WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Sibutramine (Brand : Meridia) is a monoamine reuptake inhibitor and an Appetite suppressant. Sibutrarnine was developed in . the late 1980s as an antidepressant, and it was approved in November 1997 (final approval, February 1998) by the FDA as a weight-management medication. It is a schedule IV controlled substance, with low potential for abuse.
SOLD AS: Available in 5-, 10-, and 15-mg capsules.
RESEARCH:A double-blind, controlled research was carried out at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (1999), which demonstrated sibutramine’s effectiveness in reducing weight if it is used along with a reduced-calorie diet, behavior modification, and a workout program. Additionally they cautioned that some patients encounter a considerable.increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
The company behind Sibutramine reports that weight loss was verified in eleven double-blind, placebo-controlled obesity trials that held up from 12 to 52 weeks and employed dosages starting from 1 to 30 mg 1 time daily. Weighed against patients who took placebos, those who took 5 to 20 mg of sibutramine daily shed considerably more weight. Evaluation of data from three scientific studies that lasted 6 months or longer suggests that people who lose at least 4 pounds during the first 4 weeks of treatment on a given dose will in all probability realize substantive long-term weight loss on that same dose.
WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO:
Sibutramine is a monoamine reuptake inhibitor, meaning it obstructs the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters (messengers) serotonin and norepinephrine, and to a lower extent dopamine, by the neurons that initially launched them. This permits the amount of these chemicals to boost, which experts claim helps control appetite. Sibutramine can also aid in losing weight in various ways, but they have to be found. The speculation that sibutramine improves the metabolic rate and thus assists in burning more calories was ignored by researchers in a study published in Obesity Research in 1998.
Research has revealed that after 12 months, overweight people who took sibutramine (15 mg daily) lost an average of 10 pounds more than people who had taken a placebo. In order to work, sibutramine should be used in addition to a smart weight loss plan, behavior modification, and a regular exercise program.
Fat loss could be non permanent only, particularly after the drug is discontinued. To help maintain weight loss or to continue to lose additional weight after stopping sibutramine, it’s important to adhere to a sensible eating plan and an exercise program.
HOW TO TAKE IT: The suggested daily dose is 10 mg 1 time a day with or without food. If you have insufficient weight loss after 4 weeks, your doctor may enhance your dosage to 15 mg 1 time a day, or treatment method maybe stopped. Total daily intake should not exceed 15 mg. In the majority of of the studies, the dose was taken in the morning.
Knoll Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Meridia, developed – a Point of Change (SM) weight-management program to compliment the drug. This support system highlights lifestyle changes which you can use to develop a strategy which fits your unique needs. Point of Change teaches Meridia users how to record their nutrition and exercise habits, set realistic goals, and use selfassessment tools.
SIDE EFFECTS: The commonest negative effects are dry mouth; anorexia; headache; insomnia; and constipation. Some users experience an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using this drug. However, tests on humans do not show evidence of valvular heart disease when taking this drug. Do not take sibutramine with any other appetite suppressant. Regular medical followup is recommended while you take this drug.
Sibutramine, like other appetite suppressants, usually triggers dry mouth, that may add to the possibility of creating gum disease and dental cavities. Specific focus on oral hygiene, including use of sugarless gum and sugarless hard candies, drinking lots of water, or sucking on ice chips, is suggested while using this drug.