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Can I take phentermine and Prozac together to lose more weight?

"Phen-Pro" refers to a newer fad in weight loss medication combinations. It combines the appetite suppressant phentermine (brand name Ionamin or Adipex-P) and the antidepressant >fluoxetine (Prozac). Phentermine works in the brain to suppress appetite. A common side effect of Prozac is reduced appetite. The small amount of information available shows that Prozac alone may help promote weight loss, but this needs to be confirmed by more research.

There is no information about the safety and effectiveness of combining the two drugs. So, the manufacturer of Prozac doesn't recommend using these medicines together. Since the benefits and risks of taking these medicines together aren't clear, your doctor should monitor you closely if you do take them together.

Sources:
Prozac product information, Eli Lilly & Co., 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2000.

This answer prepared 7/24/2000.
This information updated 11/30/2006.