Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is the first FDA approved medication of its
class for the treatment of weight loss and weight maintenance. Sibutramine is an equipotent
serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means it has an equal effect on
serotonin (a brain neurotransmitter which generally promotes a calming feeling) and
norepinephrine (a stimulant). Research indicates that these brain chemicals have an effect on
appetite and satiety. Meridia® is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg capsules (see photo). The
recommended starting dose is 10 mg which may be increased to 15 mg if the 10 mg capsule is
ineffective. The 5 mg capsule can be used as an adjunct to the 10 mg dose; it is not intended
individuals, with 85 percent losing at least 5 percent of body weight and 57 percent at least
10 percent. In the majority of studies it has not been shown to be as effective as the
combination of fenfluramine and phentermine ("phen/fen") which enhances the release of
norepinephrine and serotonin. Subjects in studies by Weintraub and Wadden lost an average of
15.9 percent of body weight. However, with the withdrawal of fenfluramine from the market in
