Meridia Warnings and Precautions

Meridia – What to tell my doctor?

You should discuss with your doctor before taking Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) in case you suffer from:

* Heart problems
* High blood pressure (known as hypertension)
* A bleeding disorder
* A history of stroke
* Liver disease, for instance hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
* Glaucoma
* Kidney diseases, such as kidney failure (also known as renal failure)
* Seizures or epilepsy
* Gallstones
* A history of alcohol or drug
* Depression
* Any allergies, such as allergies to preservatives, food or dyes
* An eating disorder, for example bulimia or anorexia nervosa

Furthermore, inform your doctor if you are:

* Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
* Breast feeding.

Ensure you inform your doctor if you are on any other medications that include any non-prescription and prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins.

Meridia – Specific Warnings and Precautions

Some of the specific warnings and precautions you should know before taking Meridia are as follows:

* Meridia could increase your blood pressure and heart rate. This could lead to problems, particularly if you already have a history of a stroke, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
* Meridia could result in a harmful group of symptoms that is known as serotonin syndrome. This could probably happen if Meridia is used along with other medicines that have an effect on serotonin. Some of these other medicines could be triptans (medications for migraine), anti-depressants, and numerous other medications. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience and of the below mentioned symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
o Hallucinations
o Fainting
o Fast heartbeat (known as tachycardia)
o Fever
o Confusion
o Difficulty in walking
o Sweating
o Muscle spasms
o Diarrhea.
* Meridia could worsen glaucoma. If you suffer from glaucoma inform your doctor before using Meridia.
* Prior to taking Meridia, your doctor should ensure that your obesity is not a result of a medical problem.
* Previously, some medications for weight loss were known to cause pulmonary hypertension which is a dangerous lung problem. While there have been no reports stating that Meridia causes pulmonary hypertension, there is still a chance.
* According to some studies, a few people taking Meridia suffered from seizures. Inform your doctor if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures.
* Some reports indicate and increase in bleeding in people who were using Meridia. The reason for this happening is not known and cannot be ascertained if it is related to taking Meridia.
* Weight reduction could result in or worsen gall stones. People with a history of gall stones should consult with their doctor before trying to lose weight.
* The kidneys and liver aid to get rid of Meridia from the blood. In case you suffer from kidney or liver ailments, your body might not be able to deal with the effects of Meridia.
* Meridia could interact with numerous other medications.
* Meridia is a controlled substance. It means that it has the likelihood of being abused.
* Meridia is classified as a pregnancy Category C medication, which means that it might not be safe to be used while pregnant, though the complete risks are not identified.
* There is no information to ascertain if Meridia passes through breast milk. Hence, if you are breast feeding or intend to start, consult with your doctor before taking this medication.
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Meridia – Who should not take it?

Meridia should not be taken in the following cases:

* If you are allergic to sibutramine, Meridia or to any of the other inactive components used to manufacture Meridia.
* If you have a history of an eating disorder, for instance bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
* If you are on any other medications for weight loss that have an effect on the chemicals in the brain.
* If you have had monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) in the previous 14 days, for instance:
o Phenelzine (Nardil®)
o Isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
o Rasagiline (Azilect®)
o Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
o Selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Zelapar®).

Meridia Warnings and Precautions – Summing Up

There are numerous circumstances where Meridia should not be had as well as many warnings and precautions people should know of before using this drug. But, it is not possible to mention and discuss all the precautions and warnings in this article. So, you should consult your doctor about specific precautions and warnings regarding Meridia that could apply to you.