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Meridia is a weight-loss aid recommended for overweight people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have additional risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Your physicain can determine your BMI and will decide if you meet these criteria.

Meridia should be taken by mouth in exact accordance with the physicain's directions. This will usually mean once daily. You can take Meridia on an empty stomach or after a meal. Meridia may take 4-6 weeks to take effect. Do not take Meridia more often or in larger doses than you were prescribed. Do not use Meridia for longer than it was prescribed for you, since it can be habit-forming. Do not stop taking Meridia suddenly after you have been using it for a significant length of time, unless your physicain directs you to do so. Meridia may become less effective over time. Consult your physicain if you have been using Meridia for a while and your weight begins to increase.

Store at room temp. away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one according to the regular schedule. Never take a double dose.

Side effects of Meridia may include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If the side effects persist or become bothersome, consult a physicain as soon as possible.

Tell your physicain about all the drugs you are using, whether prescription or non-prescription, especially other weight-loss drugs and drugs that can raise blood pressure (such as decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine). Tell the physicain if you are using cough medicine, antidepressants (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, medicine for high blood pressure, 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. If you are in doubt, consult your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors and Meridia should not be taken together or within two weeks of each other.

Do not share this medication with others. Mediria should only be used by prescription and in conjunction with a professionally controlled diet. Your physicain may conduct various tests to monitor side effects. Tell your physicain your medical history before using Meridia, including any allergies you have had , liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, eating disorders, glaucoma, or gallstones. Limit your alcohol use when taking Meridia, as it may increase the side effects of the drug. Meridia is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your physicain about birth-control methods. Meridia should not be used by breastfeeding women, because of potential risks to the baby. The elderly may be more vulnerable to the side effects of the drug. Use cautiously. The FDA approved the use of Meridia against the wishes of its advisory committee, that actually voted against its approval by a 5 to 4 vote. The committee was concerned that the health risks associated with the use of Meridia outweighed the potential benefits to obese patients. From its entry to the market in February of 1998 to September 2001, there have been 397 adverse reactions reported to the FDA, including 152 hospitalizations, and 29 deaths.

Abbott Laboratories is an American health care company that develops, manufactures, and markets various pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. Abbott was founded in 1888 in Chicago, where it still keeps its corporate headquarters. Abbott products are offered in over 130 countries.