Drug Information
Caution: The manufacturer of this drug is removing this product from the US market. If you currently have a prescription for this medicine you should immediately speak to your doctor before making a change to your treatment plan.
Sibutramine is used for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in association with a reduced calorie diet.
Common brand names:
Meridia
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
Types of interactions:
Beneficial
Adverse
Check
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
Potential Negative Interaction
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5-HTP
The amino acids L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are occasionally used to treat mental depression. Taking sibutramine with L-tryptophan or 5-HTP might result in a rare, but serious group of symptoms known as “serotonin syndrome.” Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include confusion, anxiety, muscle weakness, incoordination, and vomiting. Therefore, individuals taking sibutramine should avoid supplementing with L-tryptophan and 5-HTP.
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One side effect of sibutramine is high blood pressure. Ephedra, an herb that until 2004 was used in cold remedies and herbal weight loss products, contains ephedrine, which can also increase blood pressure. Though no studies have investigated whether taking sibutramine together with ephedra might produce an adverse interaction, currently available evidence suggests that this combination should be used with caution.
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L-Tryptophan
The amino acids L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are occasionally used to treat mental depression. Taking sibutramine with L-tryptophan or 5-HTP might result in a rare, but serious group of symptoms known as “serotonin syndrome.” Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include confusion, anxiety, muscle weakness, incoordination, and vomiting. Therefore, individuals taking sibutramine should avoid supplementing with L-tryptophan and 5-HTP.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
