Beyond aesthetics, losing weight for many people is a matter of health. However, the process can be long and sometimes discouraging. Eventually, the nutritionist or endocrinologist may prescribe drugs such as sibutramine to help with the treatment.
Just like diets and products that make grand promises in a short time of use, there is no miracle to losing weight, and nothing works alone. However, professional monitoring by doctors, nutritionists, physical educators, and emotional support can guarantee real and lasting changes.
Therefore, neither villain nor heroine, sibutramine is a drug supplement with several risks and benefits, which must be taken into account by the doctor who accompanies you, respecting the contraindications and the necessary monitoring.
Table of Contents
What Is Sibutramine, And What Is It Used For?
Sibutramine is a drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, causing a feeling of satiety; it is indicated to assist in the weight loss process for people with obesity. However, the risks and benefits for each patient must be considered.
Still, even when sibutramine is prescribed and administered correctly, the doctor needs to closely monitor how the drug manifests itself in the patient’s body. If the side effects are powerful, it is necessary to discontinue use immediately.
In addition, as the person eats less to feel satisfied, the diet must be balanced with the nutrients necessary to maintain health. Therefore, in addition to monitoring with an endocrinologist, it is essential to align the diet with a neurologist or nutritionist.
Does Sibutramine Lose Weight? What Are The Benefits?
When indicated by the doctor to complement treatment, it is a good ally of healthy weight loss for people with obesity (body mass index ( BMI ) above 30 kg/m²). As well as its use, it can help to improve body fat indexes.
Is It Dangerous To Take Sibutramine? Side Effects And Contraindications
In the same way that sibutramine can aid in weight loss, it can trigger serious health complications. Therefore, responsible medical monitoring is essential so that the drug does not harm the patient’s health.
Especially during the first four weeks of treatment, it is important to check blood pressure and heart rate frequently, in addition to weight loss. Among the side effects are:
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth sensation
- Constipation (constipation)
- Increase in blood pressure (treatment should be discontinued if the increase is high or continuous, as it may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications)
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Headache
- excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Tachycardia (when the heart beats faster than correct) and palpitations
- Tingling or numbness in the body ( paraesthesia )
- Dizziness and delusions
- Change in taste
- It is worsening hemorrhoids
In addition, in some patients, it can trigger psychiatric disorders, including suicidal ideation, so psychological follow-up is essential and stopping drug use immediately.
Other problems such as seizures and skin allergies, urinary complications, changes in the menstrual cycle in women, and impotence in men can also occur. Therefore, talk to your doctor and report all symptoms so that they can assess whether the drug should be continued or discontinued.
How To Take Sibutramine?
In general, treatment starts with a daily tablet of 10 mg, which can be increased to 15 mg if the patient does not lose 2 kg in the first month. Even so, it is necessary to monitor heart rate and blood pressure during this period to assess the continuity of sibutramine.
According to your routine, your doctor will probably advise you on the best time to take it, whether with a meal or water, but the tablet should be swallowed whole (do not chew or open).
How Long Does The Effect Of Sibutramine Last?
During treatment, medical monitoring will define the appropriate duration of treatment for you. However, you should not spend more than two years taking sibutramine.
As it is usually a complementary part of a new lifestyle, which involves regular physical activity, adequate food, fluid intake, etc., the effects tend to be long-lasting.
