No. alli (Orlistat) does not cause such effects. alli works in the gut; it is non-systemically acting, which means it does not affect the central nervous system (CNS), and has no effect on the heart or the brain. Some weight-loss drugs and supplements that are systemically absorbed can be associated with CNS side effects (e.g., seizure, stroke, and anxiety) or systemic side effects (e.g., heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure and heart problems). alli, a non-systemic weight-loss medication, is not associated with these side effects and its safety and efficacy is well established.
You may be confusing it with another weight loss medication, which the FDA Advisory Committee denied approval just this last week. I read the press release in the Wall Street Journal - Thursday June 14, 2007
Let me know if you want more information,
Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LD, CPT