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Meridia / SibutramineProper use of this medication: * Sibutramine appears to cause weight loss by increasing fullness feeling from eating. * Weight loss will occur only in the presence of a proper diet, and regular exercise. * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is within two hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * Sibutramine should be taken once daily, in the morning. * Sibutramine may be taken with or without food. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as alcohol may interfere with its effectiveness. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your physician. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-6 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your physician. * Inform your physician if you have other medical problems, such as high blood pressure,heart disease, or liver disease. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually well tolerated. However, possible side effects include: * High Blood Pressure: Monitor your blood pressure at least weekly while taking sibutramine, and report any sustained increase to your physician. * Headache: This will usually diminish with continued use. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Dry Mouth: This may diminish with continued use. Dry mouth may increase your risk for dental disease. Chew sugarless gum and brush at least daily with fluoridated toothpaste. * Loss of appetite * Constipation: Drink plenty of water. Increase fiber in your diet. Eat raw vegetables and fruit at least daily. * Decreased sleep: Take as early in the day as possible. * Other uncommon side effects include: Increased heart rate, dizziness, flushing, sweating, increased appetite, nausea. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Meridia: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid/Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil). * Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Fluoxetine/Prozac, Paroxetine/Paxil, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Citalopram/Celexa. * Other serotonergic drugs: Venlafaxine/Effecxor, Sumatriptan/Imitrex, ergotamine, dextromethorphan, meperidine/Demerol, pentazocine, fentanyl, lithium, tryptophan. * Do not take this drug with other appetite suppresants. |
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