What Meridia side effects should I be concerned about? 

Meridia side effects cannot be anticipated, but if any develop or change in intensity you need to notify your doctor immediately.  Only your doctor can tell whether you should continue this medication in spite of the Meridia side effects. 

Meridia side effects may include: 

Abdominal pain, acid indigestion, anxiety, back pain, constipation, cough increase, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, flu symptoms, headache, increased appetite, insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, loss of strength, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, painful menstruation, rash, sinus inflammation, stomachache, sore throat 

In addition to the Meridia side effects, possible food and drug interactions have been noted while taking this medication: 

Meridia should never be taken within two weeks of using an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.  Combining Meridia with these medications may lead to serious or even fatal over-stimulation. 

Meridia side effects may also include their interaction with a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, especially weight-reducing medications, decongestants, antidepressants, allergy medications, and cough and cold remedies that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.  Some of the medications that may cause a problem when combined with Meridia include the following: 

• Alcohol (excessive amounts)

• Blood thinners such as Warfarin (Coumadin)

• Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough preparations)

• Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)

• Drugs that affect platelet function

• Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE)

• Fentanyl (Duragesic)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

• Meperidine (Demerol)

• Naratriptan (Amerge)

• Paroxetine (Paxil)

• Pentazocine (Talwin NX, Talacen)

• Sertraline (Zoloft)

• Stimulants such as Adderall, amphetamines, dexadrine, Desoxyn, Didrex, and Ionamin

• Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

• Tryptophan ( L-Tryptophan)

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)

• Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

If you have any questions about Meridia side effects or how this weight loss medication interacts with other medicines, contact your doctor immediately. 

Meridia side effects and concerns if you're pregnant or breast-feeding:

In addition to Meridia side effects there are concerns about taking this weight loss medication if you're pregnant.  It is not recommended.  During your childbearing years, you should take reliable contraceptive measures while using this drug.  If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Meridia appears in the breast milk, but its use while you're breast-feeding your child is not recommended.

Information from The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic  MA Licensed Psychologist   Ph.D. Candidate  (Health and Geriatric Psychologist)

	Web www.Psychtreatment.Com