Findings of a meta-analysis of four trials carried out by Danish researchers showed patients given rimonabant were 2.5 times more likely to stop treatment because of depression than those on placebo. Patients were also three times more likely to quit treatment because of anxiety.
The four trials included a total of 4,105 patients who were randomly assigned 20mg rimonabant daily or placebo. Patients suffering from depressed mood were excluded from the trial.
Patients given the drug had 4.7kg greater weight loss after the first year than those on placebo. The rate of serious adverse events was 40 per cent higher in the treatment group.
In July the EMEA said rimonabant should be contraindicated in those with depression or those on antidepressants.
Dr David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said GPs need to consider these contraindications before prescribing rimonabant.
A spokeswoman for manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis said it 'has actively sought to ensure that treatment is prescribed to the right patient'.
