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Why is this medication prescribed?
Meridia helps the seriously overweight shed pounds and keep them off. It is especially recommended for those who in addition to being overweight have other health problems such as high blood pressure,
diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet.
Meridia works by boosting levels of certain chemical messengers in the nervous system, including serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Meridia. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preserv
atives, or dyes.
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Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Meridia.
More common side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain, acid indigestion, anxiety, back pain, constipation, cough increase, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, flu symptoms, headache, increas
ed appetite, insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, loss of strength, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, painful menstruation, rash, sinus inflammation, stomachache, sore throat
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How to Use
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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What special precautions should I follow?
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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