Meridia is a prescription medication that contains sibutramine, an appetite suppressant. When used in conjunction with exercise and healthy dietary habits, this medication may help patients lose weight. Meridia is administered orally once daily or as prescribed by a doctor. Patients should discuss the side effects of Meridia with a medical professional before beginning treatment with this medication.
Headache
The most common side effect associated with Meridia is headache pain. During clinical trials for this medication, approximately 30 percent of patients reported experiencing head pain as an adverse effect of treatment, according to RxList. Head pain can be disruptive and may interfere with patient's ability to focus or concentrate on work or other daily activities. Patients may reduce headache pain through the use of an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen.
Dry Mouth or Upset Stomach
Dry mouth side effects may arise during treatment with Meridia. Affected patients may develop sticky or thick saliva, oral irritation, throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing or increased thirst. Additionally, certain patients may develop upset stomach side effects, including stomach pain or difficult bowel movements, also called constipation, Drugs.com warns.
Flu-like Symptoms
Treatment with Meridia may induce flu-like symptoms in patients, MedlinePlus reports. These side effects may include fever, cough, runny nose, sweating, shivering, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, malaise, sore throat, muscle stiffness or breathing difficulties. If any of these side effects occur, affected patients should seek prompt medical care.
Difficulty Sleeping
Meridia may cause sleep difficulties, such as insomnia, in certain patients. Approximately 11 percent of patients developed insomnia while receiving treatment with this medication during clinical trials, according to RxList. Problems falling asleep or staying asleep can cause increased daytime fatigue, which can make it difficult for patients to remain active throughout their normal daily activities.
Mood Changes
Treatment with this appetite suppressant may cause mood changes in patients. Unusual sensations of excitement, nervousness or anxiety may develop, which can contribute to feelings of depression in certain patients. If these side effects of Meridia persist or interfere with a patient's ability to perform their usual daily tasks, affected patients should seek prompt care from a physician.
Serotonin Syndrome
This medication may cause a side effect called serotonin syndrome in patients. Symptoms associated with this syndrome may be life-threatening and can include confusion, anxiety, increased heart rate, fever, shaking, vomiting, sweating, restlessness, weakness or shivering, PDRhealth reports. Patients who exhibit any of these side effects while taking Meridia should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
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