Are You Taking A Phentermine Combination?

Are You Taking A Phentermine Combination?

Although phentermine is a proven weight loss medication and the most widely prescribed on the market, some doctors prefer to prescribe phentermine alongside other medications, with the intention that this combination maximizes the potential of the phentermine and increases the possibility of effective weight loss.

Here we explain two of the most common phentermine pill combinations that doctors currently prescribe, so you can understand more about how and why these combinations are specifically chosen.

Phen-Pro

Phen-Pro is the name given to the combination of phentermine and a low dose of one of the following: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox, trazodone, or Effexor.

Although these second medications in the Phen-Pro combination are anti-depressants, their prescription alongside phentermine is not for the treatment of depression but rather is intended to help the phentermine work more effectively at promoting weight loss.

Dr. Michael Anchors, who developed Phen-Pro and holds the patent for this combination, first tested the combination of phentermine and Prozac in 1995 and, based on his findings, believes that the addition of Prozac makes phentermine work more effectively and for a longer period of time.

Prozac, and other anti-depressants in the Phen-Pro combination, are types of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and are believed to increase the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake.

Serotonin is a naturally occurring appetite suppressant that curbs cravings and cuts off appetite, meaning that you will feel satisfied even when your stomach is not full.

Therefore, it is thought that the combination of phentermine and the additional levels of serotonin promoted by the SSRI ingredient of Phen-Pro work together to inhibit appetite and help you lose weight by controlling hunger.

As with taking phentermine alone, there is the possibility of side effects with Phen-Pro.

Additionally, as there is the possibility of further side effects caused by the interaction between the two medications, patients taking Phen-Pro should be vigilant and monitor their reactions very carefully.

Some of the side effects which can occur as a result of Phen-Pro are jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness, and the combination of phentermine and any SSRI also increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

The symptoms of this, amongst others, are hallucinations, seizures, changes in heart rate, fever, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Qsymia

Other Phentermine Combinations

Qsymia, which was previously called Qnexa, is the combination of phentermine and topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug that can cause weight loss as a side effect.

The combination of topiramate and phentermine was previously prescribed off-label, meaning the combination was prescribed for weight loss without it being approved specifically for this use by the FDA.

Still, in 2012 the FDA approved the weight loss medication Qsymia as the brand name for this combination.

Topiramate is prescribed for a variety of conditions, including as a means of counteracting the weight gain associated with numerous anti-depressants, and recent trials indicate that topiramate may have mood-stabilizing properties which can control certain unwanted behaviors and tendencies.

It has also been investigated for use in treating various addictions and treating obesity using reducing binge eating, all of which may explain why it is effective in combination with phentermine.

The possible side effects of taking Qsymia are similar to those of taking phentermine.

These include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation and insomnia, however through the inclusion of topiramate, further side effects may be experienced, such as drowsiness, changes in taste, and tingling sensations in the fingers and toes.

These side effects are fairly common and often pass within days, but if you are taking Qsymia and experience more severe or prolonged side effects, or if you are concerned in any way about the symptoms you are experiencing, then you should consult your doctor immediately.

Other Phentermine Combinations

Phentermine can also be prescribed in other drug combinations, including with anti-diabetic drugs like Glucophage XR, with other anti-convulsants such as Zonegran, or with Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRIs) such as Welbutrin SR.

In certain cases, these combinations may be prescribed to help treat other existing conditions such as sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

In contrast, other combinations are intended to work together to increase the effectiveness of phentermine.

Suppose you have been prescribed phentermine in combination with any other drug.

In that case, it is important that your doctor explains to you why he or she has chosen this combination for you, what each medication does, how the two work together, and what possible interactions may arise as a result of the combination for you to know what to expect, both in terms of results and of possible side effects.

Finally, it must be stressed that these combinations are only safe if specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Even if you have individual prescriptions for both medications, without being prescribed a certain combination by a doctor who is aware of all of your medical conditions and current medications, harmful drug interactions may occur as a result of self-medicating phentermine combinations.

Are you taking phentermine in combination with another medication? Let us know all about your experiences by commenting below!

Sally Cohen

Sally Cohen is a certified nutritionist passionate about promoting health at any size.

