Reductil is made by Abbott in Germany and is marketed as a dietary supplement (although it requires a prescription and is not all natural) to aid in weight loss by suppressing your appetite and helping you to eat fewer calories. The active ingredient in Reductil is sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate. The most important questions that you should be asking before considering taking Reductil are how does it work and is it right for you?
How It Works
Neurotransmitters are your body's natural chemicals which your nerves cells store and they aid in sending messages from nerve cell to nerve cell. As your body sends out a message, the neurotransmitter is released and then reabsorbed by the nerve cell receiving the message. The active ingredient in Reductil (sibutramine) prevents serotonin and noradrendaline (two neurotransmitters which are largely responsible for moods as well as other functions) from being reabsorbed. By increasing the amount of free serotonin and noradrenalin, your feeling of fulfillment and being satisfied is enhanced even while eating less.
Indications
Reductil is intended for use in people with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or greater or people with a BMI of 27 or greater if you have other risk factors related to obesity like diabetes or high cholesterol levels. It should only be prescribed after you have tried diet and exercise and have experienced difficulty in maintaining weight loss of at least 5 percent for 3 months. While taking Reductil, you should continue with proper exercise and a healthy diet.
Considerations
Reductil should not be used in women who are pregnant, could become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have decreased kidney or liver function, hypertension, glaucoma (or history of glaucoma), epilepsy, history of depression, if you are at an increased risk of bleeding or taking anti-coagulants or if you have sleep apnea. This medication should not be used if you are over 65 years old, under 18 years old, have severely decreased function of the liver or kidneys, uncontrolled hypertension, history of heart failure or increased/irregular heart beat, hyperthyroidism, history of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks, history of an eating disorder, history of drug or alcohol abuse, history of Tourette's syndrome, history of psychiatric illness or any history of galactose intolerance.
Side Effects
Side effects that are commonly experienced include difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, feeling of pins and needles, dizziness, lightheaded feeling, anxiety, hot flashes, taste alteration, sweating, hemorrhoid aggravation, palpitations, increased heart rate, hypertension, disorder of menstrual cycle, impotence, depression, seizures, decreased blood platelets and kidney disorders. If you feel that you are experiencing any side effects from taking Reductil, be sure to contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Warnings
This medication may interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery---do not engage in these activities until you know how Reductil will affect you. Adopting healthy eating habits and getting into an exercise routine will help you to maintain your new weight after you discontinue the medication. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking Reductil. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any mood changes, experience any chest pain or shortness of breath or swelling of the ankles. Be sure to discuss any over the counter or prescription medications that you take or are planning to take with your doctor as they may interact with Reductil and increase your risk of adverse side effects.
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