Sibutramine is a weight loss medication that is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with obesity and overweight. Sibutramine also helps reduce the risks of overweight-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sibutramine is typically incorporated into a complex treatment that is also comprised of strict diet and special exercise program. If taken without these measures, Sibutramine will have much less effectiveness and the results will be far from pleasing.

Sibutramine makes part of a drug class called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that are much similar to stimulants such as amphetamine. The name of the drug class indicates that Sibutramine controls the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain that causes a decreased sense of hunger and the feeling of satiety. This results in fewer calories consumed with food, which helps exercise and diet programs to be much more effective than without the use of Sibutramine.

Sibutramine is produced by Abbott Laboratories.


Sibutramine side effects

Before taking a course of Sibutramine treatment speak with your healthcare assistant and perform frequent monitoring of your condition during the period. Sibutramine can cause certain side-effects of different severity levels. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you have experienced one of the following symptoms:

Abdominal, joint and back pain
acid indigestion
anxiety
cough increase
depression
dizziness
dry mouth
headache
increased hunger
insomnia
loss of appetite
nausea
nervousness
painful menstruation
rash
sinus inflammation
stomachache
sore throat

If you are allergic to Sibutramine or its components, don’t risk taking the medicine. Avoid using Sibutramine in conjunction with other weight loss pills or substances controlling serotonin-dopamine levels in the brain. Do not take the drug in case you were using a MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate within the last 2 weeks. Mixing these substances can lead to severe overstimulation that can be fatal.

If you have history of heart attacks or strokes, have a high or low blood pressure, or any heart diseases take extreme caution when taking Sibutramine and consult with your doctor first. Kidney or liver issues can also restrict you from taking Sibutramine. If you have had seizures in the past and have a risk of having seizures — be cautious while taking Sibutramine. In case you experience a seizure during Sibutramine treatment, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately. If you were diagnosed with narrow-angle glaucoma or thyroid problems you should consult with your doctor about the risks and possible dosage of Sibutramine because the drug may affect the conditions.

There is no sufficient data on the effects of Sibutramine on persons younger than 16 and older than 65, so it is not recommended for use by these groups of patients. It is also not clear whether Sibutramine affects the unborn baby or passes through breast milk. So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid taking Sibutramine treatment and consult with your doctor about it if you’re planning to become pregnant.

Sibutramine can interact with other drugs and substances that will decrease, increase or alter its effects. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal or street drugs, especially:

Alcohol
Blood thinners
Dextromethorphan
Dihydroergotamine
Drugs that affect platelet function
Erythromycin
Fentanyl
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Ketoconazole
Lithium
Meperidine
Naratriptan
Paroxetine
Pentazocine
Sertraline
Stimulants
Sumatriptan
Tryptophan
Venlafaxine
Zolmitriptan

The medical history has very rare cases of Sibutramine overdose but the most distinct symptoms of it are increased heart rate and high blood pressure. If you suspect an overdose get in touch with a doctor immediately.
Generic Sibutramine

Sibutramine is the active ingredient of the brand drug Meridia, produced by Abbott Laboratories. Meridia has the same chemical composition and effects as Sibutramine and differs only in shape and size of the tablets, as well as inactive components.