Meridia (generic ingredient: sibutramine) is an FDA-approved oral medication that is used for the medical management of obesity, including weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss.
Meridia (sibutramine) is the brand name of an oral (pill) drug and is indicated for the treatment of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Meridia can help people eat less, and still eat the foods they like.
Meridia is a systematic agent that affects the brain's appetite control centers without completely suppressing appetite. Meridia blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, and does not cause neurotransmitter release. promotes gradual, sustained weight loss and works without inducing feelings of euphoria.


 

FAQ

What is the indication for Meridia?
Sibutramine is a medication that assists with weight-loss by altering neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced and released by nerves in order to communicate with other nerves. Released neurotransmitters may attach to other nerves or they may be taken up again by the nerves that release them, a process termed reuptake. Sibutramine blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters alters the balance of neurotransmitters within the nerve cells and thereby affect nerve function and interaction. Sibutramine was approved by the FDA in 1997.

How should I take 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.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Meridia is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Meridia can be taken with or without food.
• Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Meridia could be dangerous.
• Meridia has been reported to cause increased blood pressure in some patients. It is important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored regularly while taking Meridia.
• Store Meridia at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Can it be taken during pregnancy?
Meridia is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Meridia will harm an unborn baby. Do not take sibutramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

What should I avoid while taking Meridia?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Meridia may cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
• Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), and migraine medicines.

What are the most common side effects?
All medicines have side effects. In general, sibutramine is well-tolerated. The most common side effects have been constipation, inability to sleep, headache, and dry mouth. Other side effects include abdominal pain, acne, rash, chest pain, anxiety, joint pain, back pain, excitation, depression, sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, changes in taste, irregular or painful menstrual periods, flu-like syndrome, increased cough, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, neck pain, nervousness, palpitations, tingling of the extremities, sore throat, and sinus congestion.