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How should this medicine be used?
Meridia comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or ph
armacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Meridia exactly as directed. Meridia can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than
your doctor tells you to.
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Other medical problems
Children¡XStudies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Meridia in children with use in other age groups.
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What is this Drug
Patients treated with MERIDIA while on a reduced calorie diet showed significant weight loss during the first 6 months of treatment, and significant weight loss was maintained for one year. In one 12-
month study, the average weight loss in patients taking MERIDIA, 10 mg daily, was about 10 lbs. and in those taking 15 mg daily was about 14 lbs. The average weight loss in persons on only a reduced c
alorie diet alone was 3 1/2 lbs. Thus, MERIDIA is proven effective therapy for the obese patient who needs to loose weight to decease morbidity. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the weight loss will ulti
mately depend on the degree of concomitant caloric restriction and the concomitant use of a graded exercise program.
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Side Effects
If you have narrow-angle glaucoma or thyroid problems, make sure the doctor knows; Meridia should be used with caution in these circumstances. If you are prone to gallstones, be aware that weight loss
can cause more of them to form. Meridia has not been tested in people under 16 years old. It should be used with caution in those over 65. Although it has been classified as a controlled substance (p
otentially subject to abuse), the possibility of developing physical or psychological dependence is low.
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Cautions
Meridia may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or poor judgment. Be sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery, or do other things that could be dangerous if you are no
t alert and able to think clearly.
Meridia may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. Howeve
r, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth deca
y, gum disease, and fungus infections.
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MERIDIA is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing weight and then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own. Your body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of MERIDIA after a few weeks of treatment, which
When you are taking Meridia, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Moclobemide (e.g., Manerex)¡XTaking moclobemide and M
eridia together or less than 3 days apart may increase the chance of developing serious unwanted effects, including the serotonin syndrome, and is not recommended
- Meperidine (e.g., Demerol) or
- Nefazodone (e.g., Serzone) or
- Pentazocine (e.g., Talwin) or
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram [e.g., Celexa], fluoxetine [e.g., Prozac], fluvoxamine [e.g., Luvox
], paroxetine [e.g., Paxil], sertraline [e.g., Zoloft]) or
- Street drugs (LSD, MDMA [e.g., ecstasy], marijuana) or
- Sumatriptan (e.g., Imitrex)
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