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Diet Pills

Meridia
Meridia and Health
Proper Use of Meridia
Meridia Precautions
Meridia Side Effects

Other Prescription Diet Pills

Phentermine
Xenical

Meridia and Health Considerations

Like any other prescription medicine, there are some medical conditions that render and individual a poor candidate for Meridia. Always discuss using Meridia with a medical doctor and always review all past and present medical conditions when making a decision to use Meridia. Some health conditions that may impact a person's decision to use Meridia may include:

1) Allergies

Inform a doctor if any previous allergic reaction to Meridia has been experienced. Allergies to foods, preservatives or dyes should also be considered prior to using Meridia.

2) Diet

It is imperative that patients taking Meridia follow a low fat, calorie reduced diet while taking the medication. Meridia will not be completely effective without incorporating a healthful diet into lifestyle.

3) Pregnancy

Meridia has not been studied for use with pregnant women. Always advise a doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before taking Meridia. Most health practitioners agree that Meridia use in pregnant women should be avoided.

4) Breast Feeding

Studies have not concluded whether Meridia passes to a newborn through breast milk. Talk to a doctor before using Meridia while breast feeding.

5) Children and Adolescents

Meridia has not been studied for use with children and adolescents. Like most other prescription diet pills, Meridia is not advised for use in this age group.

6) Older Adults

Meridia has not been studied for use in older adults. Although there is no evidence to suggest that Meridia may react negatively with this age group, older individuals should discuss Meridia with their doctor before using the medicine.

7) Other Medications

Other medications can interfere with or influence dosage levels of Meridia. Advise your doctor if you are considering taking Meridia while taking other medications, such as:

• Appetite suppressants

• Bromocriptine

• Buspirone

• Certain tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine)

• Dextromethorphan

• Levodopa

• Lithium

• Meperidine

• Nefazodone

• Pentazocine

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline)

• Street drugs (LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), marijuana)

• Sumatriptan

• Tramadol

• Trazodone

• Tryptophan

• Venlafaxine

• Moclobemide

• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

Never take Meridia within 2 weeks of taking any MAO inhibitor, or while taking a MAO inhibitor. Severe health consequences can result, including severe seizures, extremely high blood pressure, or the serotonin syndrome. Also allow at least 2 weeks to pass between taking one of these medicines (Meridia or an MAO inhibitor) and taking the other.

8) Other Medical Problems

Some medical problems make an individual a poor candidate for Meridia. Always discuss all medications with a doctor prior to taking Meridia. Inform your doctor if you have:

• Anorexia nervosa (or any eating disorder)

• Glaucoma

• High blood pressure

• Brain disease or damage

• Seizures

• Gallstones

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

Learn more about Meridia and other medications at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research website.  Read about Meridia use from the manufacturers of Meridia, Abbott Laboratories.

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