|
|
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
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
|
What is this Drug
Meridia (si-BYOO-tra-meen) is used together with a reduced-calorie diet to help you lose weight and to help keep the lost weight from returning. Meridia is thought to work by increasing the activity o
f certain chemicals, called norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. This medicine is approved for use only in people who are very overweight.
|
How should this medicine be used?
The recommended starting dose of MERIDIA is 10-milligrams administered once daily with or without food. If there is inadequate weight loss, the dose may be titrated after 4 weeks to a total of 15-mill
igrams taken once daily. The 5-milligram dose should be reserved for those patients that do not tolerate the 10-milligram dose. Blood pressure and heart rate changes should betaken into consideration
when making decisions regarding dose titration. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination with other appetite suppressant medicine is ge
nerally not recommended.
|
|
|
|
Possible Side Effect
Less common side effects may include:
- Acne, abnormal thinking, agitation, allergic reaction, arthritis, bronchitis, changes in taste, chest pain, dental problems, diarrhea, difficulty breathing
, drowsiness, ear pain, ear problems, emotional changes, fever, gas, heavy uterine bleeding, herpes simplex virus, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, itching, laryngitis, leg cramps, mens
trual problems, migraine headache, muscle ache, neck pain, rectal problems, reduced vision, stimulation, stomach and intestinal inflammation, sweating, swelling, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, tingling
skin sensation, urinary tract infection, vaginal yeast infection, vomiting
|
Precautions while Using this Medicine
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.
|
Before Using This Medicine
Breast-feedingˇXIt is not known whether Meridia passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. A mother w
ho is taking this medicine and who wishes to breast-feed should discuss this with her doctor.
|
|
