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Indications
- Meridia diet pills are used as an appetite suppressant.
They are used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to
reduce weight.
Before Use
- Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and
prescription medication you may use, especially other
weight reducing agents (e.g., diethylpropion), drugs that
can raise blood pressure such as decongestants (e.g.,
pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine), cough suppressants
(e.g., dextromethorphan), antidepressants (e.g.,
nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline,
fluvoxamine, venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric
medications (e.g., MAO Inhibitors such as selegiline,
moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine),
drugs for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine,
sumatriptan), tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl), ketoconazole,
erythromycin, high blood pressure medicine or any drugs
which can cause drowsiness, including certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), sedatives and
anti-seizure drugs. Antihistamines and decongestants may
be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and
cold. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors
(see above) and this drug should not be taken together.
If an MAO Inhibitor or this drug is stopped, wait 2 weeks
before starting the other drug. Before using Meridia diet
pills, tell your doctor your entire medical history,
including any allergies (especially drug allergies),
liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure or heart
disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating
disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow
angle), or history of gallstones. Limit or refrain from
alcohol, as it may worsen certain side effects of this
medication. It is recommended that women of child-bearing
age should use effective birth control while taking this
medication. Meridia diet pills are not recommended for
use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using
this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted
into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the
infant, breast-feeding while taking meridia diet pills is
not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to
the effects of Meridia diet pills. Use cautiously.
Directions for Use
- Take Meridia diet pills on an empty stomach, once
daily, 30-60 minutes before breakfast. The full effect on
weight may require four to six weeks. Do not increase
your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer
period of time than prescribed because this drug can be
habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time,
do not suddenly stop using this drug without your
doctor's approval. Over time, Meridia diet pills may not
work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your
doctor if weight increases. If you miss a dose, take it
as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double- up" the dose
to catch up.
Side Effects
- Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and difficulty
sleeping may occur. If these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor immediately.
Storage
- Store Meridia diet pills at room temperature away from
sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out
of the reach of children.
The above guidlines are for reference only. Before you
take this prescription drug you should read the
information sheet that accompanies the medication and
follow your doctors instructions. If you have any
questions consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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