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Meridia® |
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Introduction & Overview |
Meridia® is a prescription medication marketed by Abbott Laboratories. It is a controlled substance intended for individuals at least 30 pounds overweight. This product is said to yield effective weight loss results “while on a reduced calorie diet.”
This product seems to be an extreme measure designed for those whose weight problems are severe and potentially hazardous to their health. Because it is a controlled substance and potentially addictive, it might not be appropriate for many average dieters. We will discuss this product’s benefits and drawbacks, keeping in mind some of the manufacturer’s warnings, as well as some alarming comments made by some bloggers on this drug.
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| Pros |
• May be helpful to some seriously obese individuals
• Manufacturer seems to promote exercise and diet
• Website seems to provide warnings about product
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| Cons |
• Product is a controlled substance
• Requires a prescription, may be hard to obtain for some
• Product may increase blood pressure for some
• Product has be linked to cardiovascular problems
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| Products Formula |
This product’s active ingredient is Sibutramide HCI Monohydrate. Its other ingredients do not appear to be listed on the product’s Website. The site does, however, discuss how the medication works, stating that it “reduces food intake by reuptake inhibition of primarily norepinephrine and serotonin” and “works on select receptor sites to reduce hunger.”
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| Formula In Depth |
The product’s Website states that “Meridia® is not for everyone.” It claims that the product “substantially increases blood pressure or heart rate in some” and is not recommended for those with “uncontrolled or insufficiently controlled hypertension, history of heart disease, stroke, and severe liver or kidney disease.” The Website also states that the product is not advised for pregnant women or nursing mothers, and should be used with caution by those with a history of glaucoma, hypertension, seizures, or kidney disease. Finally, the most common side effects are listed by the manufacturer as headache, dry mouth, constipation and insomnia for some.
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| Customer Feedback |
This product was featured on a consumer safety Website that discusses potentially harmful drugs. It was included on this site’s “do not use” list because it is said to have limited weight loss benefits while presenting potential adverse effects. One posting on this site claimed that this product may have been related to a number of severe cardiovascular adverse effects, including deaths. It was also said to cause high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and increased heart rate. Some other postings claimed that certain public health organizations have petitioned for this medication to be taken off the market.
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| Conclusion |
While this product may be a helpful “last resort” for those with chronic or dangerous weight problems, it might be best used with caution by average dieters. This product is a controlled substance, and may lead to addiction in those with a tendency to abuse prescription drugs. It also seems to have demonstrated enough disturbing adverse effects to arouse the concern of at least one consumer group. In addition to all of these factors, the effectiveness of this product seems to also have been called into question. Only a medical professional can decide it this type of medicine is right for you.
For a typical dieter who simply wishes to lose weight that does not require costly medical intervention, it may be preferable to try some of the healthy, effective capsule supplements currently available without a prescription. These supplements may provide excellent results without the inconvenience, cost, and potential hazards of a prescription drug. Navigating the world of weight loss aids can be confusing, and may raise valid safety concerns. For this reason some of the better supplement manufacturers are receptive to consumer questions, providing customer service both online and over the telephone.
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