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92 Comments

  1. Can you take Phentermine with trucontrol & trufix…it is from Truvision or should I only be taking one or the other?

    1. Hi Stacy! Always check with your doctor and pharmacist before combining any additional medications or supplements with your phentermine.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  2. Hi, I am on Metermine (Phentermine) 30mg (Starting to develop a tolerance) and my doctor has now given me a prescription for Saxenda. Can these be used in combination? Both my GP and Pharmacist have refereed me to Saxenda, who refered me back to the GP. Just wondering if anyone is using this combination.

    1. Hi Sharona! Most sources recommend against combining two prescription weight loss drugs at the time (for safety reasons). Since phentermine is designed as a short-term treatment, is your doctor maybe suggesting that you switch medications? If he/she is suggesting a combination, it might be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from another medical professional.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  3. Hi. I am on
    Zoloft
    Wellbutrin
    Xanax
    Phentermine
    All under psychiatrist and weight loss dr. Any advice ???

  4. I took Phentermine and Saxenda together when my health insurance still paid for Saxena (it’s expensive). I didn’t really notice a difference at all to be honest. Both medications wear off or become uneffective after some time. I am going back on phentermine as I have not taken it for quite some time. I do like Saxenda better. Bottom line is I have to eat right and exercise along with it, which I do not at all but am still able to lose weight. Either or works for me for weight loss. They both seem to yield the same results for me. The Phentermine just makes me anty at times.

    1. Dear Alex,

      It is extremely important to consult with your prescribing doctor. These medications have contraindication potential, and possible, severe side effects.
      We recommend NOT taking them together except under strict medical supervision.

      Regards,

      Marko
      Phentermine.com

  5. Was just prescribed both phentermine and Prozac for weight loss. I have a weight loss goal of at least 50lbs. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago and have not been able to lose any weight since giving birth to my child almost 4 years ago. I have been working out and changed my eating habits drastically over the past 6- 8 months.Only my follow up today after 4 months I lost 4lbs. I’m not complaining 4lbs is something but not nearly enough to reach my goal with the rate I’m at. I’m nervous about taking these 2 medications together, but my doctor assures me that i will see great results with them combined. Looking to hear from others that have taken the combination of drugs.

    1. A medical study from 2009 on the treatment of obesity with combination pharmacotherapy stated that “Combining 5-HTP and phentermine generally results in greater weight loss than would be observed with either medication alone.” The author attributes this to the combination of chemical and naturally-occurring appetite suppressing properties, whereby 5-HTP, well-known for its use in serotonin deficiency syndrome, is recognized as a natural carbohydrate appetite satisfier which supports the appetite-suppressing effects of phentermine and strengthens their effectiveness across bodily functions. The study also states that, “Importantly, fewer stimulant side effects occur in patients treated with phentermine and 5-HTP.” This is something that the author expected to find, since 5-HTP administered at the same time as a stimulant decreases the side effects of the stimulant, and which has been consistently found in studies involving rats and humans. This therefore indicates that taking phentermine and 5-HTP at the same time can lessen the stimulant side effects that can occur with phentermine, such as anxiety and insomnia.

      If you want to read more on this subject, you can check out our blog about it here!

      Marko
      Phentermine.com

  6. I’m on Cymbalta 60mg and have just been prescribed Phentermine by a weight loss clinic.

    At the clinic, they said it was “fine to take together”- however, after reading up on it, sounds as if it isn’t safe to take in combination with one another.

    Could someone perhaps give me any advice?

    Cheers

    1. Hi Valerie!

      We are inclined to agree with you; both are strong medicines. They are not ‘fine to take together’ unless they were prescribed by the same doctor and expressly for weight loss (in which case it would be a very low dosage). We advise you to get a second opinion IMMEDIATELY, as the risks far outweigh the benefits.

      Regards,

      Marko
      Phentermine.com

  7. I have been prescribed Phentermine 37.5 to take in the AM and Trazodone 100mg to take before bed. Has anyone has success in losing weight on both? I started on just the Phentermine for the first few days and had a decreased appetite and a bit of the jittery feeling that is to be expected…from what my doctor said. But since adding in the Trazodone I don’t feel the decrease in appetite at all nor do I feel the jittery feeling anymore. Just wondering if anyone else has taken the two together and their expricence? Thanks!

    1. I take this combo and I had to cut my trazodone down to 50 mg, and even still sometimes 25 mg trazodone. I was able to sleep even better and the phentermine works great. Sometimes I have to take half of the 37.5 phen in the am and the other half around noon for it to last all day.

