Weight Loss Drug Linked to Increased Risk of Sleep Apnea
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has shed light on a concerning link between a commonly prescribed weight loss medication and an increased risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have significant consequences for one’s health, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The study in question focused on a weight loss medication called lorcaserin, which is marketed under the brand name Belviq. Lorcaserin is designed to help obese patients lose weight by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, the study found that nearly 20% of patients taking lorcaserin were diagnosed with sleep apnea, compared to around 8% of patients taking a placebo.
Moreover, the study found that the risk of sleep apnea increased with the dose of lorcaserin taken. Patients who took the highest dose of the medication were almost three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than patients who took a placebo.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airways become blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing for short periods of time. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including loud snoring, gasping for air, and premature morning awakening. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious consequences for one’s health, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
The exact mechanisms by which lorcaserin increases the risk of sleep apnea are not fully understood, but researchers believe that the medication may affect the brain’s control of breathing or increase the relaxation of muscles in the airways.
This is not the first time that lorcaserin has been linked to potential health risks. In 2013, the FDA required the drug’s manufacturer to include a black box warning on the label, stating that lorcaserin may increase the risk of serious psychiatric adverse events, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
In light of these findings, healthcare providers are being urged to closely monitor patients taking lorcaserin for signs of sleep apnea and to consider alternative weight loss treatments that do not carry this risk.
Who is most at risk for sleep apnea?
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain individuals are more at risk than others. Some of the most common risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Being over the age of 40
- Having a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
- Smoking or having other respiratory problems
- Having a thick neck or narrow airways
What are the treatments for sleep apnea?
There are several effective treatments for sleep apnea, including:
- Weight loss: Losing weight through diet and exercise can help improve sleep apnea symptoms.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): A machine that delivers a constant flow of air through a mask worn during sleep.
- Oral appliances: A removable oral device that helps move the jaw forward and keep the airways open.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue in the airways or to reposition the jaw.
If you are considering taking a weight loss medication, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the potential benefits of the medication against the potential risks and recommend alternative treatments if necessary.
Conclusion
The link between lorcaserin and an increased risk of sleep apnea is concerning and highlights the need for healthcare providers to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of all medications, including weight loss medications. If you have been prescribed lorcaserin or any other medication for weight loss, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
