Meridia (also known as sibutramine) is an appetite suppressant that is used in combination with diet and exercise. When combined with a regimen of diet and exercise, drugs like Meridia can assist in weight loss, at least in the short run. We only have a couple of studies looking at long-term use.

Dry mouth and constipation are two very common side effects seen with Meridia. Before resorting to drugs, I would advise adding fiber to your diet and increasing the amount of water and other fluids, as well as continuing with your exercise program. Occasional laxative use is fine. Routine laxative use or use for weeks to months is a bad idea.

Correctol contains a stimulant laxative called bisacodyl. Stimulant laxatives should only be used occasionally. Routine use can cause bowel dependency.

For constipation, I usually advise soluble fiber supplements such as Citrucel, FiberCon or Metamucil as the first step after dietary changes. The next approach is the use of laxatives such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. If these steps do not work, the use of Meridia should be re-evaluated. Routine use of stimulant laxatives to offset the constipating effects of Meridia doesn't seem worth the risk of laxative dependency.