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Archive for the ‘Meridia’ Category

Meridia is a weight loss drug available by prescription only and is used under the close supervision of a medical doctor. This drug is meant to treat those who are considered to be obese or severely obese according to Body Mass Index (BMI). Both height and weight factor into the calculation of Body Mass Index, which is a measure of the percentage of fat in total body weight. Meridia is intended for the treatment of individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Meridia contains a controlled substance which carries a risk of dependency. Patients must be made aware that these slimming tablets carry a number of warnings and are associated with a variety of unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects. However, Meridia is also FDA approved for the treatment of obesity by a licensed physician.

Active Ingredients
The active ingredient in Meridia is sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate — a synthetic substance that affects brain chemistry.

How Does Meridia Work?
Meridia is a very strong appetite suppressant that causes one to eat less and thus consume fewer calories in order to begin the process of losing weight. This medication works by acting on certain chemicals in the brain (including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that signal a feeling of fullness. It is similar to some medications that are prescribed for clinical depression.

Potential Side Effects
Use of Meridia is associated with a number of unpleasant and/or dangerous side effects. Therefore, it should be taken only under a doctor’s care. Experience of side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately. The most common side effects include:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Dry Mouth
• Anorexia
• Constipation

Meridia may cause increased blood pressure and hear rate for some, which is why Meridia patients must be frequently monitored while on the medication.
Rare, but potentially life threatening side effects include:

“Serotonin Syndrome”

• Weakness, Dizziness, Fainting
• Fever, “Chills”, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
• Stiffness or Muscle Spasms
• Rapid Heart Beat

New or increased shortness of breath may indicate a rare lung disorder.

Patient groups for whom Meridia is not prescribed include those who are:

• Under 16 or over 65 years of age
• Pregnant or nursing
• Taking MAOI drugs
• Taking other weight loss pills
• Allergic to any of the ingredients

Or have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• A history of heart disease or stroke
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• Eating disorders

Efficacy and Recommendations
Meridia has been shown in clinical studies to be an effective weight loss agent for seriously obese patients, when combined with healthy eating. The manufacturers suggest that Meridia patients who do not lose at least 4 pounds in 4 weeks contact their doctors. Meridia promotes weight loss at a slow, but steady rate. In view of the risks of serious side effects, this pill should only be considered as an option by severely overweight individuals at risk for other weight related health problems. Meridia is not recommended for use by any of the above groups or anyone with a BMI index less than 30.

Alternatives to Meridia
For those who should not take Meridia, or are concerned about the side effects, there are alternative appetite suppressants on the market.

Hoodia Gordonii is one such product. It contains a natural appetite suppressant extracted from plants that is available for purchase without a prescription. Slimming tablets containing genuine Hoodia are safe, yet potent appetite suppressants that carry no risk of harmful side effects.