How is Meridia Different from the Recalled Drugs?
Although Meridia and fenfluramine have similar mechanisms of action (they both affect serotonin), fenfluramine boosts the levels of serotonin into the blood stream. This increase in the levels of serotonin is believed to have caused the heart valve damage seen in some patients. Essentially the difference between the two drugs is that Meridia is more localized, whereas fenfluramine has a systemic effect. Because of this difference, researchers believe that Meridia will not be linked with heart valve damage. As stated by Lawrence Cheskin, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center in Baltimore, “Meridia bypasses the heart and acts directly on the brains appetite control center. Meridia maintains serotonin levels in the brain, thereby curbing some carbohydrate cravings (Brietzke, 90)”. Carbohydrates boost levels of serotonin in the brain, and this impacts appetite and mood so when your brain is running low on the chemical, it tells you to refuel. Meridia keeps serotonin
