Experiments show diet drug affects brain similar to cocaine

By: By Ruth Ihde

Posted: 9/5/02

The active ingredient in the weight-loss drug Metabolife has the same effects on the brain as cocaine, according to a study conducted by Texas A&M behavioral pharmacologist Dr. Paul Wellman.

Ephedrine and cocaine stimulate the nervous system and alter the level of dopamine in the brain, which plays a significant role in mental health. In Wellman's tests, lab rats on thephedrine did show reduced appetite but also alterted activity as a result of the drug.

People who have too much dopamine can suffer from schizophrenia, while too little dopamine can contribute to degenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.

The U.S. Justice Department has brought charges against Metabolife in light of reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of adverse health effects stemming from the weight-loss product.

Although Metabolife has denied any reports of harmful effects from its product, the FDA has received nearly 200 reports nationwide of negative effects from the stimulant ephedrine, found in Metabolife and other new weight loss supplements.

Wellman testified in 1999 in front of the Texas Department of Health about the effects of the herb on the nervous system and the similarities between ephedrine and cocaine Wellman said both drugs stimulate increased locomotion in the rats.

"The point is, cocaine and ephedrine have the same profile of action," Wellman said.

Ephedrine is an herbal medication found in plants, which allows little regulation of the drug.

ephedrine is in the particular supplement they are taking, or even if a false drug is being substituted, he said.

Although there is no long term data for the effects the drug has on the nervous system or weight loss, using pills for weight control is not ideal, Wellman said.

"You must get off of it eventually, and you may gain the weight back," he said.

Rhonda Rahn, Health Educator of Nutrition at the A.P. Beutel Health Center, said she has heard from various students who are concerned about friends who are taking Metabolife and other similar weight loss pills.

She said some students are complaining that they cannot stop shaking or get to sleep at night when taking the ephedrine-based pills. Research has found problems such as heart attacks and strokes in otherwise healthy 20-year-olds who take ephedrine, Rahn said.

"Some people have health problems they are not aware of yet and (ephedrine) just multiplies it," Rahn said.

While some health issues and deaths stem from people taking ephedrine in excess, it is also not the most effective tool for weight loss, health experts say. The best way to lose weight is to eat a proper diet and exercise regularly.

"I absolutely promote exercise and eating healthy," Rahn said.

Wellman hopes his investigation will force the FDA to be more aware of regulation concerning herbal weight loss supplements.

"It would be a step in the right direction for consumers," Wellman said.