Interaction of Other Drug Medications with Phentermine

Phentermine is a weight loss prescription medication indicated for the treatment of exogenous obesity. This drug is chemically related to amphetamine which causes side-effects similar to the said drug. This is the reason why Phentermine is only used as a short term treatment that will usually last for weeks. Phentermine is proven to be an effective treatment for obesity because of its appetite suppressing drug action. However, if Phentermine is used with other drug medications, it can pose serious side effects.

The interaction of other drug medications with Phentermine has been studied. A number of drugs have been prohibited to be used together with Phentermine due to the serious adverse effects that it can bring. Let me share with you some of the drugs that should not be used together with Phentermine.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited with Phentermine because this substance is a depressant while Phentermine is a sympathomimetic drug. Their actions are very opposite, which will cause problems in the blood chemistry.

A medication for diabetes such as insulin could also cause Phentermine interactions. The rationale for this is due to the appetite suppressing effects of Phentermine. Insulin administration will open up the cells for sugars to enter, which requires the body to have more energy sources from food.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are also known to cause Phentermine interactions. These MAOIs are used to treat depression. Examples of commonly prescribed MAOIs are: Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Selegiline, and Rasagiline.

Since Phentermine is a weight loss pill, other diet pills should not be used together with it because serious interactions may occur.

Although food use is not included, sodium bicarbonate drugs should also be avoided when taking Phentermine. This is because sodium bicarbonate drugs decreases the excretion of Phentermine in the body, leading to increased concentrations of Phentermine in the blood.

Aside from MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants can also cause drug interactions with Phentermine. This is because it can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension due to increased concentration of norepinephrine in the serum plasma. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants would include Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Doxepine, Trimipramine, and Maprotiline.

It is also advised that Phentermine not be mixed with any anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or Valium. Please consult with your doctor prior to taking any drug or supplement.