Sibutramine
and Meridia
Weight Loss Pills
Sibutramine (Meridia) is one of the latest prescription-only diet
drugs. Some weight loss studies have shown that Sibutramine can
help people lose weight and maintain the loss but the weight loss
tends to plateau after about a year. However, like other weight
loss pills, Sibutramine has been linked to a range of health
problems, even fatalities.
Sibutramine (Meridia) Diet Pills
Sibutramine suppresses appetite by increasing the amount of
neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain
synapses. Unlike other diet drugs (e.g. fenfluramine,
dexfenfluramine) sibutramine does not increase release of these
neurotransmitters from the cells. Instead, sibutramine inhibits
the re-uptake of these neurotransmitters by the nerve cells.
Therefore, the action of sibutramine is similar to that of
anti-depressants that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin such as
fluoxetine (Prozac) - a medication that has been used for years
without known association with pulmonary hypertension or heart
valve damage.
Sibutramine Diet Pills & Weight Loss
Sibutramine suppresses appetite so people eat less. In one trial,
65% of sibutramine subjects lost more than 5% of their body
weight, compared to 29% in the control group. Furthermore, 39% of
sibutramine subjects lost 10% of their body weight compared to the
8% in the control group.
Meridia the main is a capsule taken once a day with or without
food. For a month's supply of the 10 mg. capsule, the cost of
Meridia (excluding the clinician visit or consultation) can range
from $75 to over $100, depending on the pharmacy.
Sibutramine Diet Pills - Benefits & Possible Side-Effects
Like all medications, sibutramine has advantages and
disadvantages. Health benefits include lower levels of
triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL
(good) cholesterol.
The most common side effects of sibutramine diet pills are
constipation, dry mouth, headache and insomnia. BUT, high blood
pressure and heart rate are also possible.
It is especially important that individuals with hypertension,
coronary artery disease, heartbeat irregularities, congestive
heart failure or history of stroke discuss their health and weight
loss options fully with their doctor.
Sibutramine, Meridia Weight Loss Pills Controversy
According to US Health Research Group Public Citizen, the FDA
should remove the diet and weight loss drug Meridia from the
market because it has been associated with 29 deaths and hundreds
of serious adverse reactions since it was introduced in 1998.
Even before it approved the drug, the FDA was concerned about the
safety of the sibutramine diet drug, Meridia. An FDA advisory
committee in 1997 voted 5-4 that the benefits of the drug did not
outweigh its risks. The FDA medical officer who reviewed the
weight loss pill recommended that it not be approved because
research showed the potential for heart problems.
Data obtained by Public Citizen through a Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) request show that from the time it was introduced in
February 1998 to Sept. 30, 2001, there were almost 400 serious
adverse reactions in weight loss subjects taking Meridia. This
included 19 cardiac deaths, including 10 in people under the age
of 50, three of whom were women under 30. The average yearly
weight loss for patients taking a standard 10 mg dose was only six
and a half pounds more than the loss in those taking a placebo.
Weight Loss Drugs Advice
Sibutramine, like all weight loss pills, has it's drawbacks.
Therefore please discuss your options fully with your doctor and
weigh up which weight loss option is best for you.
Diet & Weight Loss Pills
Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or
over-the-counter weight loss supplements, are only effective when
combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.
NOTE: Before using any form of diet pills or weight loss
supplements, please consult your doctor.
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