What Are the Dangers of Taking Phentramine?

Phentramine is an herbal weight-loss supplement that is sometimes confused with a prescription drug called phentermine. Although its effects have not been widely studied, websites such as eMedTV warn that the drug contains several stimulants, such as bitter orange and guarana, that can be harmful when combined with other medications or when taken by people with certain medical conditions.

Prior Conditions

• Phentramine contains stimulants, such as caffeine, that increase the heart rate and suppress the appetite. For this reason, it is dangerous for people with heart problems or high blood pressure. It should also be avoided by those with glaucoma, thyroid problems, anxiety disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Phentramine should also not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing, as small amounts of the drug can be passed through breast milk.

Overdose

• Phentramine's manufacturers recommend a specific dose of the drug, although the safety and effectiveness of this have not been clinically trialled. The effects of a phentramine overdose are subsequently not well documented and will vary depending on whether the drug was taken with other medications, street drugs or alcohol. As phentramine contains stimulants, symptoms of overdose might include increased urination, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, seizures, hallucinations, irregular heart rhythm, severe headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

Allergies

• Some people experience an allergic reaction when taking phentramine. According to the eMedTV website, symptoms can include difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing, unexplained swelling and itching. If taken over long periods, phentramine might also cause urticaria -- a very itchy rash consisting of a number of raised pale, bumpy weals surrounded by red skin.

Other Drugs

• Phentramine can interact with other drugs to produce negative side effects. Because phentramine contains stimulants, it can be dangerous if taken with caffeine, amphetamines or cocaine. People taking decongestants, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, diabetes medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and QT-prolonging medications also can experience harmful side effects with Phentramine. Phentramine migt also react unpredictably when taken with the blood-thinning medication warfarin and the anti-psychotic medication Clozapine.