Meridia
is recommended for overweight
people with an initial body mass
index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or
for overweight people with a BMI
of 27 or higher if they have medical
risk factors such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Your doctor can determine your
BMI and will decide if you meet
these criteria.
Meridia Directions?
Take orally exactly
as directed by your doctor - usually once
daily. Results may take 4-6 weeks to appear.
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently
or use it for a longer period of time than
prescribed, as this drug can be habit-forming.
If taken over a long period of time, do not
suddenly stop taking this medication without
your doctor's approval. This drug may become
less effective over time. Consult your doctor
if weight increases. You can take Meridia
on an empty stomach or after a meal.
Meridia Side Effects?
Dry mouth, drowsiness,
constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify
your doctor immediately. Read
more here.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication should be used in conjunction
with a reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure
and pulse may be measured and laboratory tests
performed to monitor side effects.
Meridia Warnings?
Tell your doctor of
your entire medical history, including any
allergies (especially drug allergies), liver
or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart
disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain
eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa),
glaucoma (narrow angle), or gallstones.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain
side effects of this medication. It is recommended
that women of childbearing age discuss their
use of birth control methods with their doctor.
This drug is not recommended for use during
pregnancy. Because of potential risk to infants,
breast-feeding while taking this medication
is not recommended. Elderly patients may be
more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
Use cautiously.
Meridia Drug Interactions?
Inform your doctor
of all nonprescription and prescription medication
you use, particularly other weight reducing
agents (e.g., diethylpropion), drugs that
can raise blood pressure, such as decongestants
like: pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine.
Inform your doctor if you use cough suppressants
such as (dextromethorphan), antidepressants
(nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline,
fluvoxamine, venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric
medications, (e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as
selegiline, moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine).
Also inform your doctor if you use drugs for
migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan),
tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl),
ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure
medicine or any drugs, which can cause drowsiness,
including certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine),
sedatives and anti-seizure drugs.
Antihistamines and decongestants may be found
in many nonprescription drugs for cough and
cold. Consult your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors
(see above) and this drug should not be taken
together. If an MAO Inhibitor or this drug
is stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the
other drug.
Meridia Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as you remember. If it is
near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Meridia Storage?
Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture. Keep this
medication out of reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Meridia?
Do not share this
medication with others. This medication should
be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie
diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured
and laboratory tests performed to monitor
side effects.
The FDA approved the use of the Meridia diet
drug against the wishes of its advisory committee
that actually voted against its approval by
a 5 to 4 vote. The concern of the committee
was that the health risks associated with
the use of Meridia for treatment of obesity
outweighed the potential benefits. Since Meridia
was first sold In February of 1998, until
September 2001, there have been 397 adverse
reactions reported to the FDA, including 152
hospitalizations, and 29 deaths.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
