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. Read more here. 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.
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