Dexfenfluramine

Dexfenfluramine is a medication that was developed as an appetite suppressant. It is a stereoisomer of fenfluramine, and its mechanism of action involves increasing the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and appetite. By increasing serotonin levels, dexfenfluramine was thought to help individuals feel fuller and reduce their food intake.

The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 for the treatment of obesity. It was prescribed to individuals who were significantly overweight and had not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Dexfenfluramine was available in tablet form and was typically taken orally.

However, concerns about the drug's safety began to emerge shortly after its approval. Studies indicated a potential link between fenfluramine and its isomer, dexfenfluramine, and a serious heart valve condition known as valvular heart disease. This condition can lead to heart murmurs, leakage of heart valves, and in severe cases, may require surgery. Additionally, there were reports of pulmonary hypertension, a dangerous condition affecting the blood vessels in the lungs.

Due to these serious safety concerns, dexfenfluramine was voluntarily withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer in 1997, less than a year after its approval. The withdrawal was a precautionary measure to protect public health. The experience with dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine highlighted the importance of rigorous post-market surveillance and the potential long-term risks associated with certain weight-loss medications.