AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
Experience I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.
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Expert: Eric Brandt Date: 2/27/2008 Subject: Phentermine
Question QUESTION: Hello,
I have been on various versions of Phentermine for over a year now (including ionamin, bontrol tenuate, sibutramine, etc) and have been pleased with the results for the most part. In order to avoid addiction/resistance to the medication, my doctor and I have alternated the various medications as best as possible over the past year. I have noticed for the past few months, if I do not take the medication for a day or 2, or if I happen to take it later in the day than usual, my levels of aggression and irritability are sky high. I become very impatient and in some cases even hostile. Conversely, I have also noticed a lack of sexual desire and over all depressed feelings/moods during most of the year that I have been taking the meds.
I am well aware of the risks/side effects associated with medications which alter levels of serotonin, and for the moment the benefits outweigh the risks so I intend on staying on the medication for a few more months. I would like to know if there are any meds aside from prozac or zoloft( or any other common anti depressant which would boots my serotonin levels) , that may be taken in combination with Phentermine where they would not lessen the strength of the Phentermine but still level out my moods. I have read about “cocktails” which combine Phentermine and some minimal dosage of an anti-depressant, but these have not yet been approved by the FDA.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi Ann,
Tryptophan and 5-HTP can boost serotonin levels. Talk to your doctor about them in regards to the safety when taken with Phentermine.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.sc. Pharm
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Eric,
Thank you kindly for your response. Would you be able to advise as to what the potential side effects from combining Phentermine with either Tryptophan or 5-HTP may be? I hare read of the potential risk of developing serotonin syndrome with such combinations but the research seems to point out, if taken in moderation and in the correct dosages, this may be avoided. Also what exactly do the meds you had noted do with one's serotonin levels
Best,
Ann
Answer Hi Ann,
Tryptophan and 5-htp are precursors to serotonin. Taking them with phentermine can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Sometimes the dosage can be adjusted to avoid this reaction. That is why I directed you to your doctor so he/she can monitor for the effect and adjust the doses accordingly.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.sc. Pharm
