What is "taranabant"

n. A drug, a cannabinoid receptor type 1 inverse agonist investigated for the treatment of obesity but later dropped because of side effects including depression and anxiety.

Taranabant (codenamed MK-0364) is a cannabinoid receptor type 1 inverse agonist that was investigated as a potential treatment for obesity due to its anorectic effects. It was discovered by Merck & Co.

In October 2008, Merck has stopped its phase III clinical trials with the drugs due to high level of central side effects, mainly depression and anxiety.