  8. Hi – I am wondering if anyone here has experienced Phentermine along with Effexor at 225mg a day? I don’t have a dosage for the Phentermine because my appointment is not until this coming Wednesday, OCT. 25, 2017. I know Effexor is one of the medications stated alongside Phen-Pro but it always says ‘a mild or small dose’ to describe the nature of effexor taken. 225mg is definitely not a small dose and I’ve been taking Effexor since 2003, for clinical depression. If Phentermine and 225 mg of Effexor isn’t safe, can anyone recommend a weight loss medication that is both safe and effective along with 225mg of Effexor?

    1. Hi Rinne!

      We definitely suggest you talk to your doctor about this dosage issue. All the drugs that you mention, phentermine included, are powerful and mixing them could be potentially harmful. As for recommendations, the specialist you have an appointment with will probably have better options for you.

      Best of luck!

      Mark
      Phentermine.com

  9. I have been on antidepressants for years, and on phentermine only for approx 4 months. This is the 2nd time my doctor has prescribed phentermine and I don’t feel like it helps. 6 weeks ago he added to topiramate and I started to go into severe depression. After seeing my doctor for my check up the other day he now added naltrexone which has similar effects like narcan. I am extremely worried adding all of this together, yet my doctor doesn’t seem fazed.
    I’m not finding any info regarding the mixture of these two so I stumbled upon this.

    1. Hi Jen! If you’re not feeling completely at-ease with your drug combinations and/or your doctor, we recommend seeking a second opinion from another qualified medical professional. A pharmacist may be able to offer some insight into the advisability of these combinations, as would another doctor.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  10. I was prescribed Effexor 37.5 off label use for hot flashes. I have used phentermine in the past for weight loss and would like to order again but I’m not sure about the combo. I know the dose I’m taking is low on Effexor but that serotonin syndrome scares me. Any advise?

    1. Hi Jeni, thanks for your comment! We suggest speaking with your doctor and pharmacist about this concern. You should never combine phentermine with any other medications unless specifically instructed to do so by your prescribing doctor. So, it is important that he or she knows about all current and recent medications & supplements and their dosages before prescribing phentermine. In any case, a qualified medical professional is best able to assess the safety and advisability of combining phentermine with any other medication.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  11. Is anybody else taking Phentermine and Sertraline? I’m on the lowest dose of both and take the Phentermine in the morning and Sertraline at night. I feel like I see conflicting things about if it’s okay to be on both.

    1. Hi Steph! It’s important to check this combination with your prescribing doctor, or seek a second opinion (from another medical professional) if your doctor already knows and you’re still unsure. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed in low doses alongside phentermine to boost the weight loss medication’s effectiveness, but the two should never be taken together without a doctor’s explicit instruction to do so. For this reason, it’s critical that you tell your doctor about all prior conditions and any recent/current medications before he or she prescribes phentermine.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  12. I would also like to know if it is safe to take Phentermine with GoLo Release. Has anyone looked into this?

    1. Hi Lynne! Always check with your prescribing doctor before combining phentermine with any other medications or supplements.
      Rachel, phentermine.com

  13. I have been taking Citalopram for about three months now at 40mg a day, my Dr just prescribed my Adipex-P today at 37mg a day. Is it safe to take both of these medicatins together

  14. Taking Phentermine and Saxenda. Went from 226 to 210 in 3 weeks. Ran out of sample, given another sample of Saxenda while awaiting approval. Started back on 1.8 after being out 4 days. Having nausea, vomiting, unable to eat bad foods (food aversion). Today,only took phentermine. May try a lower dose of Saxenda tomorrow.

  15. I started phen and prozac, lost only 6lbs. 2nd month only 2 lbs. So my Dr switched it up now I’m on phen and metFormin. I’m not having much success. He told me to play with it as directions to take these. I would love a little bit more instruction on how to take these to lose more weight. I’m only 20lbs from my ultimate goal weight. Could u please help me. Any ideas welcome. He is pretty willing to switch it up with me also. Thanks so much

    1. Hi Misty,
      We don’t have much information about taking phentermine alongside Metformin, so if any of our readers can share anything then that would be great. Alternatively, you could try posting this message in our Facebook support group to see if anyone on there has experience of taking these two together.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  16. Hi Roshanda- I was prescribe Saxenda and Phentermine together. I am on day one and feel okay. No appetite whatsoever. The nurse at the Dr’s office told me that patients has had good results on the combination of both. I will keep you posted.