Question:
Have you had any experience with Meridia?

I'm starting an important research project on the use of weight loss medications, starting with Meridia in particular. Most users experience decreased body weight for as long as they continue taking the medication. If you used Meridia, please indicate what it was like. How well did it work, and for how long? Were these results associated with any other lifestyle changes you might have made? Thanks.    — ericklein (posted on April 23, 2000)

April 23, 2000
I did have a fair amount of luck with Meridia for two months. I lost 15lbs and would have continued to lose had I been able to keep taking the drug. I felt fine the whole time i was on it. I had to discontinue use because of the expense($145 per mo), this drug was not covered on my insurance either...go figure.
   — Kim B.

April 23, 2000
I wzs on Meridia from March of 99 to June of 99. At that time I was also on Glucophage and I was going to WW. I had lost about 25#. In June, my liver enzymes elevated and I was taken off all meds. Was it the Meridia? They never could tell. I did gain all the weight back within 4 weeks and I was still going to WW. I did have some pretty bad side effects from taking both the Meridia and Glucophage together. Loose bms, horrible stomach cramps, migrane like headachs, etc.
   — heidiinPA

April 23, 2000
I was put on Meridia by my doctor after they took Phen-fen off of the market. I lost about 15 pounds in 2 months, but one side effect I had was terrible moodiness. Seemed I was mad at everyone all the time. My daughter tried it shortly after I did and had the same reacted the same way. Barb Trapp
   — Barbara T.

April 24, 2000
I took Meridia for at least 6 months before I looked into WLS. I lost 15 lbs. and then stopped. I, like Barbara experienced extreme moodiness and was uncomfortable on it. It took me a while to realize it was the Meridia because I also took a couple other meds. I believe it can be effective for a short time but the success is limited. I do not think it was worth it.
   — Dot W.

April 24, 2000
Eric, I did not answer all your questions. My experience was as I said approx. 6 months. I lost 15 lbs fairly easily and then stopped losing even though I continued its use for some time. I did not initiate any other lifestyle changes when taking it. I remember feeling the urge to eat go away in the beginning, but then I was not aware of it later. I often felt my heart race and a general feeling of uncomfortableness. As I said I was very moody--ANGRY. I am so glad to be off of it. Hope this helps.
   — Dot W.

April 24, 2000
I took Meridia for one month. The doctor said that what I really needed to do was not eat so much. He said that if I needed help with eating less the Meridia would do it. I absolutely could not tell I was taking it. It made no difference. For that reason, and that my insurance didn't cover it, I didn't take it anymore.
   — Susan W.

April 24, 2000
I took Meridia for a little while and could not tell one bit of difference.
   — A L.