Elavil: Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride

Friday, January 30, 2009

Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is the first FDA approved medication of its

class for the treatment of weight loss and weight maintenance. Sibutramine is an equipotent

serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means it has an equal effect on

serotonin (a brain neurotransmitter which generally promotes a calming feeling) and

norepinephrine (a stimulant). Research indicates that these brain chemicals have an effect on

appetite and satiety. Meridia® is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg capsules (see photo). The

recommended starting dose is 10 mg which may be increased to 15 mg if the 10 mg capsule is

ineffective. The 5 mg capsule can be used as an adjunct to the 10 mg dose; it is not intended

to be used as a starting dose.
http://blogtramadol.blogtownhall.com
http://meridiablog.blogtownhall.com/
Studies have shown that Meridia® is moderately effective in producing weight loss in obese

individuals, with 85 percent losing at least 5 percent of body weight and 57 percent at least

10 percent. In the majority of studies it has not been shown to be as effective as the

combination of fenfluramine and phentermine ("phen/fen") which enhances the release of

norepinephrine and serotonin. Subjects in studies by Weintraub and Wadden lost an average of

15.9 percent of body weight. However, with the withdrawal of fenfluramine from the market in

Elavil