DRUG NAME: Sibutramine
USE: Anti-obesity, weight loss/control
Reductil is an appetite suppressant that is used as a weight control medication. It is indicated for the management of obesity.
Reductil works by blocking the nerve cells that release and reabsorb serotonin, thus increasing serotonin levels. The increased serotonin acts in the brain and enhances feelings of fullness so that you eat less. By eating less, you consequently lose weight.
This medicine can help you reduce weight or maintain a lower weight by suppressing your appetite.
Reductil should be prescribed only for individuals who have attempted seriously to lose weight by diet, exercise, and other behavioural modification.
Cautions:
Do not use if:
- You have heart problems (eg. coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrythmias)
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have had a stroke
- You have an overactive thyroid
- You have a psychiatric disorder
- Severely decreased kidney function
- Severely decreased liver function
- Caution is also advised if you have epilepsy or sleep apnoea.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (discuss with doctor).
Side effects:
Insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure.
Interactions:
Contraindicated if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs).
Some antifungals and some antibiotics may increase blood levels (eg.ketoconazole, erythromycin, cylclosporin).
Some antiepileptic drugs make reductil less effective by reducing blood levels (eg. phenobarbitone, phenytoin, carbamazepine).
Should not be used at the same time as other medicines that increase serotonin levels in the brain (eg. sumatriptan, some opiod pain killers).
Patient information:
Follow the instructions carefully on the label of this medicine.
Weight loss is gradual.
Arrangements should exist for appropriate healthcare professionals to offer specific advice, support, and counselling on diet, physical activity, and behavioural strategies to those receiving sibutramine.
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