Prescription weight loss drugs are usually reserved for those people considered obese or 30 pounds overweight, and that is the case with Meridia as well. Meridia is a strong weight loss medication, considered a “controlled substance,” and marketed by Abbott Laboratories. Of course, even prescription weight loss pills are best used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, and the manufacturers of Meridia encourage both.

What’s in it?

In the drug, Meridia, you will find the active ingredient Sibutramine HCI Monohydrate, which essentially serves as an appetite suppressant.

How does it work?

When using Meridia, it is most effective when paired with a reduced calorie diet. If you are someone who uses food as an escape, rather than relying on hunger to tell your body it’s time to eat, Meridia might not work for you.

As far as results, when using Meridia diet pills, weight loss is gradual effect over time, more gradual than many prescription medications. Meridia is also available for a longer period of time than most prescription diet aids (drugs like Adipex, Bontril, and Didrex are available for an average of 6 weeks), but its safety has not been determined beyond 1 year of use.

Who does it work for?

As we already mentioned, Meridia is not intended for the casual dieter, but is marketed toward those people whose weight poses potential health risks. For those people, Meridia does appear to be effective in the short-term, although it certainly comes with a list of negatives as well.

Are there possible side effects?

Since it has been ruled a controlled substance, Meridia can become habit–forming, so it should not be used by anyone who has a history of addiction of any kind, specifically with an eating disorder. While it is only available – even in prescription form – for short periods of time, you wouldn’t want that short period to lead to a long-term addiction. The most common direct side effects include headache, dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia.

In addition, Meridia is not recommended for people with the following health conditions: glaucoma, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke, gallstones, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, thyroid issues, seizures, or liver, kidney or heart disease. Despite being approved by the FDA, Meridia is still not the perfect weight loss solution, and all side effects and warnings should be completely considered before using Meridia diet pills.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Meridia is a prescription medication, so there are no “bonus” features available. In fact, even if you believe you fit the criteria for a prescription weight loss medication, you may have a hard time procuring a prescription for this drug based on its possible side effects. Remember the best way to lose weight is to pair a healthy diet with exercise. However, if you have struggled to lose weight over an extended period of time, and feel your health is at risk due to your weight, Meridia might be the right choice for you.