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Meridia (si-BYOO-tra-meen) is used together with a reduced-calorie diet to help you lose weight and to help keep the lost weight from returning. Meridia is thought to work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals, called norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. Meridia is approved for use only in people who are very overweight. Meridia is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Capsules (U.S.)
Meridia is used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help people who are overweight lose weight and maintain their weight loss. Meridia is in a class of medications called appetite suppressants. It works by acting on appetite control centers in the brain to decrease appetite. Meridia comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. To help you remember to take Meridia, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Meridia exactly as directed. Meridia can be habit forming. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Meridia and increase your dose, after you have been taking Meridia for at least 4 weeks. Your doctor may decrease your dose if you experience certain side effects while you are taking your starting dose. You will probably lose weight soon after you begin taking Meridia and following your diet and exercise program. Be sure to monitor your weight, and call your doctor if you do not lose at least 4 pounds during your first 4 weeks of therapy. Your doctor may wish to change your dose of Meridia. You may not continue to lose weight after your first 6 months of treatment. However, you should continue to take Meridia even if you have stopped losing weight. If you stop taking Meridia, you may gain weight. Do not stop taking Meridia without talking to your doctor. Brand names: - Meridia - Sibutramine |