Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 10/5/2006

Question
Hi I have been taking wellbutrin 300mg for about two years now.  I just started Lexapro, but over the past three years, with my mom dying, switching colleges and other factors I have gained about 35 pounds and am now perscribed Phentermine through a physician.  Are all of these okay to take together?  Also, what would be the side affect if I added Alcohol or cocaine to the mix?  I am sure you are going to say not good, but I guess I am just more curious about the wellbutrin, lexapro, and phentermine mix.

Answer

Dear Michelle

You are partially correct regarding my response – to add cocaine to phentermine could be fatal depending on the dose of cocaine. Both can increase blood pressure and taken together can cause a hypertensive crisis (a dramatic rise in blood pressure which in simple language can be like a car blowing a gasket). Alcohol is inadvisable but I would not prohibit it as long as the drinking is in moderation and causes you no exaggerated effects and you consume no more than two standard drinks per day. Binge drinking without these drugs is dangerous but with these drugs especially the Lexapro is very inadvisable.

Taking the prescribed three together is probably OK but report any adverse effects immediately to your prescribing doctor.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith