Generic Name:
sibutramine (oral) (sih BYOO tra meen)
Brand Names:
Meridia
What is sibutramine?
Sibutramine affects chemicals in the body that are related to weight maintenance.
Sibutramine is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.
Sibutramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take sibutramine and talk to your doctor if you experience
- restlessness or tremor,
- nervousness or anxiety,
- mild headache or dizziness,
- insomnia,
- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or
- constipation.
Sibutramine may interact with other medicines and cause a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, fever, shivering, sweating, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and others. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Litonate, others), or migraine medicines.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Most important fact about Meridia
Make a point of keeping follow-up appointments with your doctor. Meridia can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored at the beginning of therapy and regularly thereafter.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.Symptoms of a sibutramine overdose are not known.
Directions
Take this medicine in the morning unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
