weight loss information
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Use of Meridia Drug to Reduce Hunger & WeightSibutramine Weight Loss PillsQuestions
About Obesity Medications
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How Does Sibutramine Work?Sibutramine weight loss pills act on serotonin levels in the brain to reduce hunger and provide a feeling of fullness. Dexfenfluramine (Redux) and fenfluramine (part of fen-phen), the two medications that were taken off the market in 1997, also affected serotonin levels. However, Sibutramine affects serotonin levels in a different way than these earlier weight loss drugs. Clinical trials of Sibutramine have not detected an increase in heart or lung problems (which were seen with dexphenfluramine and fenfluramine). |
Increased Blood Pressure
In most people, the increase is small enough not to be a cause for concern.
In others, however, the increase may be large enough to reconsider use
of the medication. Also, as you lose weight your blood pressure may come
down.
Because sibutramine can raise blood pressure, people who take it should have regular blood pressure checks. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take sibutramine. It is worth noting, however, that weight loss tends to lower blood pressure, so any increase in blood pressure caused by Sibutramine may be counter-balanced by a subsequent reduction.
Sibutramine is one of the few weight loss drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use (12 months +). Despite this, Sibutramine's safety and effectiveness after 1 year of use are not known. It is currently under investigation in Europe for causing side effects such as high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate, and death.
Taking Sibutramine weight loss pills does not guarantee that you will lose weight. According to weight loss studies, about 10 percent of those who use Sibutramine do not lose weight while taking the medication.
If you have not lost about 4 lb (1.81 kg) within the first month of treatment, Sibutramine may not be an effective weight loss drug for you.
Sources include:
Arterburn D, Noel PH (2001). Obesity. Clinical
Evidence, 6: 463–470.
Wirth A, Krause J (2001). Long-term weight loss with sibutramine. JAMA,
286(11): 1331–1339.
Lean MEJ (1997). Sibutramine: A review of clinical efficacy. International
Journal of Obesity, 21: S30–S36.
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