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Meridia

Pronounced: mer-ID-dee-uh
Generic name: Sibutramine hydrochloride

Meridia is used as an appetite suppressant in conjunction with a weight loss program which includes healthier eating and exercise.

Meridia works by suppressing appetite through a chemical in the brain called "serotonin," similar to the way that many antidepressants work.

Meridia is for use only by excessively overweight individuals ( BMI > 27 or 30 depending on other health issues) who have a condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, that could lead to serious medical problems.

While diet pills would appear to be the answer to achieving to a leaner, healthier body, they need to be used in conjunction with a healthier eating / exercise plan if you plan to keep the lost weight from returning after you stop taking the diet pills. If bad eating and exercise habits are not changed while using Meridia, or any other diet pill, the weight lost while using Meridia, will most likely be regained once you stop taking it.

How do I use Meridia?

Take Meridia exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Meridia is usually taken once a day, with or without food. T

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Meridia can be very dangerous to your health.

The use of Meridia during pregnancy is not recommended. If you are in your child-bearing years, take reliable contraceptive measures while using this drug. If you do become pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Meridia appears in breast milk; its use while breastfeeding is not recommended.

Who should NOT take Meridia?

Before taking Meridia, be sure to disclose ALL medications you have taken to your Doctor, including prescription and nonprescription medicine. Remember to include vitamins, any herbal remedies, and cough and cold medicines. Failure to do so could result in dangerous side effects when mixed with a Meridia prescription.

You should not take Meridia ( Sibutramine ) if you have or ever have had:

anorexia nervosa
glaucoma
high blood pressure
arrhythmias
a stroke
gallstones
coronary artery disease
congestive heart failure
thyroid disease
seizures
liver, kidney, or heart disease

What are the side effects of Meridia?

A rare, but serious condition termed "serotonin syndrome", has been reported with the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors including sibutramine in combination with drugs for migraine headache treatment, such as sumatriptan (IMITREX) opioids, such as dextromethorphan (DELSYM), meperidine (DEMEROL), pentazocine (TALWIN), and fentanyl (DURAGESIC), lithium (LITHOBID, LITHONATE), or tryptophan. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported when two serotonin reuptake inhibitors are taken together.

It is VITAL that you let your doctor know exactly what prescription and non prescription medications and herbal remedies you have been taken and have taken within the last month.

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

euphoria

drowsiness

sustained rapid eye movement

overreaction of the reflexes

rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot

clumsiness

restlessness

feeling drunk and dizzy

muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw

sweating

intoxication

muscle twitching

rigidity

high body temperature

frequent mental status changes
(including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state)

shivering

diarrhea

loss of consciousness

death

If you experience ANY of these symptoms immediately stop taking Meridia and contact your Doctor.

In addition to the side effect listed above, taking Meridia can also cause these side effects:

Increased blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Depression
Swelling of the feet, ankles, or body
Runny nose
irregular or painful menstrual periods
Flu-like symptoms
Aches
Chills
Stomach pain
Gas
Dry mouth
Constipation
Insomnia
Bruising
Seizures
Severe headache
Skin rash
Increased perspiration

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Meridia and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives;
an irregular heartbeat;
high blood pressure: Symptoms include - severe headache, blurred vision or
seizures.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Meridia Drug Interactions

Due to the potentially very serious side effects from taking Meridia, all use of prescription drugs, over the counter remedies, vitamins, and herbal remedies, in the previous two weeks, need to be disclosed to your prescribing doctor. Failure to disclose all this information could lead to disasterous effects.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this site is for informational purposes ONLY and should never replace the expertise of a qualified medical professional. The information presented here is meant to be a stepping stone to help you with learning about the various diet pills available and is by no means meant to be a replacement for more qualified and current information your doctor may have. The drug interactions listed here are not comprehensive. If you don't see a particular interaction is not listed, does not mean that there isn't one. Contact your doctor to make sure other prescriptions or herbal remedies will not interact adversely with a diet pill prescription. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. We are neither liable nor responsible for any loss, claim, damage, or lawsuit resulting from any drug use.