From the FDA Drug Label
5.1 Coadministration with Other Drug Products for Weight Loss Phentermine is indicated only as short-term (a few weeks) monotherapy for the management of exogenous obesity The safety and efficacy of combination therapy with phentermine and any other drug products for weight loss including prescribed drugs, over-the-counter preparations, and herbal products, or serotonergic agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), have not been established. Therefore, coadministration of phentermine and these drug products is not recommended.
The FDA drug label does not explicitly address the use of phentermine with Buspar (buspirone), Zoloft (sertraline), Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol), or Atorvastatin. However, it does mention that the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with phentermine and serotonergic agents (such as Zoloft) have not been established, and therefore, coadministration is not recommended.
- Buspar is not a serotonergic agent, but its concomitant use with phentermine is not addressed in the label.
- Symbicort and Atorvastatin are not mentioned in the label.
- Zoloft is a serotonergic agent, and its coadministration with phentermine is not recommended due to the lack of established safety and efficacy 1.
From the Research
Adipex (phentermine) should not be used with Zoloft (sertraline) due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, as both medications can increase serotonin levels in the brain, leading to excessive serotonin accumulation 2, 3. When considering the combination of Adipex with other medications like Buspar (buspirone), Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol), or atorvastatin, it's crucial to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
- For Buspar, there is a potential interaction risk, though less severe than with Zoloft, as both can affect the central nervous system.
- For Symbicort and Adipex, caution is warranted because both can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially causing cardiovascular complications.
- The combination of Adipex with atorvastatin generally has no significant direct interactions, but both medications can affect liver function, so liver enzymes should be monitored 4. Key factors to consider when evaluating these combinations include the patient's cardiovascular health, psychiatric history, and liver function, as these will influence the safety of these combinations 5, 6. Given the potential for drug-drug interactions and their impact on patient safety, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Adipex with any of these medications to receive personalized advice 2, 3.