Brand Names: Meridia, Reductil.
Generic Name: Sibutramine.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Sibutramine is a diet aid. It appears to work by regulating chemicals in the appetite center in the brain to cause a temporary reduction in hunger or craving for food. It helps the seriously overweight shed pounds and keep them off. It is especially recommended for those who in addition to being overweight have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet.

How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The starting dose is 10 mg once daily. If you have not lost at least 4 pounds after 4 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 15 mg daily. This is the maximum; if weight loss still fails to appear, Sibutramine will be discontinued. For those who experience side effects at the 10 mg level, a 5 mg dose may prove sufficient. Use of Sibutramine for longer than 1 year has not been studied.

Warning and Precautions
Sibutramine may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Sibutramine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Sibutramine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Changes in dietary habits and increased exercise are important parts of a successful weight loss program. To maintain your ideal weight, these changes should be continued for life. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor or diet counselor. Lab tests, including blood pressure, pulse monitoring, and weight monitoring, may be performed while you use Sibutramine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Use an effective method of birth control while you are taking Sibutramine.

Important
If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Sibutramine while pregnant. It is not known if Sibutramine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Sibutramine.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, severe drop in blood pressure.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Sibutramine should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  anxiety, decrease in sexual desire, difficulty with coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, lightheadedness, nausea, nervousness, unpleasant taste, vomiting. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Sibutramine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.