Used as part of a diet plan to help you lose weight
Brand Names:
Meridia
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sibutramine or if you have an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. You should not use sibutramine with other diet pills. Sibutramine and medicines called MAO inhibitors should not be used within 14 days of each other. Isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine are MAO inhibitors used to treat depression. Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor for Parkinson's disease
Uses:
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
You may be told to take one capsule every day. Sibutramine can cause trouble sleeping, so your doctor may tell you to use the medicine in the morning.
You should receive another information sheet with your medicine. Read this information carefully.
You may take sibutramine with or without food.
If a dose is missed:
Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ketoconazole, other medicine to help you lose weight, or medicine to treat colds, cough, or allergies.
Sibutramine used with some medicines to treat depression (such as Prozac®, Desyrel®, Luvox®, Serzone®, Paxil®, Zoloft®, or Effexor®), lithium, dextromethorphan, fentanyl, meperidine, pentazocine, tryptophan, or medicine to stop migraine headaches (such as sumatriptan (Imitrex®) or dihydroergotamine (DHE 45®) can cause serious side effects. Give your doctor a list of all medicines you are using or plan to use, including medicines you get without a doctor's prescription.
Warnings:
Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have glaucoma, seizures, gallstones, or a bleeding disorder. You should not use sibutramine if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
Sibutramine may increase your blood pressure and pulse. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have high blood pressure. You should not use this medicine if you have a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), an irregular heartbeat, or stroke.
You will need to have your blood pressure and pulse checked on a regular schedule. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.
If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.
This medicine works best if you follow a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
