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Meridia diet pill for weight
loss?
Generic:
Sibutramine
Brand
Name: Meridia
 The Meridia diet pill is
most effectively used with a reduced calorie diet to lose weight as well as to
keep it off permanently. The Meridia diet pill is believed to work by
increasing the activity of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters,
such as norepinephrine and serotonin. It usually is used only for individuals
who are very overweight or obese. This medicine is only available with a
doctor's prescription. Also, only the oral forms (capsules) are available in
the U.S. of the Meridia diet pill.
Important
factors to consider when taking the Meridia diet pill:
Before taking this or any
other medication you always must weigh the risks along with the benefits. This
is a decision that can only be made with you and your doctor. However, the
following factors should be considered before taking the Meridia diet pill:
Allergies- You should tell
your doctor if you have ever had any allergic reaction to this weight loss
medication. Also, you should tell your physician if you have ever had any
allergic reactions to any substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy-This medication
has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies using animals have
shown that Meridia may cause birth effects when used in doses much higher than
the usual human dose. Before using this medication for weight loss, you should
always make sure your doctor knows if you're pregnant or possibly getting
pregnant in the future.
Breast-feeding- It is not
known whether Meridia passes into breast milk. Although it is believed that
most medicines pass into breast milk in at least small amounts, some medications
are believed to be used safely while breast-feeding. This is another issue that
needs to be discussed with your doctor.
Children- Studies on the
safe use of the Meridia diet pill have only been done in adult patients, and
there is no specific information comparing the use of this weight loss medicine
in children with use in other age groups.
Older Adults-Many medicines
including ones specifically studying the Meridia diet pill have not been studied
specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work
exactly the same way they do in younger adults. However, although there is not
specific information comparing the use of the Meridia diet pill in the elderly
with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different
side effects or other problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Information
from Consumer Reports Consumer Drug Reference
Additional Information and
webpage
by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
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