Meridia® (active ingredient, sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate) is a relatively new diet drug approved by the FDA for use by overweight patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30+. It should only be taken as part of an overall weight control program, which should also include a healthy weight loss diet, regular physical exercise and other appropriate lifestyle modifications.
Is Meridia Safe?
Meridia® has been associated with serious adverse health events in a number of obese patients. As a result, some countries have banned its use. That said, over 8.5 million patients worldwide have been prescribed the drug and thus the incidence of such side effects appears to be quite low. Over 100,000 American doctors have prescribed Meridia® and it has been approved by the FDA since 1997. Its active ingredient, Sibutramine, has been clinically tested in over 100 trials involving more than 12,000 patients. It is one of the few drugs approved by the FDA for long-term treatment of obesity.
How Does Meridia Reduce Appetite? Does it Cause Weight Loss?
Meridia® operates on two brain chemicals called Serotonin and Norepinephrine, which affect mood and appetite. According to clinical studies, Meridia® does help to reduce weight, although weight loss typically reduces after about 12 months.
Meridia May Not Be Effective For Everyone
Clinical studies of Meridia® and other appetite suppressants indicate that if a weight reduction of at least four pounds is not achieved within four weeks, then that particular medication is unlikely to lead to significant weight loss in the long run.
What are the Health or Side Effects of Meridia?
Patients using Meridia® may experience restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, headache, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth or constipation. More serious side effects can include: allergic reactions (examples include: difficulty breathing; closing of throat; swelling of lips, tongue, or face; hives); irregular heart-beat, increased heart-rate, or high blood pressure. For a full list of possible side effects, please consult your doctor.
Is Meridia a Safe Option to Reduce Obesity?
It depends on your health, family history and lifestyle. Therefore, before using Meridia® make sure talk to your doctor. Brief him/her on your medical history, including (eg) any history of allergies, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure or heart disease, history of stroke or seizures. In addition, inform him/her of any other medications you use, such as high blood pressure medicine, antidepressants, cough suppressants, and migraine medicines. Meridia® is not safe for use by children, pregnant or nursing moms, or anyone with a history of drug-dependence.
Sample Price Guide
Meridia 10mg (30 pills) $150.00
Warning: For the sake of your health, talk to your doctor before taking Meridia® or any other weight loss medications, and maintain regular contact during your course of treatment.
