Drug interactions
Phentermine + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Phentermine and Sertraline: 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 is a sympathomimetic that releases norepinephrine, and combining it with serotonergic antidepressants has been associated with serotonin syndrome in case reports. The risk is lower than with MAOIs but remains relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Phentermine and Sertraline 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive monoaminergic effects; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, tachycardia and blood pressure rises, especially when starting or increasing doses. Stop phentermine if serotonin toxicity is suspected.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Phentermine with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Phentermine and Sertraline 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 is a sympathomimetic that releases norepinephrine, and combining it with serotonergic antidepressants has been associated with serotonin syndrome in case reports. The risk is lower than with MAOIs but remains relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Phentermine and Sertraline?
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 for agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, tachycardia and blood pressure rises, especially when starting or increasing doses. Stop phentermine if serotonin toxicity is suspected.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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