Adipex is a stimulant medication that doctors may prescribe to help obese individuals lose weight. Although the medication may benefit obese individuals, it can produce undesirable or dangerous effects when taken at the same time as certain other prescription medications. Individuals considering treatment with Adipex should discuss potential drug interactions with a doctor before taking the medication.
Blood Pressure Medications
Since Adipex is a stimulant medication, it may cause an increase in heart rate, high blood pressure or a throbbing heartbeat, according to PDRHealth. These cardiovascular side effects may also increase, decrease or alter the effects of blood pressure medication. Individuals taking high blood pressure medication should explore other treatment options with a doctor.
Diabetes Medications
Individuals taking medications for the treatment of diabetes also should talk to a doctor before taking Adipex, as these medications may also cause a negative interaction. This includes oral diabetes pills or tablets as well as injectable diabetes medications.
Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant medications, also referred to as SSRIs, can also interact negatively with Adipex. This includes the medications citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline. Individuals taking other antidepressant medications should talk to a doctor about potential interactions with Adipex.
MAO Inhibitors
Life-threatening side effects may occur when Adipex is taken at the same time as an MAO inhibitor medication, such as rasagiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, furazolidone, selegiline or tranylypromine. Individuals should wait a minimum of 14 days after taking an MAO inhibitor medication before beginning Adipex, warns Drugs.com.
Diet Medications
Adipex should not be taken at the same time as other diet medications, including dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine. Doing so may cause pulmonary hypertension, a rare but fatal lung disorder, according to Drugs.com.
Alcohol
Alcohol may alter or increase certain side effects of Adipex. PDRHealth notes that individuals taking Adipex should avoid using alcohol.
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