:: What is Meridia?
Meridia (Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate) is a FDA-approved weight loss oral medication used for the long-term treatment of obesity, including weight loss and the maintenance of weight loss. It is made by Knoll Pharmaceuticals for Abbott Laboratories, based in North Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Meridia (sibutramine) works by decreasing your appetite. It is approved for the long-term management of obesity.
* For best results, Meridia, like all other weight loss medications, should be used together with a diet, exercise, and behavior program.
For guidelines on losing weight, and tools that help you keep track of your weight-loss, calorie consumption, and exercising progress by calculating your daily calorie and fat requirements as well as how many calories you can burn doing various exercises, see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ  .
You can buy Meridia by going to our Meridia price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Meridia prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Meridia online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Meridia?
Meridia is recommended for the long-term treatment of obesity in patients who:
- have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2.
- have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 together with other risk factors such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Go to our Weight Loss FAQ where you can use our BMI calculator to find out your Body Mass Index.
Meridia is recommended for use with a diet, exercise, and behavior program in patients who have not responded to a weight reducing diet alone. Meridia is intended for patients with major weight problems, not for those with only a few pounds to lose.
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:: What is Obesity and how is it treated?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page. Please see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ , where you will find:
1. Detailed answers to your obesity questions such as What causes obesity? or
What are the current treatment options for obesity? .
2. Many guidelines to assist you in your weight-loss efforts, such as How to start an exercise program ,
Exercising suggestions ,
sample exercise plans .
3. Easy to use calculators to help you plan your weight-loss, such as our:
- Daily Calorie Calculator that calculates the daily calorie, fat and saturated
fat requirements that you need to maintain your current weight, as well as the
daily calorie, fat and saturated fat requirements you need to lose weight.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to determine if you are overweight based
on your body fat.
- Ideal Body Weight calculator to help you set your ideal weight-loss goals
based on your height and sex.
- Calorie Burning Calculator that calculates how many calories you burn from
doing a specific type of exercise, based on your weight and on the number of
minutes you performed the exercise.
4. Very useful printable forms to keep track of your weight loss progress.
5. Many other tips on reaching and maintaing a healthy lifestyle, including links to great Sample reduced calorie menus .
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:: How does Meridia work?
The mechanism of action of Meridia (sibutramine) is to inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby increasing their levels. This mechanism differs from other appetite suppressants such as Phentermine
(Adipex ,
Ionamin ),
Bontril ,
Didrex , or
Tenuate , which stimulate the release of those neurotransmitters.
Increased norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels produce a decrease in appetite and an increase in satiety (feeling of fullness). They may also work in other ways such as decreased gastric acid secretion (decreasing digestion) or increased energy expenditure.
Meridia should be used as part of a complete weight loss program together with a diet, exercise and behavioral program. For guidelines, see our Weight Loss FAQ .
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:: How well does Meridia work?
In clinical trials, patients taking Meridia while on a reduced calorie diet showed significant weight loss during the first 6 months of treatment, which was maintained for one year.
In one 12-month study, the average weight loss in patients taking Meridia 10 mg daily was about 10 pounds, and in those taking 15 mg daily was about 14 pounds. In comparison, the average weight loss in patients on a reduced calorie diet was 3 and a half pounds.
The amount of weight loss with Meridia will increase with greater caloric restriction and increased exercise (see our Weight Loss FAQ for more). This weight loss can significantly decrease the impact of diseases associated with being overweight.
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:: How long does it take for Meridia to work?
Most people who lose weight on Meridia lose it in the first 6 months of treatment.
You may be able to lose 4 or more pounds of body weight in the first month you take Meridia, but each person will respond differently.
If you do not lose at least 4 pounds during the first month, notify your physician. Your physician can re-evaluate your situation and may change your dose of Meridia.
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:: How safe is Meridia?
Meridia has been used to treat obesity since 1997; its safety profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Meridia has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat obesity. However, make sure to read about Who should not take Meridia? .
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:: Who should not take Meridia?
Meridia (Sibutramine) should not be taken if you suffer from or have suffered from any of the following conditions: heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, stroke or symptoms of a stroke, glaucoma, arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), severe liver or kidney disease, anorexia, known hypersensitivity to Meridia (sibutramine).
Do not take Meridia if you are currently taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14 days to treat depression.
Do not take Meridia if you are taking other appetite suppressants such as
Phentermine
(Adipex ,
Ionamin ),
Bontril ,
Didrex ,
Tenuate , etc.). This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal products.
Do not take Meridia if you are taking prescription medications for depression, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Luvox, or Paxil.
Do not take Meridia if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding a baby.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should take Meridia or not. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What should I tell the doctor before taking Meridia?
Before taking Meridia or any prescription medicine, you should inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, of your complete medical history, including medical problems, allergies and any other medications (especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors/MAOI) that you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), even if you stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), prior strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney disease, gallstones, liver disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, mental illness or eating disorder.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, make sure to tell your doctor.
