New Weight Loss Drug Could Cause Nervous System Problems, Says Expert Read more: New Weight Loss Drug Could Cause Nervous System Problems, Says Expert Important: At Risk For A Heart Attack? Find Out Now.

Many weight-conscious Americans became excited recently when an FDA advisory committee recommended that the weight-loss drug Qnexa be approved for sale. It would be the first obesity drug to gain approval since 1999. But Dr. Russell Blaylock says that those looking for a magic pill to lose weight should look elsewhere. Dr. Blaylock, a board certified neurologist and author of the Blaylock Wellness Report, says that taking Qnexa could lead to “all sorts of nervous system problems.” The medication is a combination of the anti-seizure medication Topamax and the appetite suppressant phentermine. “My concern is with the Topamax component of it,” Dr. Blaylock tells Newsmax Health. “Topamax can lead to suicidal tendencies, depression, irritability, and impulsive thoughts.” The second component, phentermine, is a drug that was used in the once-popular but now banned weight-loss medication known as fen-phen. Fen-phen was found to cause serious heart problems and was withdrawn from the market in 1997. Dr. Blaylock said that Vivus, the company that manufactures Qnexa, has never conducted extensive cardiovascular testing on patients taking the product. “They are planning on doing that post-marketing — meaning after millions of people are taking it. Well, that’s how we got into the fen-phen mess,” Dr. Blaylock said. Still, Dr. Blaylock said he is not surprised by the FDA panel’s recommendation that Qnexa be approved for sale. “Their priorities are in the wrong place,” he said. “It’s a revolving door with these giant pharmaceutical companies who are pumping the money into the people who are making these FDA decisions.” The FDA is expected to make a final decision regarding Qnexa by April 17. Dr. Blaylock said that when it comes to weight loss, there is no true replacement for a healthy diet and exercise, even for morbidly obese people.