[Life-threatening psychosis caused by using sibutramine-contaminated weight-loss coffee]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2013;157(51):A6676.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Background: Weight-loss products, which are freely available in some other countries and on the Internet, may be contaminated with ingredients not mentioned on the label.

Case description: We describe a 43-year-old woman who presented to the emergency ward of our hospital after stabbing herself in the stomach with a knife, because of severe psychosis. A few days after admission her symptoms were completely gone and there were no longer signs of psychosis. The most likely explanation for the psychosis was the use of sibutramine-contaminated weight-loss coffee (Brazil Potent Slimming Coffee).

Conclusion: Brazil Potent Slimming Coffee and possibly also other weight-loss products may be contaminated with sibutramine and as a result cause severe adverse reactions. It is always important to consider intoxication due to the use of herbal supplements and other OTC products in the differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Brazil
  • Coffee / adverse effects
  • Coffee / chemistry*
  • Cyclobutanes / administration & dosage
  • Cyclobutanes / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Food Contamination
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Appetite Depressants
  • Coffee
  • Cyclobutanes
  • sibutramine