Bontril vs. Meridia: What’s the Difference?

Finding a safe and effective prescription or non-prescription diet pill or weight loss supplement can be challenging, especially with the influx of thousands of diet pills that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, yet still make their way to store shelves. Desperate dieters are often led to powerful diet pills that can have significant side effects in the long term.

Bontril and Meridia have been heavily marketed as the ultimate weight loss solution, with advertising on television and magazines, and steady promotions online. The media makes them seem like the ultimate solution to weight loss, but how do you make the right decision for your diet, and what are the key differences in these highly potent formulas?

Straight Facts About Bontril

Bontril is manufactured by Carnrick Laboratories, Inc., and is the brand name of Phendimetrazine. It is designed to work primarily as an appetite suppressant and metabolism enhancer. Bontril works by triggering the ‘full' response in specific areas of the brain, and may reduce cravings completely. It is a powerful appetite suppressant that can help anone who is having difficulty with portion control; however, behavior modification, a low-calorie diet, and regular exercise are essential for losing weight with Bontril in the long-term. Even though Bontril seems to have potential, there are some significant side effects to be aware of.

Side Effects of Bontril

Bontril is a synthetic drug made with powerful ingredients that can completely suppress the appetite. However, it does have a few side effects that can make it a much less attractive choice for the average dieter. Anyone taking medication for blood pressure, diabetes, or herbal appetite suppressants should consult with a doctor before taking Bontril.

Side effects of Bontril include:

• Insomnia

• Sweating

• Nauseau

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Flushing

• Headaches or migraines

• Nervousness or restlessness

The side effects are largely due to Bontril's affects on the central nervous system, and anyone with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes should be cautious about taking any type of appetite suppressant or weight loss supplement.

Straight Facts About Meridia

Meridia has been heavily promoted on television as a weight loss solution, promising regular weight loss with very few side effects. Meridia works by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin and norephinephrine in order to make you fell full. It is not an appetite suppressant like Bontril, and works by controlling how full you feel after eating small amounts of food instead.

The active ingredient in Meridia is Sibutramine, a chemical that can create a feeling of satiety so you start eating and enjoying less and less food. Sibutraimine was approved for the treatment of obesity in 1997, and has since promised significant weight loss for both obese and overweight patients. Meridia is deisgned only for people with a BMI of 27 or more. Dietary supplements including vitamins and amino acids can be taken with Meridia, but other weight-loss supplements can have dangerous interactions with the drug.

Side Effects of Meridia

The most common reported side effects of Meridia include: • Abdominal pain • Anxiety and restlessness

• Nasal inflammation

• Nervousness

• Stomach aches

• Indigestion and constipation

• Loss of strength and fatigue

• Sore throat

Although less common, additional side effects include shortness of breath, sweating, swelling in the ankles or hands, and heart palpitations. Anyone who experiences these while taking Meridia should consult with a physician.

The Bottom Line

Both Meridia and Bontril are available by prescription for anyone who is obese or extremely overweight. Long term weight loss requires a combination of healthy eating and exercise; Bontril helps to reduce the appetite significantly, and weight loss using Bontril will require adhering to a low-calorie diet and maintaining a healthy exercise plan. Those who choose Meridia for weight loss will become fuller with less food, and need to focus on eating smaller portions of healthy food and following a steady exercise regiment. Both drugs do have significant side effects that need to be reviewed before considering long term use.