Weight Loss, Dieting & Obesity

Prescription Weight Loss Medications - Reviews of Reductil & Meridia Weight Loss Medication

Please read Part One of this series of articles on Weight Loss Medications before continuing. It contains important advice applicable to all forms of weight loss medications.

The chemical Sibutramine hydrochloride is the generic form of the prescription weight loss medication / drug also known by the brand names of Meridia and Reductil.

Type of Weight Loss Medication (Drug):

Appetite suppressant. (Has similarities to certain modern antidepressant medications, which themselves often show weight loss as a gradual side effect.)

It works in a completely different way than the Phentermine prescription weight loss drugs such as Adipex and Ionamin, the Phendimetrazine weight loss medications such as Bontril, and the Benzphetamine drugs such as Didrex.

Brief description of use:

As an adjunct to a long term obesity management plan that should also include diet, exercise and behavior therapy. (May be taken for longer time periods than the Phentermine, Phendimetrazine & Benzphetamine drugs.)

It is particularly appropriate where the patient suffers from or has a prior history of heart disorders, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Meridia works by boosting levels of certain chemical messengers in the nervous system, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenalin.

Use only under the recommendation and supervision of a medical practioner, and use only as directed.

Usually taken once per day with breakfast. Tablets should be swallowed whole, and not chewed or crushed.

Contraindictions, warnings, drug side effects & risks:

Follow your doctor's directions at all times and keep all medical appointments while using this weight loss medication.

Not suitable for children. Adult use only.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sibutramine or any other drug (whether prescription, over-the-counter or illicit).

Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding.

Do not use with alcohol.

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.

Do not exceed recommended dose, as Meridia can be habit forming. Advise your doctor before your first prescription if you have any prior history of addiction to any type of substance.

Until you know how you react to this weight loss medication, do not drive, operate machinery or undertake any other potentially risky task.

Always advise dentists, doctors, surgeons, paramedics or any other emergency services that you are using this medication before they commence any treatment on you.

Advise your doctor of all other medications or drug, whether prescribed, over-the-counter or illicit, before taking this medication.

Not everyone has side effects. The most common side effects include headache, constipation, back pain, insomnia, 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, and dry mouth. (Dry mouth is caused by loss of saliva production. Saliva is a natural antibiotic, so 'dry mouth' over an extended period of time may result in dental decay and mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract infections.) Advise your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away.

Advise your doctor immediately of any of these more severe side effects: 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.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after more than a few hours, skip that dose altogether. Do not double-dose next time.

Never share this drug with anyone else.

In the event of overdose, call a Poisons Information Center or get someone to take you to an emergency unit immediately.

Always read in full the instructions and additional information that come with this weight loss medication.