Meridia is the brand name for sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate, a weight loss medication available by prescription. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved this drug for helping people lose weight if they have a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher along with health risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol. The drug is only approved for individuals age 65 and younger. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain.
Function
Meridia is classified as a monoamine-reuptake inhibitor. It increases the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in specific parts of the brain by preventing the reuptake of these chemical neurotransmitters, explains eMedTV. Meridia does not suppress appetite, in which case it would inhibit the signal to start eating. Instead, it makes you feel full more quickly by promoting the signal to stop eating.
Usage
Patients usually are instructed to take Meridia once per day, and you can take it with or without food. It's important to use it exactly as your physician prescribes rather than taking it in larger or smaller amounts. You should lose at least 4 lbs. during the first four weeks. If you do not, talk with your doctor. You should not take Meridia for longer than two years, and you'll need to have your blood pressure checked regularly while on this medication.
Side Effects
Meridia diet pills are associated with a large number of side effects. Common effects, as listed by physician Ray Sahelian, include anxiety, irritability, nervousness, dizziness, headache, insomnia, mouth dryness, congested or runny nose and constipation. Some Meridia side effects can be serious. These include depression, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, painful menstruation and unexplained swelling from fluid retention, known as edema.
Expert Insight
A 2010 clinical study with Meridia published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" evaluated results in nearly 10,000 overweight or obese older patients with an average age of 63 and a history of cardiovascular problems. Study results indicate the medication increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, and is not very effective for weight loss, according to an article published in the Sept. 1, 2010, issue of the "New York Times." Participants taking Meridia lost about 9 lbs. in the first year, compared with those taking a placebo, who lost about 4 lbs. Participants taking Meridia experienced 28 percent more heart attacks and 36 percent more strokes. There was no difference in heart-related deaths in the two groups.
Significance
The European Medicines Agency told Meridia manufacturer Abbott Labs to withdraw the drug from the European market after preliminary study results became available in January 2010. The FDA requested that Abbott add information to the drug's label advising patients with a history of cardiovascular disease not to use this medication.
Considerations
Columbia University obesity researcher Rudolph L. Leibel told the "New York Times" that Meridia is highly effective for a small number of patients, which creates a controversy about whether the FDA should ban the drug. While most people experience no real significant benefits with Meridia and may develop serious side effects, withdrawing the medication eliminates the option for patients who do experience significant positive results with Meridia.
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