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.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
SIBUTRAMINE - ORAL
(sye-BYOU-truh-meen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Meridia
USES: This drug has been withdrawn from the US and Canadian markets due to problems with safety (increased risk of heart attack and stroke). Talk with your doctor about stopping sibutramine now and about other treatment options.
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 benefits of sibutramine with your doctor.
This drug should not be used in adults 65 years or older.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using sibutramine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced, especially if you have been taking this medication for a long time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Since this medication can increase your blood pressure and heart rate (pulse), it is important to have regular check-ups to monitor these readings before starting and during treatment with sibutramine. Your doctor will also monitor your weight loss progress and check for side effects (usually checking after 4 weeks, and then after 3-6 months of treatment or as directed) to decide if continued treatment is safe and effective for you.
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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