Side Effects of Meridia

Meridia has a number of side effects, the majority of which occurred during the first four weeks of treatment. The most frequently seen side effects generally did not mean that treatment had to be ceased, and they were reversible. Common side effects seen include:

• effects on the cardio vascular system, including tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension and hot flush.
• constipation
• nausea
• aggravation of existing haemorrhoids (probably due to constipation)
• not being able to sleep
• dry mouth
• feeling light headed
• anxiety
• headaches
• sweating
• altered taste
• pins and needles, or numbness

There are some more serious side effects to taking Meridia. These include:

• Changes in the cardiovascular system
  Meridia in general results in a small increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in the region of 2-3 mmHg, and an average increase in heart rate of 3 - 7 beats per minute. It is likely that certain individuals will have blood pressure or heart rate elevated above these levels. Clinically significant increases in blood pressure or heart rate mean that treatment with Meridia should be stopped.
  
  
• There were an number of other adverse effects of clinical significance seen in clinical trials; these included disorders of the blood and lymphatic system, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, nervous system, psychiatric problems, disorders of the gastrointestinal system, the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the eye, the urinary and reproductive systems. These disorders included Thrombocytopenia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, Atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, allergic reactions ranging from rashes to anaphylaxis and angiodema, agitation, depression, seizures, short term memory loss, blurred vision, diarrhoea, vomiting, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, hair loss, rash, bleeding skin (ecchmosis, petechiae), acute interstitial nephritis, mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, urinary retention, abnormal ejaculation/orgasm, impotence, disorders of the menstrual cycle disorders and metrorrhagia. In some patients an increase in liver enzymes was observed, but this was reversible.

See the electronic Medicines Compendium for further info,