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Meridia |
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What is Meridia and why is it prescribed? Meridia helps the seriously overweight shed pounds and keep them off. Meridia is especially recommended for those who in addition to being overweight have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Meridia is used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet. Meridia works by boosting levels of certain chemical messengers in the nervous system, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Make a point of keeping follow-up appointments with your doctor. Meridia can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to have your blood pressure and pulse monitored at the beginning of therapy and regularly thereafter. How should you take Meridia? Follow your doctors directions for taking Meridia. Meridia can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Meridia at room temperature away from heat and moisture in a tight, light-resistant container. Are there any Meridia side effects? Meridia side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Meridia side effects may include abdominal pain, acid indigestion, anxiety, back pain, constipation, cough increase, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, flu symptoms, headache, increased appetite, insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, loss of strength, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, painful menstruation, rash, sinus inflammation, stomachache, and sore throat. Less common Meridia side effects may include acne, abnormal thinking, agitation, allergic reaction, arthritis, bronchitis, changes in taste, chest pain, dental problems, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, ear pain, ear problems, emotional changes, fever, gas, heavy uterine bleeding, herpes simplex virus, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, itching, laryngitis, leg cramps, menstrual problems, migraine headache, muscle ache, neck pain, rectal problems, reduced vision, stimulation, stomach and intestinal inflammation, sweating, swelling, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, tingling skin sensation, urinary tract infection, vaginal yeast infection, and vomiting. Rare Meridia side effects may include bleeding problems, kidney problems, and seizures. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Meridia? If Meridia is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Remember that Meridia must 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. Meridia may also interact with a wide 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. Among the many drugs that pose a potential problem are the following: Alcohol (excessive amounts), Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough preparations), Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray), Erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE), 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), and Zolmitriptan (Zomig). If you have any doubt about the safety of a combination, be sure to check with your doctor. Are there any special warnings about Meridia? Use Meridia with caution if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure. It could make the problem worse. Avoid Meridia completely if you've had a stroke or suffer from heart disease, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat. Also avoid it if you have severe kidney or liver problems; the drug has not been tested under these conditions. Seizures are a rare, but possible, side effect. If you've had seizures in the past, use Meridia with caution. If you have a seizure while taking the drug, stop using it and call your doctor immediately. Any drug that acts on the nervous system can theoretically impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Meridia does not seem to have this effect, but caution is still in order until you know how the drug affects you. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma or thyroid problems, make sure the doctor knows. Meridia should be used with caution in these circumstances. If you are prone to gallstones, be aware that weight loss can cause more of them to form. Meridia has not been tested in people under 16 years old. It should be used with caution in those over 65. Although it has been classified as a controlled substance (potentially subject to abuse), the possibility of developing physical or psychological dependence is low. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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