Drug interactions
Nortriptyline + Phentermine
Severity: Moderate
Nortriptyline and Phentermine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Phentermine releases norepinephrine, and tricyclics block its reuptake while possibly impairing phentermine uptake into neurons. The net effect may be increased cardiovascular stimulation or reduced anorectic effect. Both drugs can also raise heart rate.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nortriptyline and Phentermine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Nortriptyline belongs to Central Nervous System; Phentermine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Opposing and additive effects at the noradrenergic nerve terminal through transporter blockade by the tricyclic.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, pulse and weight response; avoid in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Nortriptyline
- Disopyramide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Nortriptyline Contraindicated
Other interactions of Phentermine
- Isocarboxazid + Phentermine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Phentermine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Phentermine Contraindicated
- Phentermine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Phentermine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Phentermine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nortriptyline with Phentermine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nortriptyline and Phentermine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Phentermine releases norepinephrine, and tricyclics block its reuptake while possibly impairing phentermine uptake into neurons. The net effect may be increased cardiovascular stimulation or reduced anorectic effect. Both drugs can also raise heart rate.
How serious is the interaction between Nortriptyline and Phentermine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure, pulse and weight response; avoid in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia.
What other medicines interact with Nortriptyline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nortriptyline with, for example, Disopyramide, Dofetilide, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Nortriptyline page.
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