Meridia

Meridia is a prescription-only weight loss pill that works by suppressing the appetite. The drug does this by increasing the volume of substances such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain’s synapses. Unlike other diet drugs, Meridia doesn’t increase the release of these neurotransmitters, but rather, it inhibits the uptake of them by the nerve cells.

Studies have shown Meridia to be effective – yielding an average weight loss of up to 12kg for between six and 12 months. These results are based on Meridia being used in conjunction with a healthy, low-calorie diet and exercise programme. Follow-up studies have shown that the weight loss achieved can be maintained for a reasonable time if the dieter follows a healthy diet and continues to be physically active. Dieters who return to their old habits once their Meridia prescription lapses are likely to regain the weight they have lost while on the drug.

People with a BMI of 30 or more are considered good candidates for Meridia diets. The pill is prescribed along with a well-balanced, low-calorie diet and a programme of regular exercise along with other lifestyle changes. Dieters who do not follow the recommended diet and exercise programme are unlikely to succeed in meeting their Meridia weight loss goals as the pill is designed to be a weight loss aid, not a substitute for a proper diet.

Dieters beginning a Meridia programme generally start taking a 10mg dose of the drug shortly after their morning meal. Meridia is usually prescribed for an initial period of four weeks, so that dieters can be assessed for changes to their blood pressure and heart rate as these can go up, particularly when the drug is working. At a minimum, Meridia dieters can expect to lose around four pounds during this induction period.

As dieters progress, they can expect to have ongoing checks from their medical team for weight loss, blood pressure, heart rate and other side effects. Where blood pressure rises, the Meridia dosage is generally decreased – where weight loss is sluggish, the dosage is increased.

Use of Meridia is contraindicated for people with kidney or liver disease, and the elderly. There are a variety of risks, particularly for those who have suffered from stroke, heart disease, glaucoma, seizures, gall stones or a past history of drug abuse.

Possible side effects from taking Meridia include drowsiness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, increased sweating and constipation. Additionally, it is not recommended that dieters take Meridia for more than two years as there is not a great deal of research to determine the impact of long-term use.