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

Anat Achiron*, Yoram Barak, Shlomo Noy, Orit Pinhas-Hamiel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-113
Number of pages3
JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology
Volume9
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1999

Keywords

  • Fluoxetine
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Obesity
  • Steroids
  • Weight loss

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