The Meridia drug may be touted as a great weight loss aid. However, you need to be aware of the risks, so you can weigh them against the benefits. Although you may be able to find cheap knock-offs online, Meridia is a controlled substance that should only be taken with the supervision of your doctor. The medication is known to cause high blood pressure that may result in heart attack or stroke. You can easily become addicted to the drug. Then, if you quit taking the medication, you are most likely to regain all of the weight you have lost. The part of your brain that registers a satisfied appetite will no longer be receiving those messages. If you are already on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, you should never take Meridia.