Meridia [Reductil] was the first drug approved by the FDA, in 1997, to treat obesity by inducing weight loss. Generic Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate, the medicinal component of Meridia, performs as a reuptake inhibitor on Serotonin – a neurotransmitter in the brain [that controls moods, sleeping pattern, and appetite], and Norepinephrine – a hormone and neurotransmitter [that stimulates the flow of glucose in the body encouraging a state of alertness, and improves mood]. It’s a single dose medicine.

Serotonin [a neurotransmitter in the brain] controls moods, and is affected by diet, but it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Norepinephrine [another neurotransmitter and hormone] helps to enhance memory in people and it does not cross the blood-brain barrier either. Serotonin-Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs] are used to reduce depression in individuals, as they prevent neurotransmitters in the brain to return to the parent nerve, thereby maintaining the chemical balance required for a person’s wellness. These also affect appetite, but alongwith Meridia [Reductil], a special diet with low calories and exercise is recommended, to get better results for people who are over-weight.

Generic Meridia is recommended for those people who have an initial body mass index [BMI] of 30 and higher, or, with a BMI of 27 or above if they are diabetic, hypertensive, or have a high cholesterol level. Patients on Sibutramine therapy have to get their blood pressure monitored regularly, especially at the beginning of the therapy. It is available in capsule formulations with strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg. To begin with, the recommended dose is a 10mg capsule daily, but your physician will decide what is best for you.

Before embarking on a course of Sibutramine, you must inform the doctor if you have had any sort of heart problem or heart attack, severe liver or kidney disease, if you are hypertensive, have suffered from seizures, migraine, depression, thyroid disorder, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia [a condition in which the "bad" cholesterol increases and the "good" cholesterol decreases], have closed angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, anorexia nervosa [an eating disorder], or pheochromocytoma [adrenal gland tumors]. Let the treating doctor know if you have any allergies, especially to Sibutramine or any compound of Meridia. This medicine cannot be taken concurrently with MAOIs, other antidepressants/weight-loss medicines, certain pain or cough medicines, medicines for migraine, lithium, tryptophan, ketoconazole, or erythromycin.

Before beginning the therapy, you must inform the treating doctor about all the medications [OTC and prescription] you are taking alongwith any nutritional supplements or herbal products, as many such products could contain medicinal compounds that may interact with Meridia, and could be harmful for you. When your physician knows what medicines you are taking, he/she will be able to prescribe the correct dose for you and, if necessary, will be able to tell you to what drugs you should avoid.

Patients on Meridia weight loss pills are generally able to lose at least 4 pounds in the very first month of the therapy; if, for some reason, this does not happen, then the physician must be informed, so that the dosage pattern can be re-worked for you. This single dose can be taken regardless of food, or as prescribed by the physician, but in case you forget to take your dose one day, do not double it the next day.

Meridia side effects could include: insomnia, nausea, increased appetite, diarrhea, constipation, lightheadness, drowsiness, headache, joint/muscular pain, flushing, or dry mouth. Should you experience any increase in the above symptoms, or have unusual problems such as: laboured breathing, chest pain/angina, changes in the heartbeat pattern [fast/irregular], depression, anxiety, tremors, pain in the eyes, vision problems, shivering, sweating, abdominal pain, urine retention, or abnormal bleeding, you must inform your physician at once.

This medicine is not recommended for children below 16. Pregnant/lactating women, or those planning to have a baby must consult their doctor before taking this drug. It is recommended that women adopt an effective birth control method while taking Meridia. Those who suffer from high blood pressure will have to get their blood pressure checked regularly. Check with your doctor regarding taking alcohol/alcoholic beverages, particularly before driving, as alcohol may increase the sedating effect of Reductil. Coffee or tea can be taken in moderation. Ask your doctor to suggest a fitness program alongwith a balanced diet.

Meridia should be stored at a normal room temperature between 15oC-30oC, away from heat and dampness, and out of reach of children and pets. Any unused or outdated medicine should be safely discarded.