Acomplia (Rimonabant) is a selective CB1 endocannabinoid receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of obesity. Rimonabant works by blocking the CB1 receptor, one of the two receptors found in a newly described physiological system called the Endocannabinoid System (EC system) believed to play a critical role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure.



The receptors are present on the surfaces of many cells throughout the body, including fat cells – which are involved in lipid and glucose metabolism and those in the hypothalamus, the brain region that determines appetite. Cannabinoids, such as Anadamide, the chemical compounds produced by our body latch on the CB1 receptors which are inactive in overweight and obese individuals sending out a signal that prompts people to eat more or in short increases appetite.

According to Sanofi–Aventis the drug also has the potential to treat smoking addicts because the endocannabinoid system is involved in the body's response to tobacco dependence. Researchers from Italy discovered the possibility that Acomplia may slow the spread of one of the more dangerous forms of breast cancer.

Acomplia (Rimonabant) can help obese people with type2 diabetes to lose weight, reduce waist size and claims to even control blood sugar and blood fats.

Acomplia helps people to resist the craving for highly palatable food popularly known as the munchies.

Acomplia has still not been approved by the US FDA. It is unlikely to reach the US market before 2007. It has the approval of the European Commission and is available in UK and will be soon available in other nations of the EU. It still needs approval from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence before it is widely available.

There are uncertainties as far as the side effects of Rimonabant are concerned. In a clinical trial it was found nausea to be one of the main side effects. Other side effects are mood alteration and depressive disorders, irritability, anxiety, nervousness and dizziness. The other common side effects were upper respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, sleep disorders, insomnia, memory loss, etc.

In clinical trials drop out rates were very high partly due to higher rates psychiatric side effects.

Even before the approvals are through Acomplia is available online. To buy Acomplia (Rimonabant) online could be dangerous as they could be imitations of the original.