Losing your persistent stomach fat to fit into your favorite dress can be tacky. Not only does it make you feel hopeless, but it also leads to several other health problems. But do not give up just yet. You can do it! You’re going to lose weight; that’s not a question; the question is: “How?”
Don’t worry, we know how! Meridia weight loss drug (sibutramine) works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down serotonin in the brain. This makes you feel less hungry and more energetic by reducing cravings and preventing overeating. It is specifically designed to take care of all these issues so that you can lose weight easily and effectively.
You can find loads of people raving about sibutramine weight loss results. Read on to find out if Meridia is safe to use, its dosage, side effects, and if you should even get on Meridia tablets.
Table of Content
How Do Meridia Weight Loss Pills Work?
Neurons secrete a hormone called serotonin in your brain that helps control feelings of well-being and happiness. The same hormone, “Serotonin,” also has a role in appetite and satiety.
What does that mean? Your body perceives serotonin as a signal to stop eating, decreasing appetite. This can cause your body to have increased metabolism and decreased cravings, thus leading to weight loss.
Meridia produces weight loss by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin. Basically, Meridia (Sibutramine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs are usually prescribed for depression as antidepressants; however, they have also been seen to help with cases of obesity.
Besides being useful for people with anxiety and depression, it has been proven to reduce fat and increase metabolism, causing effective weight loss.
What Is the Normal Dosage Prescribed?
Meridia or SIbutramine is manufactured as 5mg, 10mg, and 15 mg. The doctors prescribe a dose depending on your weight and past health history. However, for a normal person, the dosage usually starts at 10 mg and goes up.
A practical way of knowing if you should be using Meridia is to actually get on it. According to a study conducted, people who did not lose up to 4 pounds in the initial four weeks of the treatment are most likely not to lose any weight at all while on the drug.
Conversely, if you lose 4 pounds a month after starting the meds, you will probably see a 5% decrease in your total body mass by the end of the year. Based on these results, your doctor may increase your dosage or change the therapy altogether.
Remember never to take this medication if you are hypertensive or have any cardiovascular disease. This can be fatal and should never be risked.
Side Effects of Meridia Weight Loss Drug
A person taking Meridia may suffer from multiple side effects. Some of them are common, like the feeling of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. But there are also several Meridia weight loss reviews mentioning a few rare side effects.
Dry mouth, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and insomnia are some common side effects that most patients go through. If you have one of these symptoms, there is nothing to worry about. Your body will get used to it soon.
However, in case of frequent and lasting palpitations, shortness of breath, bleeding from any part of the body, extremely high blood pressure, and loss of motor control, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Furthermore, it may not work for you if you are below 16 or above 65. It can also show certain symptoms when taken in conjunction with other meds, so make sure you consult your doctor before taking these pills. You could have an allergic reaction, or worse, risk of infarction (heart failure) if you use these without proper care.
Why Is Sibutramine Banned?
Meridia (Sibutramine) was first released in November of 1997 as a weight loss drug. But in June 2010, the FDA said that sibutramine might cause dangerous blood pressure spikes, leading to its ban in the USA and some other parts of the world.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carried out a trial that showed a 16% increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases on the use of Meridia. They concluded that the side effects outweigh the benefits and thus banned sibutramine from being sold in the United States.
With a one-in-70 chance of stroke or heart failure due to sibutramine, it is strictly prohibited if you have high blood pressure or are at risk for it.
Meridia Replacement Drug
After the FDA banned Meridia, there was a need for a reliable weight loss drug on the market. However, the FDA disapproved a few more weight loss pills similar to Meridia, including Belviq and Qnexa.
The FDA requested the companies to withdraw the drug and stop being prescribed by doctors due to the risk of potential heart diseases.
Some of the FDA-approved drugs you can find on the market include orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), and semaglutide (Wegovy).
It is still advised to only take these meds after talking to your doctor or being prescribed by one. Furthermore, pregnant women are also advised to stay away from weight loss meds until after the pregnancy is over.
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight After Meridia?
Thanks to Meridia, you have lost the extra pounds. Now what? Well, now you need to maintain it. Many people think losing weight is easy; however, the hard work begins once the weight is lost.
When you have reached your goals, slipping back into old habits is often easy. You must be committed to changing your lifestyle to get the best results. By only temporarily changing the diet and taking weight loss drugs, you are likely to regain the lost weight.
Meridian weight loss pill can help with your weight loss program, but it does not replace exercise and diet. Combining the drug with a healthy diet is essential for the best results in weight loss. Keeping track of your calorie intake is a good place to start with.
Moreover, portion control also helps in keeping your weight consistent. Avoid all sorts of junk food, and make exercise a part of your life to see a drastic change in your overall health.
Final Verdict
Meridia or Sibutramine inhibits the serotonin uptake in your brain, which leads to a decline in your appetite. Besides helping you eat less, it also boosts the metabolism resulting in weight loss.
There is no denying that Meridia weight loss pills work. However, it is no magic pill that can take will take away all your worries. You will have to work to maintain the weight after you lose it yourself.
FAQs
Is Meridia good for weight loss?
Meridia is good for weight loss since it alters the serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to a decline in appetite. This reduces your overall calorie intake, resulting in weight loss. People who lose about 4 pounds in the initial four weeks lose approximately 5% of their total body mass in a year. According to a study, 85% of the patients on Meridia show weight loss compared to 48% of those on the placebo.
Why was Meridia taken off the market?
Meridia was taken off the market because it had shown potential stroke risks, infarction, and increased blood pressure in some patients. The FDA initially approved the drug but then disapproved in 2010, with a ban in several countries. According to the FDA, the drug poses more risks than benefits.
How much does Meridia cost?
Meridia is a prescription medicine used for weight loss. Its price varies depending on where you live and whether it is available. Since the FDA’s disapproval of the medicine and its ban in various countries, it is hard to find this drug on the market. This is why the doctors also do not prescribe it.
Do you need a prescription for Meridia?
Meridia (Sibutramine) is a prescription medicine and needs proper approval from your doctor. It is used to treat obesity by suppressing your hunger. However, as of now, most doctors do not prescribe this medicine due to its ban in multiple countries worldwide.
