An Introduction to Meridia Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
Meridia® (
sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. In most cases, side effects occur when too much Meridia is taken.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Meridia. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Meridia side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Meridia
Meridia has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and then compared to the side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects included:
- Headaches -- in up to 30.3 percent of people
- Dry mouth -- up to 17.2 percent
- Loss of appetite -- up to 13 percent
- Constipation -- up to 11.5 percent
- Insomnia -- up to 10.7 percent (see Meridia and Insomnia)
- A runny or stuffy nose -- up to 10.2 percent
- A sore throat -- up to 10 percent.
Other common Meridia side effects (occurring in 2 to 9 percent of people) included:
