Meridia/Reductil (SIBUTRAMINE HCI)
is a prescription medication thats used to help people lose weight by acting on the appetite control centers in the brain. Studies have shown that using Meridia helps patients lose weight and maintain weight loss for up to 2 years.
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.
How should I take sibutramine?
Take sibutramine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Sibutramine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sibutramine can be taken with or without food.
Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much sibutramine could be dangerous.
Sibutramine has been reported to cause increased blood pressure in some patients. It is important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored regularly while taking sibutramine.
Store sibutramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Meridia
Remember that Meridia must never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate. The combination could lead to serious, even fatal, overstimulation.
Meridia may also interact with a wide variety of other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, especially weight-reducing agents, decongestants, antidepressants, allergy medications, and cough and cold remedies that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Among the many drugs that pose a potential problem are the following:
- Alcohol (excessive amounts)
- Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough preparations)
- Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray)
- Drugs that affect platelet function
- Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Stimulants such as amphetamines,
- Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Adderall, Didrex, and Ionamin
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
If you have any doubt about the safety of a combination, be sure to check with your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
