Brand name: meridia (sibutramine)
Generic name: Sibutramine HCI

What is the most important information I should know about meridia (sibutramine)?

• meridia (sibutramine) has been reported to cause increased blood pressure in some patients. It is important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored regularly while taking meridia (sibutramine).
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. meridia (sibutramine) may cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
• Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), and migraine medicines.

What is meridia (sibutramine)?

• meridia (sibutramine) affects chemicals in the body that are related to weight maintenance.
• meridia (sibutramine) is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.
• meridia (sibutramine) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking meridia (sibutramine)?

• Do not take meridia (sibutramine) without first talking to your doctor if you
  • have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days;
  • are or have been depressed;
  • have bleeding problems;
  • have anorexia nervosa;
  • are taking an appetite suppressant;
  • have high blood pressure;
  • have heart disease, irregular heartbeats, congestive heart failure, or a history of stroke;
  • have epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
  • have gallstones;
  • have glaucoma;
  • have liver disease; or
  • have kidney disease.
• You may not be able to take meridia (sibutramine), or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• meridia (sibutramine) may interact with other medicines and cause a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, fever, shivering, sweating, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and others. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), or migraine medicines.
• meridia (sibutramine) is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether meridia (sibutramine) will harm an unborn baby. Do not take meridia (sibutramine) without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether meridia (sibutramine) passes into breast milk. Do not take meridia (sibutramine) without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• The safety and effectiveness of meridia (sibutramine) have not been studied in children younger than 16 years of age.

How should I take meridia (sibutramine)?

• Take meridia (sibutramine) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• meridia (sibutramine) is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• meridia (sibutramine) can be taken with or without food.
• Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much meridia (sibutramine) could be dangerous.
• meridia (sibutramine) has been reported to cause increased blood pressure in some patients. It is important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored regularly while taking meridia (sibutramine).
• Store meridia (sibutramine) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a meridia (sibutramine) overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking meridia (sibutramine)?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. meridia (sibutramine) may cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
• Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), and migraine medicines.

What are the possible side effects of meridia (sibutramine)?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking meridia (sibutramine) and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • easy bleeding, bruising under the skin, bloody gums, or blood in your urine or stool;
  • new or worsening shortness of breath;
  • an irregular heartbeat;
  • high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
  • seizures.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take meridia (sibutramine) and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • restlessness or tremor,
  • nervousness or anxiety,
  • mild headache or dizziness,
  • insomnia,
  • dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or
  • constipation.
• meridia (sibutramine) may interact with other medicines and cause a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, fever, shivering, sweating, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and others. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), or migraine medicines.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect meridia (sibutramine)?

• Do not take meridia (sibutramine) if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may occur.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking
  • lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, Lithonate, others);
  • almotriptan (Axert), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
  • venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), nefazodone (Serzone), mirtazapine (Remeron), or thioridazine (Mellaril);
  • citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), or fluvoxamine (Luvox);
  • amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil);
  • dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.);
  • an oral anticoagulant or drugs that may increase bleeding such as warfarin (Coumadin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), clopidogrel (Plavix), pentoxifylline (Trental), aspirin, and others;
  • dextromethorphan (in many cough medicines);
  • meperidine (Demerol);
  • fentanyl (Duragesic); or
  • pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin).
• meridia (sibutramine) may interact with the medicines listed above and cause a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, fever, shivering, sweating, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and others. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor, especially weight-loss products, tryptophan (L-tryptophan, 5-HTP), decongestants, antidepressants, cough suppressants, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, others), or migraine medicines.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with meridia (sibutramine). Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.