Drug Interactions between Qsymia and Vitamin D3

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Patients should be counselled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

MONITOR: Additive effects and possible toxicity (e.g., hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and/or hyperphosphatemia) may occur when patients using vitamin D and/or vitamin D analogs ingest a diet high in vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphorus. The biologically active forms of vitamin D stimulate intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. This may be helpful in patients with hypocalcemia and/or hypophosphatemia. However, sudden increases in calcium or phosphorus consumption due to dietary changes could precipitate hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia. Patients with certain disease states, such as impaired renal function, may be more susceptible to toxic side effects like ectopic calcification. On the other hand, if dietary calcium is inadequate for the body's needs, the active form of vitamin D will stimulate osteoclasts to pull calcium from the bones. This may be detrimental in a patient with reduced bone density.

MANAGEMENT: Given the narrow therapeutic index of vitamin D and vitamin D analogs, the amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D present in the patient's diet may need to be taken into consideration. Specific dietary guidance should be discussed with the patient and regular lab work should be monitored as indicated. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels should be kept within the desired ranges, which may differ depending on the patient's condition. Patients should also be counseled on the signs and symptoms of hypervitaminosis D, hypercalcemia, and/or hyperphosphatemia.