Antidepressants - OK to take while taking phentermine?

Hi,

I ran interaction checks with 1 antidepressant that belong to the drug class os SSRIs ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) Lexapro (escitalopram) , 1 that belongs the the drug class of SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and 1 the last on belongs to the drug class of Miscellaneous antidepressants Wellbutrin (bupropion).

All of the interactions between phentermine and the 3 random chosen antidepressants have a potential interaction of major, meaning:

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.

Click on the links in order to access the results of the interactions:

Interactions between your drugs
Major
phentermine escitalopram
Applies to: phentermine, Lexapro (escitalopram)

Talk to your doctor before using escitalopram together with phentermine. Escitalopram may increase the effects of phentermine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Source and more information:
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1013-565,1851-0

Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Interactions between your drugs
Major
phentermine venlafaxine
Applies to: phentermine, Effexor XR (venlafaxine)

Talk to your doctor before using venlafaxine together with phentermine. Venlafaxine may increase the effects of phentermine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Source and more information:
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2296-1523,1851-0

Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Interactions between your drugs
Major
buPROPion phentermine
Applies to: Wellbutrin (bupropion), phentermine

BuPROPion may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as phentermine may increase that risk. You may be more susceptible if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Source and more information:
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1851-0,440-203

Information on the 3 different antidepressants chosen randomly, just click on the link provided by Drugs.com:

https://www.drugs.com/lexapro.html
https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/ssri-antidepressants.html

https://www.drugs.com/effexor.html
https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/ssnri-antidepressants.html

https://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html
https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/miscellaneous-antidepressants.html

I recommend you see a Dr., in this case I suggest a specialist, a Psychiatrist and start working with him/her in order to find the right antidepressant for your needs.

Regards, masso