Leptos, otherwise known as sibutramine hydrochloride, is the generic form of Meridia. This was a weight-loss drug withdrawn from the U.S. market in October, 2010. Manufacturers of Leptos claimed this drug -- in combination with a low-calorie diet -- led to weight loss. The company further claimed that Leptos prevented a re-gain of weight. The Food and Drug Administration announced -- in October, 2010 -- that Abbott Laboratories was withdrawing Meridia from the U.S. market due to safety concerns. Speak to a medical professional about the safety concerns associated with this drug before taking Leptos.
Mechanism of Action
Leptos is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor. According to "Lose Weight with Meridia," the manufacturer of the drug recommends Merida for obese individuals with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 70 p/ft2. The manufacturer recommends this drug for individuals with a BMI greater than or equal to 54 p/ft2 who also presents with diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia or hypertension. Leptos inhibits the central reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in your body. The M1 and M2 metabolites in your body exert these pharmacological actions. The serotonin mechanism enhances the feeling of fullness after eating, and the norepinephrine mechanism raises your metabolic rate.
Leptos Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects of Leptos include headache, constipation, heartburn, dry mouth, back pain, runny nose, flushing and changes in your appetite. Less common side effects associated with the use of Leptos include chest pain, fast heartbeat, stomach pain, depression, dizziness, seizures, change in vision and sore throat. Do not take Leptos if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors including isocarboxazid, selegiline, phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Do not take Leptos with benzphetamine, methamphetamine, phentermine or phendimetrazine.
Leptos Safety
On October of 2010, the FDA released Sibutramine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial regarding the safety of Leptos. SCOUT demonstrated a 16-percent increase in the risk of heart events in a group of patients given Leptos. This was compared with a control group given a placebo. The study found little difference in weight loss between the group that received the placebo and the group that received Leptos.
Sibutramine and Other Medical Conditons
Individuals with certain medical conditions should not take leptos under any circumstance. These conditions include severe or uncontrolled hypertension, an eating disorder, a history of coronary artery disease, a history of heart disease or a history of heart attack or stroke. Don not take Leptos if you have glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, depression, underactive thyroid, epilepsy or seizure disorder, a bleeding disorder or a history of gallstones.
References
- Drugs: Meridia
- "Meridia: The Weight-Loss Breakthrough : Everything You Need to Know About the FDA-Approved Weight-Loss Pill"; Othniel J. Seiden M.D. and Othniel J. Seiden; 1998
- "Lose Weight with Meridia"; Larry S. Hobbs; 1999
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