The active ingredient is called sibutramine. It works on two chemicals in your brain, and basically results in you not needing to eat as much to feel full and satisfied. This is one of the major results, but Reductil also stops your metabolic rate from falling as much as it normally would during weightloss. When you lose weight, your body reacts by going into survival mode, trying to hang onto as much body fat as possible, which is why some people seem to only be able to lose a little weight. Reductil hopefully stops this.

Of course you should use it in combination with healthy eating and exercise, it’s supposed to be a weightloss aid, not a cure.

The common side effects are: Frequently encountered side effects are: dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, cramps, myalgia (muscle pain), change in taste, hot flushes, dizziness and drowsiness, as well as constipation. The major worry with taking Reductil is that it can cause a dramatic increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, so make sure you have these monitored if you choose to use it.

You shouldn’t take it if you’re under 18, there isn’t very much research on its particular effects on children. Also there are a number of drugs it interacts with so mention anything else you take to your doc if you start using it.

Overall, it’s a pretty safe drug to use, as long as you use it the way it is intended. Good luck.