Weight Loss Drugs Prescription and OTC »
Taking a weight loss drug may not result in weight loss by itself. But using diet pills can help an overweight person stay on a diet because nearly all of these medications work on suppressing appetite. "Feeling full" is believed to be related to a number of biochemical processes in the body. Signals to indicate fullness come from fat cells and the gastrointestinal tract; these converge with signals in the central nervous system. Appetite suppressants target a couple of key neurotransmitters in this process: serotonin and norepinephrine. Increased levels of serotonin result in a feeling of fullness. Increasing norepinephrine levels stimulate the central nervous system, decreasing appetite. Only one drug among the weight loss medications works in a different way. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) works in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent absorption of about a third of ingested fat.
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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride or sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is used along with a low-calorie diet to help people with obesity lose weight. Meridia is available in generic form and should be taken by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some common side effects may include: flu symptoms, fast or pounding heartbeats, high blood pressure, new or worsening shortness of breath, seizure (convulsions), fast or uneven heartbeats, dry mouth, upset stomach, and loss of appetite.
Drug interaction and warnings include: do not use Meridia if you have taken a MAO inhibitor drug in the last 14 days. The use of Meridia during pregnancy is not recommended. Meridia is not recommended for use in nursing mothers. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant and if they are breast feeding while taking Meridia. Meridia is not recommended for the treatment of obesity in pediatric patients. This brand name drug is no longer available in the US.
Our Meridia Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
MERIDIA (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. MERIDIA (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is recommended for obese patients with an initial body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², or ≥ 27 kg/m² in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., diabetes, dyslipidemia, controlled hypertension).
Below is a chart of Body Mass Index (BMI) based on various heights and weights.
BMI is calculated by ta...
Read the complete drug monograph for Meridia »
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using sibutramine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Read the complete patient information for Meridia »
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
This medication is used along with a low-calorie diet to help people with obesity lose weight. Reducing excess weight helps to prevent or control complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. Sibutramine works by affecting the area in your brain that controls hunger, providing you with a sense of fullness and satisfaction.
Discuss the risks and benefit...
Read the complete consumer information for Meridia »
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Meridia sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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