|
Meridia Diet Pills
Review
Meridia Uses?
Meridia is recommended for
overweight people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or
higher, or for overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if
they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure,
diabetes, or high cholesterol. Your doctor can determine your
BMI and will decide if you meet these criteria.
Meridia
Directions?
Take orally exactly as directed
by your doctor - usually once daily. Results may take 4-6 weeks
to appear. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or
use it for a longer period of time than prescribed, as this drug
can be habit-forming. If taken over a long period of time, do
not suddenly stop taking this medication without your doctor's
approval. This drug may become less effective over time. Consult
your doctor if weight increases. You can take Meridia on an
empty stomach or after a meal.
Meridia Side Effects?
Dry mouth, drowsiness,
constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication should be used in conjunction with a reduced
calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured and
laboratory tests performed to monitor side effects.
Meridia Warnings?
Tell your doctor of your entire
medical history, including any allergies (especially drug
allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart
disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders
(e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or
gallstones.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen
certain side effects of this medication. It is recommended that
women of childbearing age discuss their use of birth control
methods with their doctor. This drug is not recommended for use
during pregnancy. Because of potential risk to infants,
breast-feeding
while taking this medication is
not recommended. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the
effects of this drug. Use cautiously.
Meridia Drug Interactions?
Inform your doctor of all
nonprescription and prescription medication you use,
particularly other weight reducing agents (e.g., diethylpropion),
drugs that can raise blood pressure, such as decongestants like:
pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine.
Inform your doctor if you use cough
suppressants such as (dextromethorphan), antidepressants (nefazodone,
fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine),
lithium, psychiatric medications, (e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as
selegiline, moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine).
Also inform your doctor if you use drugs
for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan), tryptophan,
certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine,
fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure
medicine or any drugs, which can cause drowsiness, including
certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives and
anti-seizure drugs.
Antihistamines and decongestants may be
found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and cold. Consult
your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors (see above) and this drug should
not be taken together. If an MAO Inhibitor or this drug is
stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the other drug.
Meridia Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as
soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do
not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Meridia
Storage?
Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture. Keep this medication out of reach of children.
Anything
Else I Should Know About Meridia?
Do not
share this medication with others. This medication should be
used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure
and pulse may be measured and laboratory tests performed to
monitor side effects.
The FDA approved the use of the Meridia
diet drug against the wishes of its advisory committee that
actually voted against its approval by a
5 to 4
vote. The concern of the committee was that the health risks
associated with the use of Meridia for treatment of obesity
outweighed the potential benefits. Since Meridia was first sold
In February of 1998, until September 2001, there have been 397
adverse reactions reported to the FDA, including 152
hospitalizations, and 29 deaths.
NOTE:
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product. |