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Sibutramine is the ‘Generic' name. Pharmaceutical companies may market or sell this drug under this generic name or under their own name (Brand name or Trade name) for the product.
The trade name for sibutramine is Meridia.
What is the medication sibutramine used to treat?
Sibutramine is a diet aid for the severely obese that is to be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet to promote and maintain weight loss. Sibutramine is especially recommended for those who in addition to being overweight have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Sibutramine affects chemicals in the body that are related to weight maintenance. This makes the person taking sibutramine feel fuller faster.
What should be known before using the medication sibutramine for weight loss?
Some medicines and/or medical conditions may interact with sibutramine. A physician and/or pharmacist should be informed of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that a person is taking. Sibutramine should not be used if the person is also taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or medicine for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (SSRI).
If the person has a history of eating disorders, pulmonary hypertension, irregular heartbeat, atherosclerosis, heart conditions, or stroke it is not recommended that they use sibutramine.
Alcohol intake should be limited while taking sibutramine as it may worsen certain side effects.
It is unknown if sibutramine is excreted in breast milk. Typically if a person is to begin breast feeding while on sibutramine, they should check with their physician or pharmacist to discuss the risks to the baby.
What are the directions for taking sibutramine for weight loss?
Follow the directions for using sibutramine provided by the physician. Sibutramine is usually taken in the morning unless otherwise directed by the physician. Sibutramine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Sibutramine should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Keep sibutramine away from light, heat, and moisture.
What precautions should be taken while using sibutramine for weight loss?
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take sibutramine for a longer period of time than prescribed without checking with the prescribing physician first. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking sibutramine for longer than prescribed may cause serious side effects.
Alcohol and other depressants should not be used while taking sibutramine as it can add to their effects.
For women of child-bearing age, the use of effective birth control is recommended while taking sibutramine because it is unknown whether sibutramine will harm an unborn baby.
What are some of the possible side effects of sibutramine?
Side effects that may occur while taking sibutramine include headache, back pain, constipation, increased appetite, nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, or dizziness. If these side effects continue or are bothersome it is best to check with a physician.
It is recommended that a physician be contacted as soon as possible if the person taking sibutramine develops any of the following side effects: rash, hives, seizures, worsening of vision or vision changes, decreased amount of urine, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, it is best for the person to inform the physician as soon as possible. Only the physician should determine if it is safe for the patient to continue taking sibutramine.
What are some of the other medications that have been shown to interact with sibutramine?
Sibutramine should never be taken within 2 weeks of using an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate. The combination could lead to serious, even fatal, overstimulation.
Sibutramine may also interact with a variety of other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, especially weight-reducing agents, decongestants, antidepressants, allergy medications, and cough and cold remedies that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.
Other medications that may cause a problem if combined with sibutramine include dextromethophan (found in may-over-the-counter cough preparations), erythromycin, fentanyl (duragesic), fluoxetine (prozac), fluvoxamine (luvox), ketoconazole (nizoral), lithium (eskalith, lithobid), meperidine (demerol), naratriptan (amerge), paroxetine (paxil), pentazocine (talwin NX, talacen), sertraline (zoloft), stimulants such as amphetamines, dexedrine, desoxyn, adderall, didrex, and ionamin, sumatriptan (imitrex), tryptophan (l-tryptophan), venlafaxine (effexor), zolmitriptan (zomig).
Additional Information about sibutramine for weight loss
Sibutramine, like any other medication should not be shared with others. Do not use sibutramine for other health conditions. Keep sibutramine out the reach of children.
Disclaimer
The contents of Weight Awareness are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or another qualified health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Our goal at Weight Awareness is to inform, not to diagnose or treat.
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