Bodybee

Indications

Sibutramine was used, together with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, to help with weight loss in adults with obesity (body mass index of 30 or more), or with a body mass index of 27 or more plus other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. Important: Sibutramine has been withdrawn in many countries since 2010 because a large study showed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease. It should only be used, if at all, under close medical supervision.

How It Works

Sibutramine blocks the reuptake (recycling) of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline. This increases the feeling of fullness after eating, so people eat less. It also slightly increases the energy the body uses.

Dosage and Administration

Take only as prescribed by a doctor. When it was used, treatment usually started at 10 mg once a day in the morning, swallowed whole with water, with or without food. The doctor stopped treatment if weight loss was too small after a few months. Never increase the dose yourself and never use it without a prescription.

Interactions

• Must not be combined with MAO inhibitors (such as Selegiline or Linezolid), or within 2 weeks of stopping them.
• Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline or Venlafaxine, Triptans for migraine, Tramadol, Pethidine, Dextromethorphan and Lithium can cause serotonin syndrome.
• Other appetite suppressants, decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine, and stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
• Ketoconazole, Erythromycin and Clarithromycin can raise its levels.

Contraindications

• Heart disease: coronary heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, past heart attack or stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, or serious psychiatric illness.
• Overactive thyroid, severe liver or kidney disease, glaucoma (narrow angle), enlarged prostate with urine retention, or phaeochromocytoma.
• People under 18 or over 65 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Use of MAO inhibitors or other centrally acting weight-loss medicines.

Side Effects

Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, difficulty sleeping, headache, increased blood pressure and heart rate, palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness and a changed sense of taste. Serious risks include heart attack, stroke, serious rises in blood pressure, mood changes, and rarely seizures or bleeding problems.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain or pressure, a fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, a severe headache, fainting, a seizure, or agitation with fever, sweating and muscle stiffness.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women who could become pregnant should use reliable contraception during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Blood pressure and pulse must be checked regularly; stop and see a doctor if they rise.
• Not a substitute for diet and exercise.
• Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, depression, bleeding problems or a history of drug misuse.
• It may cause dizziness; take care when driving.
• Products sold online as herbal slimming aids have been found to contain hidden Sibutramine; avoid unregulated slimming products.

Overdose

Overdose can cause a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, headache, dizziness and agitation. Get emergency medical help. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive with heart monitoring.

Therapeutic Class

Centrally acting anti-obesity agent (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.