European health officials have suspended the use of an anti-obesity drug known as rimonabant due to its related psychiatric problems.

According to a recently released report, rimonabant (Acomplia) doubles the risk of developing serious psychiatric disorders and suicide particularly in obese individuals.

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) had previously cautioned patients with a previous history of major depression and those taking anti-depressants against the use of rimonabant.

In the recent report, EMEA has recommended patients taking the drug to consult their physicians before stopping the drug.

Europe has allowed the sales of Acomplia since 2006; the drug, however, has never been authorized in the United States due to causing suicidal thoughts, even in patients with no history of depression.

PKH/HGH