Meridia is a prescription appetite suppressant. Meridia is used in the medical management of obesity, including weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) Capsules contain
5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate and are supplied
as follows:
- 5 mg, blue/yellow capsules imprinted with "Meridia" on the
cap and "-5-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
- 10 mg, blue/white capsules imprinted with "Meridia" on the
cap and "-10-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
- 15 mg, yellow/white capsules imprinted with "Meridia" on
the cap and "-15-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
HOW DOES Meridia WORK?
Drugs of this class are thought to suppress appetite by inhibiting the reuptake
of serotonin, dopamine and norepiniphrine thereby modifying appetite centers in
the brain.
HOW TO TAKE Meridia:
The recommended starting dose of Meridia is 10-milligrams administered
once daily with or without food. If there is inadequate weight loss, the dose
may be titrated after 4 weeks to a total of 15-milligrams taken once daily.
The 5-milligram dose should be reserved for those patients that do not tolerate
the 10-milligram dose. Blood pressure and heart rate changes should betaken
into consideration when making decisions regarding dose titration. Take Meridia
as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination
with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS Meridia?
Patients treated with Meridia while on a reduced calorie diet showed
significant weight loss during the first 6 months of treatment, and significant
weight loss was maintained for one year. In one 12-month study, the average weight
loss in patients taking Meridia, 10 mg daily, was about 10 lbs. and in
those taking 15 mg daily was about 14 lbs. The average weight loss in persons
on only a reduced calorie diet alone was 3 1/2 lbs. Thus, Meridia is proven
effective therapy for the obese patient who needs to loose weight to decease morbidity.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the weight loss will ultimately depend on the degree
of concomitant caloric restriction and the concomitant use of a graded exercise
program.
HOW LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE Meridia?
Meridia is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing weight and
then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own. Your body starts
to build up a resistance to the effects of Meridia after a few weeks of
treatment, which is when you should be well on your way to a new lifestyle and
ready to stop Meridia.
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects,
this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program.
BE SURE TO TELL US ON YOU MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE IF:
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have an over-active thyroid.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have Diabetes Mellitus.
- You have emotional problems.
- You are pregnant.
- You are currently breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Included on your medical history/personal profile questionnaire all the medicines
you use, (prescription and nonprescription), especially other weight reducing
agents (e.g., diethylpropion), drugs that can raise blood pressure such as decongestants
(e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan),
antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine,
venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric medications (e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline,
moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine), drugs for migraines (e.g.,
dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan), tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure
medicine or any drugs which can cause drowsiness, including certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives and anti-seizure drugs. Antihistamines and
decongestants may be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and cold. MAO
inhibitors and Meridia should not be taken together.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, back pain, stomach upset or constipation
may occur the first few days as you body adjusts to the medication. Stop Meridia
if you experience; rash, hives, seizures, worsening of vision, decreased amount
of urine or unusual bleeding or bruising. Stop Meridia immediately if you
experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity; excitement, restlessness,
loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, weakness, shivering, clumsiness or
unsteadiness, fast heartbeat, large-unchanging pupils, vomiting, trouble breathing,
shortness of breath, chest pains, swelling of feet/ankles or legs, fainting, disorientation,
depression, high fever, eye pain, tremor or increased sweating.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Meridia is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular
disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.
