What Is Sibutramina?

Sibutramina is a relatively unknown prescription medication, unless you are severely obese and need to reduce weight to avoid severe health issues. While the medication is not addictive, it has enough possible side effects that it requires regular updates and exams with your doctor. This medication must be closely monitored while in use for both the dosage levels and the effects.

Identification

• Sibutramina is a prescribed medication for use in very overweight people. This medication is used to help keep weight that is lost from returning by releasing chemicals in the brain known as norepinephrine and serotonin. Sibutramina is in capsule form only.

Doses

• Dosing requirements are strict and should be followed exactly as indicated. Side effects such as high blood pressure can develop because of misdosing. You should follow a reduced calorie diet, which you can develop with the help of your doctor; this will help in losing weight and keep the weight from coming back. Sibutramina can be taken with or without food. Double dosing is not recommended; but missed doses should be taken as quickly as possible. Most adults start with 10mg per day and may increase up to 15mg per day. Dosage in children must be calculated by a physician. Each patient will have different levels of medication and different number of doses per day. The seriousness of the weight problem will also determine the amount of time you will need to take this medication.

Warnings

• Regular visits to your doctor are recommended to track progress while using Sibutramina. This medication may raise blood pressure or heart rate. Sibutramina shouldn't be taken within during or immediately after a therapy of MAO inhibitors. The reverse is also true, because taking either within a two week time frame of the other can result in severe seizures and extremely high blood pressure.

Adverse Effects

• Sibutramina can cause dizziness, poor judgment, drowsiness or dry mouth. Sucking on sugarless candy or pieces of ice can relieve the dry mouth. Dry mouth lasting over two weeks is a cause for concern and you should consult with your doctor or dentist.

Side Effects

• Common side effects can include a range of effects from anxiety, aches and chills, depression, nervousness, trouble sleeping and irritability. An increase in the following is also common: appetite, sweating, thirst, blood pressure and heart rate. Rare side effects such as bruising, rash, severe headaches and seizures can happen.