Before Using This medicine: Meridia is recommended for
overweight people with an
initial body mass index (BMI) of
30 or higher, or for overweight
people with a BMI of 27 or
higher if they have medical risk
factors such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, or high
cholesterol. Your doctor can
determine your BMI and will
decide if you meet these
criteria.
Other Medical Problems: Inform your doctor of all
nonprescription and prescription
medication you use, particularly
other weight reducing agents
(e.g., diethylpropion), drugs
that can raise blood pressure,
such as decongestants like:
pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine. Inform your
doctor if you use cough
suppressants such as (dextromethorphan),
antidepressants (nefazodone,
fluoxetine, paroxetine,
sertraline, fluvoxamine,
venlafaxine), lithium,
psychiatric medications, (e.g.,
MAO Inhibitors such as
selegiline, moclobemide,
furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine). Also inform
your doctor if you use 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.
Proper Use of This Medicine: Take one tablet/capsule daily
30-60 minutes before breakfast.
Precautions While Using This
Medicine: Tell your doctor
of your entire medical history,
including any allergies
(especially drug allergies),
liver or kidney disease, high
blood pressure, heart disease,
history of stroke or seizures,
certain eating disorders (e.g.,
anorexia nervosa), glaucoma
(narrow angle), or gallstones.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may
worsen certain side effects of
this medication. It is
recommended that women of
childbearing age discuss their
use of birth control methods
with their doctor. This drug is
not recommended for use during
pregnancy. Because of potential
risk to infants, breast-feeding
while taking this medication is
not recommended. Elderly
patients may be more sensitive
to the effects of this drug. Use
cautiously.
Side Effects of This
Medicine: Dry mouth,
drowsiness, constipation and
difficulty sleeping may occur.
If these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor
immediately. Read more here. Do
not share this medication with
others. This medication should
be used in conjunction with a
reduced calorie diet. Blood
pressure and pulse may be
measured and laboratory tests
performed to monitor side
effects.
