Meridia Diet Pill

Atop the prescription diet pill pile, there lies an oblong capsule in various colors, depending on dose, called the Meridia diet pill. Is it safe? Does it work? Is it right for you? These are valid and important questions to ask and the answers are offered to you here at lovetoknow Diet.

What is the Meridia Diet Pill?

Meridia is manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceutical Company and is the brand name for sibutramine. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997 and since has been used by over 15 million patients in 75 countries. In Europe, sibutramine goes by the brand name of Reductil. It is only obtainable via a written prescription by a medical doctor and can be given in doses of 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, or 15 milligrams, with 10 milligrams being the most common initial dose. This drug has been tested in over 100 clinical trials involving more than 1200 participants.

How Does Meridia Work?

The human brain is a complex, intricate mix of systems. The Meridia diet pill acts on one these systems known as the appetite control system that tells a person when he or she is full. In other words, the neurotransmitters involved in this system are what cause us to stop eating when satiety is reached. It is important to note here that Meridia is not an appetite suppressant in that it causes lack of hunger. Rather, it impedes the function of two brain chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine, both responsible for our sense of fullness. When Meridia is taken, it acts on this appetite control mechanism and less food is desired or eaten which results in less calories being consumed. The result: weight loss.

Who Can Take Meridia?

Since Meridia is only available from a physician, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to use Meridia as part of a weight loss plan. First, a person must either have a body mass index of 30, or have a body mass index of 27 with an obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or elevated cholesterol levels. Secondly, Meridia needs to be taken along with following a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise regime. The following is a list of important reasons why Meridia should not be taken:

• children under 16 years old
• diagnosis or history of an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia)
• known allergies to Meridia’s ingredients
• high blood pressure
• irregular heart beat
• history of heart disease, stroke, liver or kidney disease
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• nursing mothers

In addition, individuals on medications, including prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal supplements must be closely monitored by their physician. Specifically, medications or supplements for weight control need to be reviewed with your doctor. Many medications for depression and anxiety-related conditions, such as Prozac and Zoloft, act on similar chemical pathways in the brain and need to be closed monitored. All patients are required to have their blood pressure and heart rate checked on a regular basis.

Does it Work?

In clinical studies, Meridia does work in combination with a reduced-caloric intake and regular physical activity. This is not your quick fix pill however. You can expect to lose one to two pounds per week. Over the course of a month, four pounds are expected to be lost. If this does not occur, then the dose most likely needs to be changed. As far as maintaining weight loss, Meridia has been shown to keep the pounds off for up to two years, as this is the longest study period to date. These results make for an effective drug in the battle against obesity and its health risks. In fact, even a five percent reduction on body weight has shown significant reduction in the severity and risk of many health risks, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Side Effects

As with all drugs, side effects usually occur. With this weight loss medication, headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, anorexia, and constipation are the most common side effects. However, there are a multitude of others listed on the patient information sheet included in each package. It is extremely important that you seek the medical attention of your physician should you develop any discomfort when taking this medication.

• Fruits and Vegetables that Lower Blood Pressure
• Diet for a Pear Shape
• Summer Snacks
• Fast Food Statistics
• Healthy Food Myths Quiz

• The Lemonade Diet
• Weight Watchers Points Calculators
• 1200 Calorie Menus
• Weight Watchers Points
• Weight Watchers Restaurant Points

• Meridia Appetite Suppressant
• Slim Quick Diet Pill
• Tenuate Diet Pill
• Diet Pill That Works
• Adipex Diet Pill