The active ingredient
Is Sibutramine and does not increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain synapses as serotonin and norepinephrine do. On the contrary, it works exactly like an antidepressant, inhibiting the re-uptake of neurotransmitters by the nerve cells.
Meridia effectiveness is undeniable, but so are the serious and dangerous side effects. A Meridia diet does, surprisingly, have a few health benefits:
- It lowers levels of triglycerides
- It lowers level of LDL (bad cholesterol)
- It increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol)
Side effects
The most common side effects of Meridia diet pill are:
- constipation
- dry mouth
- headache
- sleeplessness
- high blood pressure
- increased heart rate.
Since it was marketed and sold, Meridia's diet and weight-loss pill has been scrutinized by federal regulators because severe adverse reactions, even fatalities, have been reported. The drug has been linked to 29 Meridia deaths and hundreds of serious adverse reactions since it was introduced in 1998.
Precautions
Before starting
A rigorous medical evaluation is needed. High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, abnormal heartbeat, congestive heart failure or a history of stroke should be stated before beginning such a program. The doctor must be informed about an over-active thyroid, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and breast-feeding, as well as generally about your medical profile before he or she can prescribe Meridia dosage.
Drug interactions
Occur with:
- other weight-reducing agents
- drugs that can raise blood pressure such as decongestants
- cough suppressants
- antidepressants
- lithium
- antihistamines
- psychiatric medications
- drugs for migraines
- certain narcotic pain relievers
- ketoconazole
- erythromycin
- high blood pressure medication
- sedatives and anti-seizure drugs.
The Meridia manufacturer is Abbott Laboratories.