Possible uses of Meridia
Meridia is
used as an appetite suppressant. Meridia is used in
conjunction with an overall diet plan to reduce
weight.
How to take Meridia
Take Meridia on an empty stomach, once daily, 30-60
minutes before breakfast. The full effect on weight may
require four to six weeks. Do not increase your dose,
take Meridia more frequently or use Meridia for a longer period of
time than prescribed because this drug can be
habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of
time, do not suddenly stop using Meridia without your
doctor's approval. Over time, Meridia may not work as
well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if
weight increases.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, drowsiness,
constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor
promptly.
Precautions
Before using Meridia, tell
your doctor your entire medical history, including any
allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney
disease, high blood pressure or heart disease, history
of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g.,
anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or history
of gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen
certain side effects of Meridia. It is
recommended that women of child-bearing age should use
effective birth control while taking this medication.
Meridia is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using Meridia. It is not
known whether Meridia is excreted into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Meridia is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly
patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Meridia. Use cautiously.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all
nonprescription and prescription medication you may use,
especially other weight reducing agents (e.g.,
diethylpropion), drugs that can raise blood pressure
such as decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine), cough suppressants (e.g.,
dextromethorphan), antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone,
fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine,
venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric medications (e.g.,
MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline, moclobemide,
furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine), drugs for
migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan),
tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl), ketoconazole,
erythromycin, high blood pressure medicine or any drugs
which can cause drowsiness, including certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives and
anti-seizure drugs. Antihistamines and decongestants may
be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and
cold. Consult your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors (see
above) and this drug should not be taken together. If an
MAO Inhibitor or Meridia is stopped, wait 2 weeks
before starting the other drug.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as
soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double- up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store Meridia at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture. Keep Meridia and all medications out of the
reach of children.
Notes
Do not share Meridia with
others. Meridia should be used in addition to a
reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be
measured and laboratory tests performed to monitor side
effects.