Even if you are desperate to lose weight, you will have to decide whether the benefits are worth the risk of Meridia side effects. The drug is very addictive. It is a control substance. Therefore, it may be difficult for you to quit taking Meridia. In fact, to continue receiving the benefits from the diet aid, you may have to keep taking the medication of a lifetime. As soon as you stop, the weight is likely to return. However, you will also have to closely monitor your blood pressure. One of the Meridia side effects is increased blood pressure that can result in a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. As a patient, you may become ill, be injured, or even die from using Meridia.