Reductil general information

Sibutramine affects chemicals in the body that are related to weight maintenance. Sibutramine is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.

Reductil contains the active ingredient sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate, which is a type of anti-obesity medicine. Reductil works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. They are released from nerve cells as a message is transmitted. Once the message has been transmitted, the nerve cells then reabsorb the neurotransmitter. Sibutramine prevents two of these neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and serotonin, from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells. This enhances the feeling of fulfillment from eating, and so makes you feel satisfied after eating less food.

Reductil dosage and administration

Take sibutramine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Sibutramine is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Sibutramine can be taken with or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much sibutramine could be dangerous.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a sibutramine overdose are not known.

Reductil side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sibutramine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
• swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• easy bleeding, bruising under the skin, bloody gums, or blood in your urine or stool;
• new or worsening shortness of breath;
• an irregular heartbeat;
  
• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
• or seizures.
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take sibutramine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• restlessness or tremor,
• mild headache or dizziness,
• insomnia,
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
• or constipation.

Sibutramine may interact with other medicines and cause a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: anxiety, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, weakness, tremor, poor coordination, fever, shivering, sweating, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and others.