Sibutramine (By Mouth)

Sibutramine (si-BYOO-tra-meen)

Used as part of a diet plan to help you lose weight.

Brand Name(s):

Meridia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sibutramine or if you have an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. You should not use sibutramine with other diet pills. Sibutramine and medicines called MAO inhibitors should not be used within 14 days of each other. Isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine are MAO inhibitors used to treat depression. Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor for Parkinson's disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• You may be told to take one capsule every day. Sibutramine can cause trouble sleeping, so your doctor may tell you to use the medicine in the morning.
• You should receive another information sheet with your medicine. Read this information carefully.
• You may take sibutramine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ketoconazole, other medicine to help you lose weight, or medicine to treat colds, cough, or allergies.
• Sibutramine used with some medicines to treat depression (such as Prozac®, Desyrel®, Luvox®, Serzone®, Paxil®, Zoloft®, or Effexor®), lithium, dextromethorphan, fentanyl, meperidine, pentazocine, tryptophan, or medicine to stop migraine headaches (such as sumatriptan (Imitrex®) or dihydroergotamine (DHE 45®) can cause serious side effects. Give your doctor a list of all medicines you are using or plan to use, including medicines you get without a doctor's prescription.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have glaucoma, seizures, gallstones, or a bleeding disorder. You should not use sibutramine if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
• Sibutramine may increase your blood pressure and pulse. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have high blood pressure. You should not use this medicine if you have a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), an irregular heartbeat, or stroke.
• You will need to have your blood pressure and pulse checked on a regular schedule. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.
• If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.
• This medicine works best if you follow a low-calorie diet and exercise regularly.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Rash or hives
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing or feeling short of breath
• Swelling in your feet or lower legs
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling nervous or dizzy
• Runny nose, sore throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.