Meridia (Sibutramine)

Uses

This medication is used to reduce excess body weight (obesity).

Directions

Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases.

Side efects

Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, difficulty sleeping, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: dizziness, back pain, arthritis, increased appetite, stomach pain, mood/mental changes, persistent sore throat, sinus congestion. Unlikely but report promptly: 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, painful menstruation. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures, bruising, change in frequency/amount/color of urine, painful urination, yellowing skin or eyes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), history of gallstones. 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). It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medication. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs you may use, 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, 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. Tell your doctor if you take drugs that cause drowsiness: 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). Antihistamines and decongestants may be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and cold. Consult your pharmacist. MAO inhibitors (see above) and this drug should not be taken together. If an MAO inhibitor or this drug is stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the other drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast heartbeat.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.