The science behind how Mysimba works still requires further research.
However, it is a combination of two medicines (Naltrexone and Buproprion) which work together like a well-oiled team, targeting different parts of your brain.
Naltrexone’s primary function is to manage addiction. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the effects of opioids.
Your opioid receptors are involved in many bodily functions so blocking them can influence other changes.
Since the opioid system does not only regulate pain but also hunger, mood and reward, this potentially explains the reported help with weight loss.
Bupropion influences neurotransmitters in the brain – masses of chemicals which send messages all over your body almost like an internal messenger system.
Two of these neurotransmitters, dopamine and noradrenaline, are influenced by bupropion and can lead to loss of appetite, although this varies from person to person.
This tag team approach means that you feel less hungry overall and can therefore be satisfied with smaller meals. It also helps you to use up more energy, potentially burning additional calories throughout the day.
Ultimately, taking Mysimba alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan can go a long way to achieving your weight loss goals.
Clinical trials provide important data to understand how Mysimba can help with weight loss.
Mysimba’s evidence comes from 4 studies, totalling 4500 patients classed as obese or overweight compared to a placebo drug. The studies were part of a weight loss programme alongside diet and exercise advice. Treatment lasted over 28 or 56 weeks.
The main results (which include patients who dropped out) from the European Medicines Agency show:
The specific details of the clinical trials can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics for Mysimba.
Since Mysimba is an option if you are overweight or obese, the amount of weight you lose is a good measure of the medication's effectiveness.
You should lose at least 5% of your initial body weight by the end of 16 weeks. For example, if you are 110kg before treatment, by the end of the 16th week, you should have lost 5.5kg if not more. This means your new weight would be 104.5kg.
If it has been 16 weeks and the weight loss has been less than 5%, Mysimba may not be the best option for you and you should inform your healthcare provider.
Additional Resources
Sources
Medicines. Mysimba: Summary of Product Characteristics.
European Medicines Agency, 2015. Mysimba: EPAR - Product Information.
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