Sibutramine. Sibutramine hydrochloride inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in the CNS. Moreover, inhibition of the seizure of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and serotonin are three times more than dopamine. Two active metabolite of sibutramine also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Increased levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the central nervous system leads to an increased sense of saturation, which in turn contributes to consume less calories. The results of one study suggest that sibutramine may also increase the level of basal metabolism. However, this assumption was not confirmed in subsequent studies. In clinical studies demonstrated that taking sibutramine can achieve a significant weight loss compared with placebo. Weight loss was observed even in those patients who took sibutramine, not observing a reduced-calorie diet, and did not seek to modify lifestyle. Nevertheless, weight loss of 5-10% of the original with great success achieved by those patients who receive sibutramine combined with a hypocaloric diet and lifestyle modifications.


Studies have shown that the greatest weight loss is achieved after approximately 6 months of medication and remains virtually unchanged during the year. Because the effects of sibutramine remained, at least 12 months, it can be recommended for long-term treatment of obesity. In one study, weight loss after one year was 5% and more than 40% of patients receiving sibutramine, compared with 8-10% of patients receiving placebo. A weight reduction of 10% or more was noted in 13% in the group of patients receiving sibutramine vs 5% receiving placebo. In another small study demonstrated that 86% of patients receiving sibutramine combine with a very low calorie diet, weight loss achieved 5% or more compared with 55% of patients receiving placebo. Thus 75% of patients receiving sibutramine, stores the result in the year, compared with 42% of patients receiving placebo. Studies have also shown that despite the weight loss achieved taking sibutramine, there has been improvement in blood glucose, lipid profile, uric acid levels and decreases abdominal obesity.


In research examining the effect of sibutramine, it was noted elevated levels of systolic and diastolic pressure by an average of 1.3 mmHg and heart rate by 4-5 beats / min. in the group receiving the active substance compared with placebo. Patients with inadequate compensation, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, other cardiac pathology, arrhythmias, and stroke, should not take sibutramine. Before the appointment, and also in the process of receiving sibutramine should monitor the level of blood pressure and heart rate. Increased blood pressure and / or an increase in heart rate during sibutramine therapy is a reason for reducing the dose or even cancel it. The other most common side effects of sibutramine include dry mouth, anorexia, insomnia and constipation. Unlike fenfluramine and DexFenfluramine, to date no known cases of pulmonary hypertension and cardiac valve lesions caused by taking sibutramine. Although, like fenfluramine, sibutramine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, it does not have the ability to stimulate the release of serotonin from nerve endings.


Sibutramine should not be taken during and in the next 2 weeks after treatment with MAO inhibitors because of the risk of increasing the activity of norepinephrine and, as a consequence - the development of hypertensive crisis, as well as in connection with the possibility of increasing the activity of serotonin and the risk of "serotonin syndrome". To develop "serotonin syndrome" may also result in receiving sibutramine with drugs inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. Besides, is not recommended to receive sibutramine with drugs that may cause increased blood pressure. Sibutramine is metabolized by isoenzyme 3A4 of cytochrome P-450. Its metabolism may be inhibited by ketoconazole and erythromycin. Nevertheless, it is believed that this interaction has clinical significance.

Sibutramine should be prescribed to patients with BMI> = 30 kg/m2, or patients with BMI> = 27 kg/m2, with risk factors. Admission sibutramine best to combine it with a reduced-calorie diet. The initial dose is 10 mg once in the morning. If weight loss for 4 weeks was no more than 1,5 kg, the dose may be increased to 15 mg. Doctors need to remember the importance of monitoring blood pressure and heart rate with sibutramine dose adjustment.

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.