Sibutramine (Reductil, Meridia), usually as sibutramide hydrochloride monohydrate, is an orally administered agent for the treatment of obesity. It is a centrally acting stimulant chemically related to amphetamines.
Sibutramine is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor that helps enhance satiety by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (by 53%), norepinephrine (by 54%), and dopamine (by 16%). Despite its actions upon the aforementioned neurotransmitters, sibutramine has never demonstrated any antidepressant properties. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 1997 for the treatment of obesity.
Sibutramine acts by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The serotonergic action, in particular, is thought to influence appetite.
Store in temperature not exceeding 77oF(25oC), away from excess moisture.