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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:
- Appetite suppressants, other (benzphetamine [e.g., D
idrex], diethylpropion [e.g., Tenuate], mazindol [e.g., Sanorex], phendimetrazine [e.g., Phendiet], phentermine [e.g., Ionamin])¡XThe effects of using Meridia in combination with another appetite suppr
essant are not known
- Bromocriptine (e.g., Parlodel) or
- Buspirone (e.g., BuSpar) or
- Certain tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil],
imipramine [e.g., Tofranil]) or
- Dextromethorphan (cough medicine) or
- Levodopa (e.g., Sinemet) or
- Lithium (e.g., Eskalith)
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What special precautions should I follow?
Do not take Meridia while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking medicines with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity , such as isocarboxazid (e.g., Marplan), phenelzine (e.g., Nardil), proca
rbazine (e.g., Matulane), selegiline (e.g., Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (e.g., Parnate). Do not take an MAO inhibitor within 2 weeks of taking Meridia. To do so may cause severe seizures, extremely
high blood pressure, or a life-threatening adverse effect called the serotonin syndrome.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
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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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
Pregnancy¡XMeridia has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that Meridia causes birth defects when used in doses many times higher than the usual human dose. Befor
e taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
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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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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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