Meridia is a weight loss prescription pill for obese patients who have serious risks to their health and life due to obesity. Meridia has Sibutramine as the main ingredient of the medication. Meridia comes in the form of capsules. 5mg (blue and yellow); 10mg (blue and white); 15mg (white and yellow) Meridia is taken once daily, generally in the morning. Therapy usually is started with one 10mg tablet per day. The dose may be increased to 15mg by the physician after several weeks to achieve the desired effect. Doses of up to 60mg have been studied. Meridia may be taken with or without food.

Sibutramine is an approved drug from FDA. It was approved back in 1997, since then it has been widely used for the treatment of obesity in conjugation with low calorie, low fat diet and exercises. Along with diet control and exercise Meridia has shown increased weight loss effects up to 5-15%.

Mode of action of Meridia:

Mode of action of Meridia is a bit different than the other conventional weight loss pills, as it hampers the effects of neurotransmitters by blocking their reuptake. 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. This process is called the reuptake. Use of Meridia, inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.

Who needs precautions while using Meridia?

Patients with any allergies; specifically drug allergies.
Patients with mild liver or kidney disease.
Patients who have experienced high blood pressure.
Patients with heart disease history of family history of heart disease need to be cautious when using this medication.
Patients having history of stroke or seizures.
Patients with certain eating disorders.
Patients having history of gallstones.
Patients who have high alcohol intake will have to limit alcohol intake as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication.
Since this drug may cause dizziness or fatigue, use extreme caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks (e.g., driving).
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously.

Who can not take Meridia at all?

Patients with allergic reactions to Sibutramine.
Patients with glaucoma (narrow angle).
Patients with serious heart diseases.
Patients with advanced arteriosclerosis.
Patients with liver cirrhosis.
Patients with kidney failures and kidney stones.
Women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medication. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Lactating mothers.

What side effects can happen?

Routine mild side effects include:

Dry mouth.
Drowsiness.
Constipation.
Difficulty sleeping.
Headache.
Dizziness.

Serious side effects include:

Back pain.
Arthritis.
Increased appetite.
Stomach pain.
Mood/mental changes.
Persistent sore throat.
Sinus congestion.
Chest pain.
Fast or irregular heartbeat.
Flushing or fever.
Increased thirst.
Arm or leg swelling.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Leg cramps.
Numbness.
Vision changes.
One-sided weakness.
Sweating.
Dysmenorrhea.

Very unlikely but report promptly:

Seizures.
Bruising.
Change in frequency/amount/color of urine.
Painful urination.
Yellowing skin or eyes.
Allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing.

What are possible drug interactions?

Despite the fact that Meridia has the longest list of side effects and drug interactions, it is still successfully being used because if take with care, this medication gives good results. The enlisted drug interactions are with the following drugs:

Other weight reducing drugs.
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, procarbazine, linezolid).
Drugs for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan).
Tryptophan.
Certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl).
Ketoconazole.
Erythromycin.
High blood pressure medicine.
Medicine for sleep.
Sedatives.
Tranquilizers.
Anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam).
Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine).
Psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics).
Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine).
Muscle relaxants.
Antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).