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.
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