Information on Meridia and Generic Meridia

By Disabled World - 2006-01-12 - Viewed 6872 times. Find more articles like this in our Drugs category.

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Meridia is used as an appetite suppressant. It is used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to reduce weight.

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 this drug is stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the other drug.

HOW TO USE MERIDIA

Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks.

Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it 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 this drug without your doctor's approval.

Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the beginning.

Consult your doctor if weight increases.

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.

NOTES

Do not share Meridia with others. This medication 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.

SIDE EFFECTS

Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

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