Before taking any medication you should consult a physician. Never take any one else’s medication, even in an emergency. You should make certain that any doctor you see always knows all medications you are currently taking for any reason what so ever.

Phentermine and Xanax have no known actual interactions but that does not mean that these two drugs are safe to be taken together. Even if you have been prescribed both of these medications then you should be careful about taking them together or even close to one another. So what exactly happens if you take these together? Can this be fatal?

Phentermine is similar to an amphetamine. This medication is commonly prescribed as a weight loss aid. The effects of this drug may include raised heart rate, an increase in blood pressure, and stimulates the nervous system. This could increase feelings of anxiety.

The raised heart rate and stimulated nervous system could potentially help to increase metabolism and give you more energy that will help you in an exercise program. It also helps to control appetite to reduce intake and help control weight. This should be used as a short term treatment.

Long term use of this drug can cause dependency and could even lead to life threatening health problems. These problems include defects in your heart valves and excessively high blood pressure. You may also have extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication after becoming dependant.

Xanax has an opposite effect on your body. This is generally prescribed as a medication to treat anxiety and nerves. It may cause a decrease in blood pressure and make you drowsy. It may also lower your heart rate. In other words, this counter acts the effects of Phentermine.

So why would people take these two medications together? Unfortunately it is not uncommon for someone to take these to achieve a certain balance. Someone may take the Phentermine as a weight loss aid but then find that they have problems sleeping or that it makes the excessively nervous. When this happens they may take the Xanax to allow them to sleep or help them feel less anxiety.

The same is true for someone who may be taking Xanax. Xanax side effects include: constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight changes etc. Makes them to drowsy and they need something to help them go so they may turn to the Phentermine to give them energy and help keep them awake. This can turn into a cycle that some people may find hard to break, especially those with addictive personalities or prior drug addictions.

What are the possible side effects of taking these together? It has not been medically proven that there are any actual side effects. With that being said however, artificially raising and lowering your heart rate and blood pressure could have an effect on your heart over time. This damage could potentially be fatal or at least cause long term health problems.

What are the alternatives to taking these together? If you feel that a medication is so strong that you need another medication to counter it then you may ask your doctor for a weaker medication or lower dosage. If that doesn’t work then you should consider if you really need the medication. The short term effects simply aren’t worth risking the long term effects.



Disclaimer: Though I do work in the medical field I am not a physician or pharmacologist. If you are anyone you know may have a drug problem then seek medical help. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regardless of any outside advice. Also be certain that your doctor knows if you may be pregnant or nursing.