Integrative Health Consultant and Educator
Integrative Health Consultant and Educator

When my mother died my doctor prescribed Meridia and I like it very much but recently it has not worked. Is there anything similar to Meridia?

Meridia (sibutramine) is FDA approved for weight loss.  It combines the effects of antidepressants like Effexor (at doses of 225mg or higher) or Cymbalta with dopamine effects like stimulants.  One possible side effect is increased blood pressure.

Years ago I tried Meridia for several patients and most of them didn’t like it enough to stay on it.  If you are looking for a medication that helps with depression and weight loss then I would recommend Wellbutrin.  test.askdrjones.com/2005/12/29/how-to-take-wellbutrin/  If you are mostly interested in the mood/anxiety effects I would recommend Effexor XL at least 225mg per day possibly in combination with Wellbutrin.  This would closely duplicate the effects of Meridia.  An alternative that might even be better would be Effexor and Vyvanse.