Meridia Side Effects...

The FDA approved the use of the Meridia diet drug against the wishes of its advisory committee that actually voted against its approval by a 5 to 4 vote. The concern of the committee was that the health risks associated with the use of Meridia for treatment of obesity outweighed the potential benefits. Since Meridia was first sold In February of 1998, until September 2001, there have been 397 adverse reactions reported to the FDA, including 152 hospitalizations, and 29 deaths.

Typical Meridia side effects include the following:

• headache
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• anorexia
• constipation

Also reported as side effects from the Meridia diet drug include:

• stroke
• seizures
• increased blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• heart disease
• mental impairments
• increased perspiration

The effectiveness of Meridia as a diet drug has also been questioned. When the FDA approved Meridia in November 1997, it stated that the average weight loss in Meridia patients over the course of one year was only 6 1/2 pounds over the placebo group.

"Not only does this drug contribute to major cardiovascular problems, but its effectiveness in lowering obesity is meager." Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group.

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