Sibutramine or Meridia is indicated for weight loss in obesity. It is not indicated for people who are not obese and just want to slim down.
Sibutramine or Meridia is an appetite suppressant. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurochemicals norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine which in turn affects appetite and helps people "stick to" their diets.
Sibutramine or Meridia can cause dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia. It may also increase blood pressure and pulse.
Because Sibutramine or Meridia can affect blood pressure and pulse, people with high blood pressure problems should use it with caution.
It has not been used in many people yet and is so new, that it is not clear whether it causes heart valve damage or pulmonary hypertension. People at risk for these conditions should use it with caution until more is known about its effects.
Sibutramine or Meridia can increase blood pressure and pulse, thus in combination with medication for high blood pressure, careful monitoring is required.
Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1997;21(Suppl 1):S30
The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.