Sibutramine & Meridia Weight Loss Pills

Sibutramine (Meridia) is one of the latest prescription-only diet drugs. Some weight loss studies have shown that Sibutramine can help people lose weight and maintain the loss but the weight loss tends to plateau after about a year. However, like other weight loss pills, Sibutramine has been linked to a range of health problems, even fatalities.

Sibutramine (Meridia) Diet Pills

Sibutramine suppresses appetite by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. Unlike other diet drugs (e.g. fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine) sibutramine does not increase release of these neurotransmitters from the cells. Instead, sibutramine inhibits the re-uptake of these neurotransmitters by the nerve cells. Therefore, the action of sibutramine is similar to that of anti-depressants that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin such as fluoxetine (Prozac) - a medication that has been used for years without known association with pulmonary hypertension or heart valve damage.

Sibutramine Diet Pills & Weight Loss

Sibutramine suppresses appetite so people eat less. In one trial, 65% of sibutramine subjects lost more than 5% of their body weight, compared to 29% in the control group. Furthermore, 39% of sibutramine subjects lost 10% of their body weight compared to the 8% in the control group.

Meridia the mainis a capsule taken once a day with or without food. For a month's supply of the 10 mg. capsule, the cost of Meridia (excluding the clinician visit or consultation) can range from $75 to over $100, depending on the pharmacy.

Sibutramine Diet Pills - Benefits & Possible Side-Effects

Like all medications, sibutramine has advantages and disadvantages. Health benefits include lower levels of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

The most common side effects of sibutramine diet pills are constipation, dry mouth, headache and insomnia. BUT, high blood pressure and heart rate are also possible.

It is especially important that individuals with hypertension, coronary artery disease, heartbeat irregularities, congestive heart failure or history of stroke discuss their health and weight loss options fully with their doctor.

Sibutramine, Meridia Weight Loss Pills Controversy

According to US Health Research Group Public Citizen, the FDA should remove the diet and weight loss drug Meridia from the market because it has been associated with 29 deaths and hundreds of serious adverse reactions since it was introduced in 1998.

Even before it approved the drug, the FDA was concerned about the safety of the sibutramine diet drug, Meridia. An FDA advisory committee in 1997 voted 5-4 that the benefits of the drug did not outweigh its risks. The FDA medical officer who reviewed the weight loss pill recommended that it not be approved because research showed the potential for heart problems.

Data obtained by Public Citizen through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show that from the time it was introduced in February 1998 to Sept. 30, 2001, there were almost 400 serious adverse reactions in weight loss subjects taking Meridia. This included 19 cardiac deaths, including 10 in people under the age of 50, three of whom were women under 30. The average yearly weight loss for patients taking a standard 10 mg dose was only six and a half pounds more than the loss in those taking a placebo.

Weight Loss Drugs Advice

Sibutramine, like all weight loss pills, has it's drawbacks. Therefore please discuss your options fully with your doctor and weigh up which weight loss option is best for you.

NOTE: Before using any form of diet pills or weight loss supplements, please consult your doctor.

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