Meridia Diet Pill

The Meridia diet pill is a prescription pill that's taken once a day at breakfast to treat obesity. Intended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of higher than 30, Meridia claims significant weight-loss results when coupled with diet, exercise and lifestyle change. Known also as Reductil, Meridia uses the chemical sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate to induce a feeling of satiety or fullness. Meridia is not an appetite suppressant but rather functions similarly to antidepressant medications by boosting levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline.

Who Created Meridia?

Meridia was created by Abbott Laboratories and approved by the FDA in 1997.

Clinical Studies

Clinical studies on sibutramine are ongoing in regards to cardiovascular issues. However, studies have shown that taking Meridia along with developing a diet and exercise plan can lead to considerable weight loss. A study conducted with 498 teenagers showed that the teenagers taking Meridia lost 14 pounds over a year while the placebo group continued to gain weight.

Cautionary Notes

Like every prescription medication, Meridia has side effects. Some side effects include dry mouth, constipation, headaches, heartburn, runny nose, trouble sleeping and dizziness. Meridia can also be habit-forming. The FDA has classified the active chemical sibutramine, for its structural likeness to amphetamines, as a Schedule IV-controlled substance. Meridia should be taken under the close supervision of a doctor, especially by people who have a history of cardiovascular disorders.