How does meridia work?

This drug is designed as an appetite suppressant. Without intervention, it takes about 30 minutes for your stomach to send a message telling your brain that it is full. The message system depends on neurotransmitters, chemicals that are carried through the central nervous system and change depending on the message. Meridia works by changing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain so that you think your stomach is full.

Does meridia work on its own?

No pharmaceutical company has invented a magic bullet. There is nothing you can take to dissolve fat and make excess weight fade away. Losing weight depends on you eating less and exercising more. That means you have to change your lifestyle not only to lose weight but to prevent it from coming back. Unfortunately, it’s easy to ignore a message suggesting you have already eaten enough. Too many people clear their plates no matter what their brain is telling them. Meridia only works as part of a plan combining a calorie-reduced diet with increasing levels of vigorous physical exercise.

What should you tell your doctor?

As with any drug, it’s always a good idea to have a physical check-up before starting any new treatment. There can be adverse reactions if you take different drugs at the same time. Some people also experience side effects. Tell your doctor if you have:

• had a stroke or heart problems;
• high blood pressure or problems with your blood clotting;
• liver or kidney disease;
• seizures;
• gallstones;
• glaucoma;
• problems controlling your use of alcohol or drugs; or
• an eating disorder or depression.