How to Use
Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks. Do not increase
your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time
than prescribed because Meridia can be habit-forming. Also, if used for
a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using Meridia without your
doctor's approval. Over time, Meridia may not work as well as it did at
the beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Precautions
Before using Meridia, tell your doctor your entire medical history,
including any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease,
high blood pressure or heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain
eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or history
of gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects
of Meridia. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should use
effective birth control while taking Meridia. Meridia is not recommended
for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Meridia. It is
not known whether Meridia is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Meridia is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more
sensitive to the effects of Meridia. Use cautiously.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication
you may use, 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. Consult your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors (see above)
and Meridia should not be taken together. If an MAO Inhibitor or Meridia
is stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the other drug.
Notes
Do not share Meridia with others. Meridia should be used in addition
to a reduced calorie diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured and
laboratory tests performed to monitor side effects.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the
time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double- up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the
reach of children.
|
