Does Paxil Interact With Phentermine? (3+ Side Effects)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will explore whether Paxil and Phentermine interact with each other or not. We will also discuss what are the potential interactions between Paxil and Phentermine, what research suggests on this and tips for using both of these medications together safely and effectively.

Does Paxil interact with Phentermine?

Yes, there is a potential interaction between Paxil (paroxetine) and Phentermine. Both of these medications affect a chemical in your brain called serotonin. When you take them together, it can cause a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. (1,2)

Paxil is an antidepressant that is primarily used for the treatment of depression and anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin in our brain, which helps in mood regulation. (1)

Whereas, Phentermine is a medication that is used for people who are struggling with weight loss. It’s prescribed for a short period to help suppress appetite and control food intake. (2)

It’s important to be cautious when using these medications together, and their combined use should only occur under the strict supervision of a healthcare provider. If your doctor prescribes both Phentermine and Paxil, they will monitor your response and adjust the dosage as needed.

What does research suggest?

Research shows that combining Paxil and Phentermine can be risky. Both of these medications affect the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in your brain and combining them may increase the risk of serotonin accumulation in your brain, leading to serotonin syndrome. (3)

Serotonin syndrome could be a life-threatening condition. It can cause symptoms like feeling very anxious and confused, having a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, muscle stiffness, tremors and gastrointestinal (stomach) issues. (4)

Patients must inform their healthcare providers of all the medications, supplements and herbal products they are taking to ensure their safety and well-being

What are the side effects of taking Paxil and Phentermine together?

When you take Paxil (paroxetine) and Phentermine together, there can be some potential side effects and risks including: (5,6)

Serotonin syndrome:

There is a rare but serious condition that can happen when there’s too much of a certain brain chemical called serotonin. It can lead to symptoms like feeling confused and anxious, having a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, muscle stiffness and shaking. (4)

Heart and blood pressure:

Both of these medications can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Combing them may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.

Nervousness and Sleep issues:

Phentermine is a stimulant which can make you feel nervous and restless. Paxil, on the other hand, can make you feel drowsy. When you combine them it can result in unpredictable effects on your mood and sleep.

Digestive problems:

You might experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea more frequently when taking these medications together.

Weight changes:

Phentermine is often used to help with weight loss while Paxil can cause weight gain in some people. Combining them may have uncertain effects on your weight.

In any case, it’s crucial to use these medications together only under the close guidance of a healthcare provider. They’ll weigh the potential risks and benefits for your specific situation and closely monitor your response.

What are the alternatives to combining Paxil and Phentermine?

As phentermine and Paxil may have some serious interactions, you might consider other options under the supervision of your doctor: (5,6)

Discuss with your healthcare provider:

Before starting or discontinuing any medication, especially when combining different drugs, always talk to your doctor. Ask for alternatives or dose adjustments.
If you are using Phentermine for weight loss and Paxil might change your weight and causing other disturbing side effects, talk to your doctor about how you can manage your weight safely with some other antidepressant that might be safer to take with Phentermine.

Explore non-pharmacological options:

Your doctor might suggest you, go for a non-medicative approach to maintain your weight while taking antidepressants.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as not too much intake of calories, rather eating healthy but in limited portions. Include exercise in your daily routine to shed some weight and take therapy if needed to balance your mental health along with your physical health.

Consider alternative medications:

Your doctor might explore some other safer antidepressant or weight-suppressant medications that work effectively together with fewer side effects. For example, bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Naltrexone are usually prescribed in combination for depression and weight loss.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed the potential interactions between Paxil and Phentermine, the possible side effects of combining these medications and safety tips to avoid interaction.

In my opinion, when it comes to combining Paxil and Phentermine, it’s crucial to approach this with great caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare provider. The potential for interactions and associated risks such as serotonin syndrome, should not be underestimated.