Meridia Side Effects

Meridia Side Effects – An Introduction

As with the case of all medications, there is a likelihood of side effects on Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate). But, not all people taking this drug will experience the side effects. Actually, a lot of people tolerate it fairly well. In majority of the cases, the occurrence of side effects is due to Meridia overdose.

Meridia – Common Side Effects

There have been through studies on Meridia in clinical trials. As per these studies, the occurrence of side effects in a group of people using Meridia were documented and compared to the side effects experienced by another group of people not using Meridia. Therefore, it is feasible to understand the type of side effects that occur, the frequency of occurrence and how they can be compared to the group of people not taking Meridia.

As per the studies, the most common reported side effects were:

* Dry mouth – in about 17.2 percent of people
* Headaches – in about 30.3 percent of people
* Constipation – in about 11.5 percent of people
* Appetite loss – in about 13 percent of people
* A running or stuffy nose – in about 10.2 percent of people
* Sleeplessness – in about 10.7 percent of people
* Sore throat – in about 10 percent of people.

Some of the other common side effects of Meridia that occurred in about 2 percent to 9 percent of people are as follows:

* Flu like symptoms (for instance body aches, chills and fever)
* Back pain
* Accidental injury
* Stomach pain
* Weakness
* Flushing
* Increased appetite
* Migraines
* Heartburn
* Indigestion
* Nausea
* Faintness
* Joint pain
* Sinus infections
* Anxiety
* Unusual sensations (for example tingling, numbness of burning)
* Coughing
* Taste changes
* Sweating
* Bladder infections (known as urinary tract infections)
* Painful menstrual periods.

Meridia – Reported Side Effects

There may be a few side effects on taking Meridia, though may occur rarely but are possibly grave and should be informed immediately to your doctor. Some of these include:

* Rapid heart rate (known as tachycardia)
* High blood pressure (known as hypertension)
* Seizures
* Rapid or forceful heart beat (known as heart palpitations)
* A severe side effect known as serotonin syndrome that can result in symptoms such as:
o Agitation or anxiety
o Weakness
o Confusion
o Unconsciousness
o Tremors
o Fever
o A rapid heartbeat
o Vomiting
* Any unexplained or unusual bleeding
* Gallstones
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Allergic reaction, that includes:
o Hives
o Unexplained rashes
o Itching
o Wheezing
o Unexplained swelling
o Difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

Meridia – Less Common Side Effects

The occurrences of uncommon side effects on taking Meridia could amount to less than 2 percent of people. As the side effects are so rare, it is not easy to ascertain if they are a result of taking Meridia or occur due to some other reason.

Some of such symptoms include the following, though it is not an exhaustive list:

* Thirst
* Vomiting
* Retention of water
* Voice hoarseness
* Lethargy
* Herpes infections (genital herpes or cold sores)
* Ear problems or ear pain
* Acne
* Bleeding or spotting in between menstrual periods
* Vaginal yeast infections.

Meridia Side Effects – Summing Up

It is possible that you could experience a few or no side effects mentioned in this article. But it is not easy to ascertain is a specific (for instance nausea) is a result of taking Meridia or due to some other factors. Hence, ensure you inform your doctor in case you experience any side effects on taking Meridia. Also, inform your doctor if you experience anything unusual and it does not feel right. Though this may not be a Meridia side effect, your doctor will diagnose the problem and suggest treatment.