Meridia (sibutramine)

Meridia is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. It works by decreasing your appetite.

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 pharmacist 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.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Meridia,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Meridia or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially erythromycin (E-mycin, Ery-Tab, others); ketoconazole (Nizoral); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); MAO inhibitors (phenelzine [Nardil], selegiline [Atapryl, Carbex, Eldepryl], and tranylcypromine [Parnate]); medications for colds, cough, or allergies; medications for depression, including fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor); medications for high blood pressure; medications for migraine headaches (sumatriptan [Imitrex] and ergot-containing medications [DHE 45, Ergostat]); meperidine (Demerol, Mepergan); other medications for weight loss; pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin); tryptophan; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anorexia nervosa; glaucoma; high blood pressure; arrhythmias; a stroke; gallstones; coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; thyroid disease; seizures; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Meridia, call your doctor immediately.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Meridia will affect you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow the diet and exercise program your doctor has given you. Meridia works best in combination with a diet regimen.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from Meridia are not common, they can occur. Tell you doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• headache
• constipation
• back pain
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• nervousness
• changes in mood
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• gas
• changes in taste
• increased appetite
• loss of appetite
• runny nose
• flu-like symptoms
• irregular or painful menstrual periods
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• excessive sweating
• dilated pupils
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• vomiting
• extreme excitement
• restlessness
• anxiety
• dizziness
• confusion
• loss of consciousness
• uncoordinated or abnormal movement
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• difficult speech
• eye pain
• tremor
• seizures
• chest pain
• excessive bruising or unusual bleeding
• rash
• hives.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.