|
Sibutramine
(oral)
Brand
Name: Meridia
Most
Common Medical Uses
Meridia
is most commonly used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise
in the treatment of weight loss. It may also be used to treat other
conditions.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of
water. Meridia is usually taken once daily with or without food.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of taking Meridia include restlessness or tremor, nervousness
or anxiety, headache or dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth or an unpleasant
taste in your mouth or constipation. Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience any of the following more serious side effects:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular
heartbeat or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or concerns you.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, including
any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease,
high blood pressure or heart disease, history of stroke or seizures,
certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow
angle), or history of gallstones.
Drug
Interactions
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.
MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline, moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine and this drug should not be taken together. Talk
to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a dose of this medicine, take the dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not take a double dose.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do not share Meridia with others for whom it was not prescribed,
since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by
this drug. This medication should be used in addition to a reduced
calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured to monitor
side effects.
|
