Meridia

If you have any doubt about the safety of a combination, be sure to check with your doctor.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The use of Meridia during pregnancy is not recommended. If you are in your child-bearing years, take reliable contraceptive measures while using this drug. If you do become pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Meridia appears in breast milk; its use while breastfeeding is not recommended.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The starting dose is 10 milligrams once daily. If you have not lost at least 4 pounds after 4 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 15 milligrams daily. This is the maximum; if weight loss still fails to appear, Meridia will be discontinued.

For those who experience side effects at the 10-milligram level, a 5-milligram dose may prove sufficient.

Use of Meridia for longer than 1 year has not been studied.

Overdosage

Although doctors have had little experience with overdoses of Meridia, increased heart rate and blood pressure are possible results. Since any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences, seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.