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.
The addressfor my drug information website is http://www.druginformation.bc.caThere you can read articles on varios areas of health interest. You can also leave me questions which I will personally answer. I also have a free health information newsletter called The Caplet. To subscribe send e-mail to
thecaplet-subscribe@topica.com
Question QUESTION: I had been taking phentermine for a yr and lost 35 lbs. I quit taking it to start lexapro, now have switched to fluoxetine and have gained back the 35 plus 10 more. I would almost rather lose the weight and be depressed than really heavy. I have now quit the antidepressants totally to start the phentermine again and my family is begging me to take the antidepressants again. Can I take the fluoxetine with the phentermine if I'm cautious of side effects?
ANSWER: Hi Tammy,
Fluoxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Concurrent administration of phentermine with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include irritability, altered consciousness, double vision, nausea, confusion, anxiety, hyperthermia, increased muscle tone, rigidity, myoclonus, rapid fluctuations in vital signs, and coma. Serotonin syndrome may result in death.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
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QUESTION: I have heard and read online about people taking this combination safely. Would you recommend it? Or is there some other combination of antidepressant/appetite suppressant that I could take safely? Thanks. Tammy
Answer Hi Tammy,
I am not in a position to make that kind of medical decision. Medical decisions are reserved for medical doctors. I can only tell you that there is a risk involved and that you need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor and then a decision can be made.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
