/m2 over the study period. No significant side effects were noted. We conclude that patients suffering from steroid-induced obesity respond to fluoxetine treatment of overweight by significant weight loss.