Can Phentermine Cause Pulmonary Hypertension?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 Answered on

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking phentermine off and on for about 4 years. I suddenly developed heart palpitations and some chest tightness (no pain). I discontinued the medication immediately and saw my doctor. My ekg was normal, holter monitor showed some pvcs and pacs but otherwise unremarkable. Echo showed trace mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, RVSP 22 and TAPSE 2.31. Everything looked good structurally and showed no evidence or ischemia or strain. I am worried that I might have taken something that could cause problems in the future, specifically pulmonary hypertension. If my echo is normal now, is it safe to say I do not have or will not develop pulmonary hypertension in the future?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

You shouldn't worry about pulmonary hypertension. As longa as your cardiac echo is normal there's no risk for pulmonary hypertension from phentermine use. Phentermine doesn't cause pulmonary hypertension.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar