How Meridia Works - MERIDIA works by acting on the appetite control center in the brain. Meridia blocks the re-uptake of the brain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) which help regulate the sense of fullness. Fullness is your signal to stop eating. Having a sense of fullness, or satiety, means you may feel satisfied with less food. Studies have shown that using MERIDIA, along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, helped patients lose weight and maintain weight loss for up to two years.
What is the active ingredient in Meridia? - The active ingredient in MERIDIA, sibutramine, works in the area of the brain that signals the sense of fullness (satiety). Meridia does not suppress appetite, which is your signal to start eating, but makes you feel full faster so that you eat less.
How to Take Meridia - Follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take MERIDIA. It is typical for a doctor to recommend that you take one (1) MERIDIA capsule a day. You can take MERIDIA on an empty stomach or after a meal.
What if you miss a dose of Meridia? - If you forget to take a dose of MERIDIA, do not take an extra capsule to “make up” for the dose you forgot.
How long should I take MERIDIA? - Your doctor will determine how long you should take MERIDIA. Follow your doctor's advice. The safety and effectiveness of MERIDIA have not been determined beyond two (2) years at this time.
Who should not take MERIDIA? - MERIDIA should not be taken by people who:
- HAVE UNCONTROLLED OR POORLY CONTROLLED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BECAUSE MERIDIA SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASES BLOOD PRESSURE IN SOME PATIENTS.
- Are taking prescription medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, Parkinson’s Disease, or any other disorder (for example: Eldepryl®(selegiline hydrochoride), Parnate®(tranylcypromine sulfate), Nardil®(phenelzine sulfate)).
- Are taking other weight loss medications that act on the brain (for example: phentermine). This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal products.
- Have had prior allergic reactions to MERIDIA or sibutramine.
- Have a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and/or who have angina pectoris (heart-related chest pain).
- Have arrhythmias (irregular heart beats).
- Have had a prior heart attack.
- Have a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
- Have severe liver or kidney disease.
- Have had a stroke or symptoms of a stroke (transient ischemic attacks [TIAs]).
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Are breast-feeding their infants.
- Are suffering from major eating disorder anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
- Are under 16 years of age.
Meridia Precautions - If you have any concerns or questions about whether or not you should take MERIDIA, talk to your doctor. It is very important that you make sure that your primary care doctor and all your other healthcare providers know what medications you take and what medical conditions and allergies you have.