You may not be able to take Meridia (sibutramine), or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
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:: What does Meridia look like?
Meridia, a brand name of Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate produced by Knoll Pharmaceuticals for Abbott Laboratories, comes in the following doses:
5 mg capsule with a yellow body and dark blue cap, with MERIDIA printed in white on the cap, and 5 printed in red on the body.
10 mg capsule with a white body and dark blue cap, with MERIDIA printed in white on the cap, and 10 printed in light blue on the body.
15 mg capsule with a white body and yellow cap, with MERIDIA printed in gray on the cap, and 15 printed in gray on the body.
Meridia is currently available in the US as brand only. No generic is available.
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:: How do I take Meridia?
Meridia (sibutramine) comes in 5, 10, and 15mg capsules.
Meridia can be taken with or without food. As Meridia may cause sleeplessness avoid taking a dose late in the day.
The following are common doses of Meridia. The recommended dose of Meridia may be different for different patients. If your recommended dose is different from the ones listed below, do NOT change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Adults under Age 60
Oral dosage form (Capsules) - One 10mg capsule once a day in the morning. The dose may be increased after 4 weeks to 15mg daily. Doses over 15mg are not recommended.
Adults Age 60 and Over
Consult your physician. A reduced Meridia dose may be necessary.
Infants and Children
Meridia is NOT recommended for children under age 16.
Take Meridia exactly as directed. Do not take more than prescribed. Do not take it more often or for a longer period than you doctor ordered. If too much Meridia is taken, it may cause unwanted effects or become habit-forming .
The safety and efficacy of Meridia has not been determined beyond two years at this time. Please speak with your doctor if you think that Meridia (sibutramine) is not working after you have taken it for a few weeks. DO NOT increase the dose.
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:: What sensible weight-loss guidelines should I follow with Meridia?
Appetite suppressants such as Meridia are not a substitute for a proper diet. Meridia will help you reach your weight loss goal, but you must use it in conjunction with a diet, exercise, and behavior program. See our extensive Weight Loss FAQ for many guidelines including:
- How many calories should I consume in order to lose weight?
- How much weight should I lose?
- What kind of activities can I do?
- How many calories can I burn doing various activities?
- Sample exercise plans
- Sample reduced calorie menus
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:: Can I take nutritional supplements with Meridia?
Non-drug nutritional supplements, like vitamins, minerals and amino acids, except tryptophan, can be taken with Meridia.
You should make sure to tell your doctor what nutritional supplements you are taking and why you are taking them. You should NOT take Meridia if you are taking tryptophan.
You should not use herbal or over-the-counter weight loss products while taking Meridia.
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:: Can I take Meridia if I drink alcohol?
Meridia can increase the sedative effects of alcohol. Let your doctor know how often you drink alcoholic beverages. You may have to limit your alcohol use while taking Meridia.
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:: Can I drink coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages with
Meridia?
Meridia can be safely taken with moderate use of coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages. However, let your doctor know if you consume a great deal of caffeinated beverages or use over-the-counter pills that contain caffeine.
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:: What should I do if I forget a dose of Meridia?
If you miss a dose of Meridia, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is late in the day, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule the next morning. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
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:: For how long can I continue to use Meridia?
Meridia is approved for the long-term treatment of obesity, including weight-loss and the maintenance of weight-loss. Your doctor will determine how long you should take Meridia based on your goals and how well the medication works for you. Follow your doctor's advice. The safety and effectiveness of Meridia have not been determined beyond two years at this time.
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:: How should I store Meridia?
Keep Meridia and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Meridia at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What is Xenical and can I take Meridia and Xenical at the same
time?
Xenical (orlistat) is also a weight loss medication but instead of suppressing your appetite, it works by blocking the digestion and absorption of fat to help you control your fat intake.
Xenical is a non-systemic drug, therefore there are no drug interactions between Xenical (orlistat) and centrally acting weight loss medications such as Meridia (sibutramine) or Phentermine . This would seem to make Xenical a good choice to use with existing medications to increase the weight loss effects.
Unfortunately, studies conducted so far do not indicate that Xenical has an increased effect on weight loss when combined with other drugs. The combinations of Xenical with phentermine and Xenical with Meridia have both been tested in pilot clinical trials with minimal results. Larger studies need to be conducted on these combinations before any definitive conclusions can be made.
Meridia (sibutramine) is not indicated for use with other weight loss medications because the safety and efficacy has not been studied. Meridia with Xenical would be considered an off-label use, meaning that it hasn't been approved by the FDA.
However, the FDA has approved both drugs separately, and once the agency has approved a drug, doctors may prescribe it as desired. Often combination therapies are not studied because since each individual drug has already been approved by the FDA and is on the market, the cost of the study does not directly lead to the launching of a new drug. The lack of studies does not imply the combination is unsafe, but it also does not necessarily support its safety either. The safety of the combination is established over time as patients utilize the medications.
