Are you also someone who is struggling to lose weight? Sometimes, even after cutting calories, controlling your diet, and exercising, you may not see the desired results. In such cases, doctors prescribe special medications to help some people lose weight and maintain the weight they have lost. Lorcaserin is one such drug. Today, we will talk about this drug in a simple way that you can understand.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before deciding if this medication is right for you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your situation | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Men's health problems | If you have a deformity of the penis, Peyronie's disease, or a history of painful sexual arousal (priapism) that lasts for hours. |
| Other illnesses | Diabetes, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, kidney disease, or liver disease. |
| Blood diseases | Blood-related conditions such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia. |
| Mental health | Thoughts of harming yourself, plans to do so, or attempts to do so in the past. It is also important to tell if a family member has done so. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this Lorcaserin medicine or any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are a nursing mother. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. That's okay.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Attention: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies can interact with Lorcaserin. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. Especially if you are using any of the following:
- Medications like Cabergoline
- Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses
- Some medications for sexual dysfunction
- Triptan medications for migraine (e.g. sumatriptan)
- Dextromethorphan (contained in some cough syrups)
- Medicines like Linezolid, Lithium, Tramadol
- Medications for diabetes
- Any other weight loss product
- Herbal products such as St. John's Wort
- Stimulant medications taken to increase attention, lose weight, or stay awake
- Tryptophan
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Take care of your mental health.
Some people may experience changes in their mental state while taking this medicine. If you or someone in your family experiences any of these symptoms , call your doctor immediately:
- New or worsening depression
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Feeling restless, anxious, unable to stay in one place
- Becoming angry more quickly than usual
- The one who doesn't sleep
Driving and machinery
This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
For those with diabetes
If you have diabetes, this medicine may change your blood sugar levels. So talk to your doctor about whether you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication.
Special warning for men
If you are a man, if you experience painful sexual arousal that lasts more than 4 hours , it can be a serious condition. You need to seek treatment immediately to prevent permanent damage. So go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.
For pregnant and lactating mothers
It is not advisable to lose weight during pregnancy. It can harm the baby in the womb. Therefore, avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Lorcaserin can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face. |
| Mental and nervous system | Mental status changes, confusion, hallucinations, thoughts of harming yourself, muscle stiffness. |
| Heart and blood pressure | Fast or irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, chest pain, fainting. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Feeling scared, dizzy, extreme hunger, sweating, trembling, and loss of consciousness. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, fever, vision changes, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, vomiting, painful sexual arousal lasting more than 4 hours in men. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Back pain, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, extreme fatigue. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- This medicine may be misused by some, so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- Throw away expired medicine.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
Take-Home Message
- Lorcaserin is a weight loss medication, not a magic pill. For best results, diet and exercise are essential.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any changes in your mental state (especially depression, restlessness) while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- If a man experiences painful sexual arousal that lasts more than 4 hours, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give it to anyone else. Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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