Sibutramine (Meridia)
Street names: Meridia, Reductil
⚡What it does
- SNRI appetite suppressant — real efficacy, which is why it's still illegally used
⚠Key risks
- WITHDRAWN worldwide for cardiovascular events (strokes, heart attacks in the SCOUT trial)
- Survives in adulterated supplements — buyers don't know they're taking it
- Blood-pressure spikes, arrhythmia
- Serotonin syndrome with antidepressants
✚Overdose signs
- Racing heart, severe hypertension
- Chest pain, stroke symptoms — emergency
- Agitation, fever (serotonin syndrome)
Category comparison — Weight Loss & Metabolic Meds
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibutramine (Meridia) | Withdrawn | WITHDRAWN worldwide for cardiovascular events (strokes, heart attacks in the SCOUT trial); Survives in adulterated supplements — buyers don't know they're taking it | ~$0.50–$2 per capsule illicit |
| Liothyronine (T3) | Rx-only — not controlled | At abuse doses: cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, bone loss; Muscle catabolism — the 'cut' comes with your muscle | ~$0.50–$2 per tablet grey-market |
| Levothyroxine (T4) | Rx-only — not controlled | Overtreatment = hyperthyroid state: palpitations, anxiety, bone loss; Taking it without hypothyroidism provides little benefit at real risk | ~$0.10–$0.50 per tablet |
| Orlistat (Xenical/Alli) | OTC | Oily stools, urgency, flatulence — the famous GI sides if you eat fatty; Fat-soluble vitamin absorption drops (take a multivitamin) | ~$0.50–$2 per capsule |
| Metformin | Rx-only — not controlled | GI upset (diarrhea, nausea) — titrate slowly; Lactic acidosis — rare, dangerous, mostly in kidney disease | ~$0.05–$0.30 per tablet |
| L-Carnitine | Supplement — unregulated | TMAO production — potential cardiovascular concern with chronic high dose; Injectable forms: infection risk, zero benefit over oral | ~$10–$30/month supplement |
RxBrand names on the grey market
These brands are sold as this compound. Same molecule, different label and supply chain — quality varies enormously between them.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Sibutramine (Meridia) look like?
10/15 mg capsules legacy; now appears HIDDEN in 'herbal slimming' pills
What are the signs of a Sibutramine (Meridia) overdose?
Racing heart, severe hypertension; Chest pain, stroke symptoms — emergency; Agitation, fever (serotonin syndrome) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
WITHDRAWN worldwide for cardiovascular events (strokes, heart attacks in the SCOUT trial) Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.