by Teena Kay

Created on: March 10, 2010

generic name Sibutramine, aka Reductil or Meridia

produced by Abbott Pharmaceuticals

Those with weight problems will have tried a lot of diets and supplements and often, as a last resort, had their GP prescribe a pill to help them lose weight.

I was one of those where my GP thought I would benefit from taking Sibutramine, the generic name of the main compound in the branded product Reductil.

I was started on the lower strength pill with 10 mg Sibutramine. I took one tablet a day, first in the morning, later I switched to lunchtime or even mid afternoon. I will explain the reasons for this later.

What is Sibutramine

Sibutramine is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor that reduces the reuptake of serotonin (by 53%), norepinephrine (by 54%), and dopamine (by 16%), thereby increasing the levels of these substances in synaptic clefts and helping enhance satiety; the serotonergic action, in particular, is thought to influence appetite.

© Wikipedia.com

In other words, Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that will make you feel full quicker, or even stop you from feeling hungry in the first place.

Who can take Sibutramine

Patients with a BMI of 30 and higher who have had problems losing weight any other way may qualify. The GP will check blood pressure (as the medication can raise blood pressure) and talk through any possible contraindications when taking the capsules might be too dangerous.

In most cases the GP will prescribe enough capsules to last a month. You are required to see your GP who will take your blood pressure again every time and your weight will be taken.

If you follow a balanced diet, you should, with the help of Sibutramine (Reductil) lose weight regularly. You are required to lose at least 5% of your total body weight in the first three month. If you cannot do that, then the pills are not working for you and your GP might take you off. One alternative is to increase the strength but if you still don’t lose the required weight, then it is of no use continuing.

How to take Sibutramine

Sibutramine comes in two strengths, 10mg and 15mg capsules to be taken once a day with water, with or without food. The active ingredient will start working within one hour and the half life of each capsule is 14-16 hours depending on strength.

Contraindications

Patients with bullemia or anorexia nervosa, serious depression, drug and alcohol abuse, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke or heart disease, etc should not take the pill,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>