Sibutramine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take sibutramine exactly as directed. Sibutramine can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to

Although side effects from sibutramine are not common, they can occur. Tell you doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
constipation
back pain
insomnia
dry mouth
nervousness
changes in mood
upset stomach
stomach pain
gas
changes in taste
increased appetite
loss of appetite
runny nose
flu-like symptoms
irregular or painful menstrual periods
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

excessive sweating
dilated pupils
fast or irregular heartbeat
vomiting
extreme excitement
restlessness
anxiety
dizziness
confusion
loss of consciousness
uncoordinated or abnormal movement
flushing (feeling of warmth)
difficult speech
eye pain
tremor
seizures
chest pain
excessive bruising or unusual bleeding
rash

Follow the diet and exercise program your doctor has given you. Sibutramine works best in combination with a diet regimen

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to check your response to sibutramine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Sibutramine is used, in combination with diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. It works by decreasing your appetite.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Before taking sibutramine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sibutramine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially erythromycin (E-mycin, Ery-Tab, others); ketoconazole (Nizoral); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, others); MAO inhibitors (phenelzine [Nardil], selegiline [Atapryl, Carbex, Eldepryl], and tranylcypromine [Parnate]); medications for colds, cough, or allergies; medications for depression, including fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor); medications for high blood pressure; medications for migraine headaches (sumatriptan [Imitrex] and ergot-containing medications [DHE 45, Ergostat]); meperidine (Demerol, Mepergan); other medications for weight loss; pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin); tryptophan; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anorexia nervosa; glaucoma; high blood pressure; arrhythmias; a stroke; gallstones; coronary artery disease; congestive heart failure; thyroid disease; seizures; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking sibutramine, call your doctor immediately.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how sibutramine will affect you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.