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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
Remember that Meridia must never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate. The combination could lead to serious, even fatal, overstimulation.
Am
ong the many drugs that pose a potential problem are the following:
- Alcohol (excessive amounts)
- Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough preparations)
- Dihydroergotam
ine (D.H.E. Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
- Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE)
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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?
Breast-feeding¡XIt 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.
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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.
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Proper Use of This Medicine
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.
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What side effects may occur?
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
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