MERIDA or
REDUCTIL or SIBUTRAMINE
MERIDIA (sibutramine
hydrochloride monohydrate) Tablets contain15 mg of sibutramine hydrochloride
monohydrate.
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 10-15milligrams administered once
daily with or without food.
Take this
medication 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.