AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question I am a 36 year old female with High Blood pressure. My doctor prescribed me ZIAC to control my blood pressure (well I take the generic brand bisoprolol 5mg) He once prescribed me some weight loss pills but I hated the side effects (oily stools) I want to know if it will be safe to take phentermine (37.5 mg) while I am taking my blood pressure medicine
Answer Hi,Tasha,
I would NOT recommend taking phentermine if you have pre-existing blood pressure, whether it is treated or not. The risk of stroke is too great. Manufacturers of phentermine specifically recommend against taking their product if you have high blood pressure.
I am assuming you tried orlistat (Xenical). This medication works really well, but you have to take it in conjunction with a lower fat diet. If you exceed a certain amount of fat, you experience oily stools. My husband was on it for over a year, and he got to know exactly what he could and couldn't eat. It really worked for him. Maybe you could give it another try, and get a lower-fat diet guideline from your doctor. Hope this helps, and good luck! Mary
