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 HOW
DOES MERIDIA WORK?
Drugs of this class are thought to suppress appetite
by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and
norepiniphrine thereby modifying appetite centers in
the brain.
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HOW
TO TAKE MERIDIA:
The recommended starting dose of MERIDIA is 10-milligrams
administered once daily with or without food. If there
is inadequate weight loss, the dose may be titrated
after 4 weeks to a total of 15-milligrams taken once
daily. The 5-milligram dose should be reserved for those
patients that do not tolerate the 10-milligram dose.
Blood pressure and heart rate changes should betaken
into consideration when making decisions regarding dose
titration. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not
take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination
with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally
not recommended.
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HOW
EFFECTIVE IS MERIDIA?
Patients treated with MERIDIA while on a reduced calorie
diet showed significant weight loss during the first
6 months of treatment, and significant weight loss was
maintained for one year. In one 12-month study, the
average weight loss in patients taking MERIDIA, 10 mg
daily, was about 10 lbs. and in those taking 15 mg daily
was about 14 lbs. The average weight loss in persons
on only a reduced calorie diet alone was 3 1/2 lbs.
Thus, MERIDIA is proven effective therapy for the obese
patient who needs to loose weight to decease morbidity.
Nonetheless, the magnitude of the weight loss will ultimately
depend on the degree of concomitant caloric restriction
and the concomitant use of a graded exercise program.
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HOW
LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE MERIDIA?
MERIDIA is a short-term drug that helps you to start
losing weight and then keep on going when you are ready
to carry on, on your own. Your body starts to build
up a resistance to the effects of MERIDIA after a few
weeks of treatment, which is when you should be well
on your way to a new lifestyle and ready to stop MERIDIA.
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper
diet. For maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction
with a diet and exercise program.
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BE
SURE TO TELL US ON YOU MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE
IF:
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have an over-active thyroid.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have Diabetes Mellitus.
- You have emotional problems.
- You are pregnant.
- You are currently breast-feeding.
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DRUG
INTERACTIONS:
Included on your medical history/personal profile questionnaire
all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription),
especially other weight reducing agents (e.g., diethylpropion),
drugs that can raise blood pressure such as decongestants
(e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), cough
suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan), antidepressants
(e.g., nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline,
fluvoxamine, venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric medications
(e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline, moclobemide,
furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine), drugs for
migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan), tryptophan,
certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine,
fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure
medicine or any drugs which can cause drowsiness, including
certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives
and anti-seizure drugs. Antihistamines and decongestants
may be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough
and cold. MAO inhibitors and MERIDIA should not be taken
together.
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SIDE
EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, back pain, stomach
upset or constipation may occur the first few days as
you body adjusts to the medication. Stop MERIDIA if
you experience; rash, hives, seizures, worsening of
vision, decreased amount of urine or unusual bleeding
or bruising. Stop MERIDIA immediately if you experience
the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity;
excitement, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion,
agitation, weakness, shivering, clumsiness or unsteadiness,
fast heartbeat, large-unchanging pupils, vomiting, trouble
breathing, shortness of breath, chest pains, swelling
of feet/ankles or legs, fainting, disorientation, depression,
high fever, eye pain, tremor or increased sweating.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS:
MERIDIA is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis,
cardiovascular disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.
ORDER
NOW!
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