Phentermine and Escitalopram

**Posts:** 4 · by **xrblue** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 7:39 am

I have been taking Phentermine 20mg for just over two years, mainly for Social Phobia.
I am male, 5ft7, 25yrs and my weight recently reached 16 stone.

To reduce my weight I started taking Phentermine 30mg, now five weeks later have lost nearly one stone.

I'm aware the two drugs should not be combined, but why not :?:
I have had few side effects and I feel fine. :D

**Posts:** 2362 · by **Theresa Jones, RN** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:46 am

Hi xrblue,
The reason that it is not recommended to concurrently use Escitalopram (Lexapro) a SSRI, (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and Phentermine (a drug which has the same effect as amphetamines) is this may cause Serotonin Syndrome which is very dangerous and may be potentially fatal. The disorder is brought on by excessive levels of serotonin (a powerful vasoconstrictor). Symptoms may include mental status changes, confusion, agitation, profuse sweating, shivering, tremors, diarrhea, incoordination, fever etc. I would question using these drugs concurrently and discuss this with your physician.
Sincerely,
Rntdj

**Posts:** 4 · by **xrblue** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:37 am

I'm not planning on dropping dead just yet, so I'm going to discontinue the phentermine now.

When I finally get off the escitalopram, how long would I need to wait before taking Phentermine again?

I often read Phentermine is an Amphetamine 'like' drug, does it actually contain Amphetamine?

**Posts:** 2362 · by **Theresa Jones, RN** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:10 am

Hi xrblue,
The chemical properties of each drug may be different but the effects as for elevating heart rate, blood pressure etc. are the same. The amount of time after discontinuing one before starting the other would better be advised by a pharmacist or your physician. However, keep in mind that escitalopram should never be abruptly stopped.
Sincerely,
Rntdj

**Posts:** 4 · by **xrblue** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:04 am

About 18 months ago a work collegue asked me if my left eye was okay, he said it was quite closed up and he thought I had something in there irritating it.
I noticed myself that the pupil in my right eye is larger than the left pupil.

Since then more people have mentioned it and now I am trying to avoid eye contact with people. Whilst talking to someone I become very distressed and selfconscious, and then the facial flushing sets in. Its a nightmare!

I wouldn't mind so much if the flushing went away rapidly but it doesn't, it can hang about for hours. Sometimes just the one ear will glow red or one cheek, even a left ear and a right cheek sometimes.

Anyway, what I'd like to know is: is the citalopram causing my weird eye situation?', and could it be causing the prolonged facial flushing too?

**Posts:** 4 · by **xrblue** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:24 am

Anyone? :(

**Posts:** 3 · by **DramaQueen** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:00 am

So, not to serial post, but to the nurse who agrees that phentermine should not be taken concurrently with Lexapro, what do you think about this doctor Beckwith guy?

An Important Myth About Phentermine and SSRI's Used in Combination
The pharmaceutical literature contains one significant error. It states that Phentermine used in combination with an SSRI is dangerous, and can be fatal. This is completely incorrect. However, because the literature includes this caution, pharmacists will often tell patients this, and scare them. Please be advised that this is not true. This combination of medications is completely safe when used for the right patient. If, when you take your prescriptions to the pharmacy, the pharmacist has this concern, ask him or her to call and speak with your doctor about it.

Phentermine and Escitalopram

Phentermine and Escitalopram

Two out of three say no?

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