Sibutramine

Sibutramine (Meridia) is a prescription only diet drug. Some weight loss studies have shown that Sibutramine can help people lose weight and maintain the loss but the weight loss tends to plateau after about a year.

Sibutramine (Meridia) Diet Pills

Sibutramine suppresses appetite by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain synapses. Unlike other diet drugs (e.g. fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine) sibutramine does not increase release of these neurotransmitters from the cells. Instead, sibutramine inhibits the re-uptake of these neurotransmitters by the nerve cells. Therefore, the action of sibutramine is similar to that of anti-depressants that inhibit re-uptake of serotonin such as fluoxetine (Prozac) - a medication that has been used for years without known association with pulmonary hypertension or heart valve damage.

Sibutramine Diet Pills & Weight Loss

Sibutramine suppresses appetite so people eat less. In one trial, 65% of sibutramine subjects lost more than 5% of their body weight, compared to 29% in the control group. Furthermore, 39% of sibutramine subjects lost 10% of their body weight compared to the 8% in the control group.

Sibutramine - Benefits & Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, sibutramine has advantages and disadvantages. Health benefits include lower levels of triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

The most common side effects of sibutramine diet pills are constipation, dry mouth, headache and insomnia. BUT, high blood pressure and heart rate are also possible.

It is especially important that individuals with hypertension, coronary artery disease, heartbeat irregularities, congestive heart failure or history of stroke discuss their health and weight loss options fully with their doctor

Generic Sibutramine

There is no generic sibutramine available at this time. There are other brand names of Sibutramine in addition to Meridia, such as Reductil (the brand name used in the UK and Europe) but at this time there is no generic Sibutramine.