Posted by ed_uk on February 4, 2006, at 13:17:32
In reply to What about Meridia? » ed_uk, posted by Racer on February 4, 2006, at 12:20:32
Hi Racie
Sibutramine (Meridia, Reductil) cannot be combined with MAOIs as the serotonin syndrome would theoretically occur - I thought I'd better mention this first because Tom's thread is about Marplan!
Sibutramine is an SSNRI. It is also a 'weak' dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In the treatment of obesity, the usual starting dose is one 10mg capsule in the morning. The dose can be increased to 15mg/day if necessary. In the US but not the UK, sibutramine is also available as 5mg capsules, which can be prescribed to patients who suffer side effects at higher doses.
>I know it was originally created as an antidepressant.........
That's right. Unexpectedly, it didn't seem to be effective in the initial trials. As a result, the development of sibutramine as an antidepressant was discontinued. I do think sibutramine has potential as an antidepressant though. On the other hand, worsening of depression and suicidal ideation have been reported as side effects of sibutramine - but this is also the case with conventional antidepressants.
>.........adjunct treatment for weight gain associated with psychotropic drugs?
Sibutramine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and NE. Combining it with other SRIs might be problematic. Combining sibutramine with Effexor or Cymbalta would be illogical.
Sibutramine might be an effective treatment for weight gain associated with olanzapine (Zyprexa).....
Sibutramine might also be useful in combination with other APs or mirtazapine (Remeron, Zispin).
As a potential antidepressant, sibutramine does have the potential to induce mania, mixed states or rapid cycling in patients suffering from bipolar disorder.
Ed xx
poster:ed_uk
thread:605950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060129/msgs/606299.html