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Drug interactions

Phentermine + Tranylcypromine

Severity: Contraindicated

Phentermine and Tranylcypromine: contraindicated 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 an indirect sympathomimetic, and with an MAO inhibitor it can cause hypertensive crisis. Labeling advises against use during or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Phentermine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.

Phentermine belongs to Central Nervous System; Tranylcypromine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Phentermine releases norepinephrine while MAO inhibition prevents its metabolism, causing an exaggerated pressor response.

What to do

Do not co-administer. Allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting phentermine.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
  • If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
  • Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Phentermine with Tranylcypromine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Phentermine and Tranylcypromine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Phentermine is an indirect sympathomimetic, and with an MAO inhibitor it can cause hypertensive crisis. Labeling advises against use during or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.

How serious is the interaction between Phentermine and Tranylcypromine?

MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not co-administer. Allow at least 14 days after stopping tranylcypromine before starting phentermine.

What other medicines interact with Tranylcypromine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Tranylcypromine with, for example, 5-HTP, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine. The full list is on the Tranylcypromine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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