• Meridia is is used along with a low-calorie diet to help you lose weight. Meridia works by increasing the activity of certain chemical messengers in the nervous system, including serotonin and norepinephrine.

How should you take this medication?

• Take Meridia by mouth, usually once a day with or without food.
   
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
   
• If you miss a dose of meridia and you remember it within 2 to 3 hours, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.

General Precautions with Meridia

• Meridia may increase blood pressure or heart rate and your doctor will check for these effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
   
• Meridia may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Meridia.
   
• Do not drink excess alcohol while taking Meridia.
   
• Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you develop a skin rash, hives, or other allergic symptoms.

What are the possible side effects of Meridia?

• More common side effects may include: back pain, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, headache, increased cough, increased or decreased appetite, joint pain, migraine, nausea, painful menstruation, sinus inflammation, sleeplessness, sore throat, upset stomach.
   

• If  you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sibutramine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)

• Easy bleeding, bruising under the skin , bloody gums, or blood in your urine or stool

• An irregular heartbeat