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The Ins and Outs of Meridia for Weight Loss
With the rise of pharmaceutical drugs promising to make weight loss a breeze, it is difficult to determine which ones are worth it, which ones are safe, and which ones you can use without suffering serious consequences. The answer to this remains a puzzle, and one must rely on pharmaceutical testing agencies to determine the best and safest way to lose weight with the use of drugs. Many people are hesitant to use these drugs, especially after the Fenfluramine and Redux weight loss medications were associated with fatal heart valve abnormalities. With significant research, weight loss using Meridia has been successful with few side effects, and little risk. The 1997 approved Meridia works with weight loss by inhibiting the re-absorption of Serotonin, the chemical responsible for the full feeling. By blocking the re-absorption of Serotonin, the person will feel full longer, thus resulting in appetite suppression. While it seems like a miracle drug, it is expensive and not everyone should use Meridia for weight loss. The following information is a brief look into who should take Meridia for weight loss, who should not, and the side effects associated with taking it.
Who Should Take Meridia for Weight Loss?
Those considering taking Meridia should be seriously obese, with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of greater than 30. Meridia should not be used for cosmetic purposes, or those who are trying to lose a small amount of weight. Meridia should also be used as a last resort after other measures have been attempted, as the side effects can be somewhat serious. Those who have one or more of the following risk factors should consider talking to their doctor about using Meridia for weight loss: diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, sleep apnea or other obesity related diseases.
Who Should Stay Away from Meridia?
Regardless of some of the benefits of using Meridia for weight loss, there are some people who, if they take Meridia, are at risk of serious and even fatal consequences. Because Meridia works like an anti-depressant, those taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) cannot take Meridia because the combination of the two can be fatal. Those who have a history of coronary heart disease, angina, arrhythmia or congestive heart failure should also not take Meridia. Those under 16 years of age or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with kidney or liver disease, or those allergic to sibutramine are also at risk if they take this drug. You should always check with your doctor before taking Meridia to make sure you do not have any outstanding conditions not mentioned that could put you at risk while taking it.
Side Effects of Using Meridia for Weight Loss
While each person is likely to react slightly differently from one another, there are some common side effects that have been found in numerous trials. Those taking large doses (more than 15 mg of Meridia daily) are likely to experience arrhythmia or skipped heart beats, elevated blood pressure and subsequently elevated heart rate. Common side effects include, but are not limited to dry mouth, headache, constipation and insomnia. Often times these side effects will subside as the drug is taken over a prolonged period of time and the body gets used to it.
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