Meridia
® (
sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is only available with a prescription; you cannot buy over-the-counter (OTC) Meridia. This medication is approved for use in adults (age 16 and older) in combination with a low-calorie diet.
Your healthcare provider will consider several factors before recommending Meridia. Some of these factors include how you respond to the medication, whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you are taking.
Before using Meridia, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential drug interactions that may apply to you. Also, you may not be able to safely use Meridia if you have certain medical conditions, such as
glaucoma,
epilepsy, or heart problems.
For the medication to work properly, you must take it as prescribed. Do not buy Meridia without a prescription, as it is important to have your healthcare provider's approval and supervision when using this weight loss medication.
(To read the full eMedTV article on this topic, click Meridia. This article takes an in-depth look at why there is no over-the-counter version of this drug available, potential side effects, and more.)
