Meridia
® (
sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is a prescription weight-loss medication. Not only is it approved to help people lose weight, but it is also approved to help people from regaining the weight they have lost.
(Click Meridia Uses for more information on what Meridia is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
It is made by Abbott Laboratories.
Meridia works by helping you to feel full more quickly. It acts in the brain, where it increases the levels of certain brain chemicals (including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in specific areas of the brain.
Meridia does not increase the production of brain chemicals. Instead, it prevents the "reuptake" of the chemicals. As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release a brain chemical. The chemical enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough of the chemical reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any of the extra chemical that remains in the gap between the cells, preventing the chemical from further activating the second cell. This is called "reuptake."
Meridia helps to block the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, so more of these chemicals remain in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the chemicals a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell. This action promotes a sense of fullness (the signal to stop eating). It does not suppress the appetite (the signal to start eating).
Studies have shown that the drug helps people lose weight. After six months of taking Meridia while dieting, people lost up to 18 pounds, compared to just 2.9 pounds for people who were only dieting. The higher doses produced the greatest weight losses. Similar results were seen in a one-year study.
Clinical studies have also shown that Meridia can help people who have already lost weight to keep the weight off. In one study, up to 43 percent of people taking Meridia (plus dieting) were able to keep off at least 80 percent of their initial weight loss after two years, compared to only 3 percent of the people who were only dieting.
Studies have also shown that taking Meridia (plus dieting) produced beneficial changes in
cholesterol levels (most likely as a result of the weight loss). Total
cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (
LDL), and
triglyceride levels dropped, while "good" cholesterol (
HDL) levels increased.
When and How to Take Meridia
Some general considerations for when and how to take the drug include the following:
- Meridia comes in the form of a capsule. It is taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take it on an empty stomach or with food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Meridia should be combined with a low-calorie diet. It is not meant to be used without dieting.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Meridia
- Whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Meridia. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Meridia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Meridia
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Meridia may experience the following symptoms:
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Meridia capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the capsules in an airtight container.
Keep Meridia and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Meridia or try to make up for missed doses.
The capsules come in the following strengths:
- Meridia 5 mg
- Meridia 10 mg
- Meridia 15 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Meridia?
Currently, there are no generic versions of Meridia licensed for sale
(see Generic Meridia).
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