About

Brand names: Meridia
Generic name: Sibutramine hydrochloride 

Meridia helps the seriously overweight shed pounds and keep them off. It is especially recommended for those who in addition to being overweight have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet. Meridia works by boosting levels of certain chemical messengers in the nervous system, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

How to take

Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor, usually one pill daily. The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Warnings and precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure or heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or history of gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medication.
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Meridia.
* More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, acid indigestion, anxiety, back pain, constipation, cough increase, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, flu symptoms, headache, increased appetite, insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, loss of strength, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, painful menstruation, rash, sinus inflammation, stomachache, sore throat.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.