Therfore, your physician may determine that you may safely take Meridia and Xenical at the same time. Prior to this determination you must inform your doctor or healthcare professional of your complete medical history, including any other medicines you may be taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
See the Xenical FAQ for more.
For prices, see our Xenical price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Xenical prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Meridia?
Meridia, like all medications, may cause side effects. Although side effects from Meridia are not common, they can occur.
The more common side effects are dry mouth, sleeplessness, headache, constipation, increased sweating, an increase in blood pressure, and a mild increase in heart rate. Some of these side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, discontinue using Meridia and call your doctor immediately:
Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, angina, rapid heart beats over 100 beats a minute, pounding or irregular heart beats, restlessness, lightheadedness, blackout spells, disorientation, depression, mental confusion, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, muscle stiffness or muscle rigidity, high fever, pain in the eyes, dilated pupils, shivering, sweating, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Meridia?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Meridia, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Adults Age 60 and Over:
There is no specific information evaluating the use of Meridia in the older adults. The side effects may be more likely and more severe in older patients, especially when taken in combination with drugs that act on the central nervous system.
Breast Feeding:
Use of Meridia (or other appetite suppressants) while breast-feeding is NOT recommended. It may pass into breast milk, causing unwanted effects in nursing babies. Please consult your doctor for advice.
Pregnancy:
Safety of Meridia in pregnancy has not been established. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should not use Meridia. Prior to taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Meridia should not interfere with your ability to drive your car. However, you should be on the alert for any signs of fatigue, sedation, or lack of alertness.
Infants and Children:
Meridia (or other appetite suppressants) are NOT recommended for use by children under age 16.
Kidney or Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to higher blood levels of Meridia. Meridia is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver disease.
Gallstones:
Weight loss can lead to gallstone formation.
Surgery, Dental Procedures, or Emergency Treatment:
Prior to any surgery or treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you are using Meridia.
Do NOT share your Meridia prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Meridia?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Meridia (or other appetite suppressants), it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate
(tranylcypromine).
- Either prescription or over-the-counter appetite suppressing medications such as
Phentermine
(Adipex,
Ionamin),
Bontril,
Didrex,
Tenuate, etc.). This includes any herbal products.
- Medications for cough and colds, decongestants, or medications for hay fever or
other allergies (including nose drops or sprays).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants like: Celexa (citalopram),
Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine).
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin
(amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil
(trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil
(protriptyline).
- Drugs for migraine headaches such as Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) and
dihydroergotamine.
- Certain pain medications such as Demerol (meperidine), Duragesic (fentanyl),
and Talwin (pentazocine)
- Lithium.
- Tryptophan (an amino acid).
- Ketoconazole (an anti-fungal medicine).
- Erythromycin (an antibiotic medicine).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Meridia.
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:: What are signs of a physical or mental dependence on Meridia?
The primary signs of dependence on Meridia (or other appetite suppressants) include a strong desire or need to continue taking the medicine, and a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine.
Other symptoms may include increased/decreased appetite, disregard for consequences of negative behaviors, feelings of isolation, paranoia, feelings of well-being, hallucinations, irritability and mood swings, and sleep disorders.
If you have been taking Meridia for an extended period of time or in large doses and you think you may be mentally or physically dependent on it, inform your doctor.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Meridia?
The possible symptoms of an overdose of Meridia may include: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, panic, assaultiveness, fever, tremor, over active reflexes, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, irregular blood pressure, rapid breathing, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. A period of excitement usually followed by tiredness, weakness and depression.
If someone takes a much larger dose of Meridia than recommended, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Meridia available over the counter?
No. Meridia is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Meridia prescription online?
Go to our Meridia price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Meridia prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Meridia online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Meridia cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Meridia prices before buying.
Usually, the more capsules you buy, the cheaper the price per capsule.
Meridia is currently not available in a generic formulation.
See our Meridia price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Meridia prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Meridia and is it available?
The generic name for Meridia is Sibutramine. Generic Sibutramine is currently NOT available in the US. Only Meridia brand is available.
See our Meridia price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Meridia prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Meridia or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Meridia from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Meridia, but not contain the active ingredient Sibutramine.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Meridia approved by the FDA and manufactured by Knoll/Abbott Pharmaceuticals. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Meridia price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Meridia prices, no prior prescription required.
* For best results, Meridia, like all other weight loss medications, should be used together with a diet, exercise, and behavior program.
For guidelines on losing weight, and tools that help you keep track of your weight-loss, calorie consumption, and exercising progress by calculating your daily calorie and fat requirements as well as how many calories you can burn doing various exercises, see our extensive Weight Loss FAQ .
If this is your first time ordering Meridia online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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