Meridia Uses

Meridia – What is it used for?

Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is a weight loss medication available on prescription. It should only be taken with a low calorie diet. Meridia is permitted to be used by people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or a BMI of 27 or above if there are other risk factors, for instance diabetes or high cholesterol.

With an increase in obesity, a lot of people are seeking products that could help them with weight reduction. While the ideal weight loss program would focus on a balanced diet and an exercise schedule, a lot of people find it difficult to stick to such programs. Before opting for drastic measures, for instance weight-loss surgery, a lot of people regard the use of weight loss medication, particularly if they have not been successful in controlling their obesity through diet and exercise alone. Though there are a lot of unapproved and harmful weight loss medications available in the markets, Meridia has been approved by the FDA. It is known to be safe and effective weight loss medication.

Meridia – How does it work?

Meridia acts by making you feel full more quickly. It works in the brain, where it enhances the levels of certain brain chemicals (which includes norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) in precise areas of the brain.

The use of Meridia does not boost the brain chemicals production. In its place, it stops the reuptake of the chemicals. When a message passes down a nerve, it results in the end of the cell to discharge a brain chemical. This chemical goes into the gap between the first and its immediate nerve cell. When adequate chemical reaches the subsequent nerve cell, it triggers receptors on the cell, and the message carries on its way. The initial cell then speedily absorbs any further chemical that stays in the gap between the cells, averting the chemical from further triggering the subsequent cell. This is known as “reuptake.”

Meridia aids in blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, thus greater quantities of these chemicals stay in the space between the nerve cells of the brain. This provides the chemicals a better opportunity of activating the receptors present on the next nerve cell. This act causes a sense of fullness and sends a signal to halt eating. It does not cause appetite suppression.

Meridia - Use in Children

Meridia has not been permitted to be used to treat obesity in children who are below 16 years of age. Discuss with your child’s doctor about the risks and benefits associated with using Meridia for your child. There are concerns that the use of Meridia could up the risk of suicidal tendencies in children, just as SSRI anti-depressants that work in almost the same way as Meridia.

Meridia - Off-Label Uses

On certain occasions, your doctor could suggest the use of Meridia for purposes other than for weight loss. Such uses are referred to as off-label uses. Presently, there are no generally accepted off-label uses of Meridia.