Active Ingredients: Sibutramine What Is It Used For? Meridia is recommended for overweight people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Your doctor can determine your BMI and will decide if you meet these criteria. How Is It Used? Take orally exactly as directed by your doctor - usually once daily. Results may take 4-6 weeks to appear. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed, as this drug can be habit-forming. If taken over a long period of time, do not suddenly stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. This drug may become less effective over time. Consult your doctor if weight increases. You can take Meridia on an empty stomach or after a meal. Are There Possible Side Effects? Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Read more here. Do not share this medication with others. This medication should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured and laboratory tests performed to monitor side effects. Is It Safe? Tell your doctor of 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), or gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication. It is recommended that women of childbearing age discuss their use of birth control methods with their doctor. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Because of potential risk to infants, breast-feeding while taking this medication is not recommended. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously. What About Interactions With Other Drugs? Inform your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, particularly other weight reducing agents (e.g., diethylpropion), drugs that can raise blood pressure, such as decongestants like: pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine. Inform your doctor if you use cough suppressants such as (dextromethorphan), antidepressants (nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric medications, (e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline, moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine). Also inform your doctor if you use drugs for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan), tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure medicine or any drugs, which can cause drowsiness, including certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives and anti-seizure drugs. 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. What If I Miss A Dose? 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 regular dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. How Should It Be Stored? Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this medication out of reach of children. Anything Else I Should Know? Do not share this medication with others. This medication should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured and laboratory tests performed to monitor side effects. The FDA approved the use of the Meridia diet drug against the wishes of its advisory committee that actually voted against its approval by a 5 to 4 vote. The concern of the committee was that the health risks associated with the use of Meridia for treatment of obesity outweighed the potential benefits. Since Meridia was first sold In February of 1998, until September 2001, there have been 397 adverse reactions reported to the FDA, including 152 hospitalizations, and 29 deaths. How Can I Manage My Weight Once I'm Off This Medication? More On Weight Loss NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product