Is Phentermine Safe To Take Inspite Of Having Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

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

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have mild mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. Is it safe for me to take phentermine 1/2 of a tablet 37.5 mg?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Phentermine can increase mitral problem Detailed Answer: Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to answer your query. According to me use of weight loss drugs like phentermine increase the risk of mitral valve problems (prolapse/regurgitation) and is unsafe since you already have mild MR which can exacerbate further. I were to recommend Orlistat which acts by inhibiting the fat-digesting action of lipases in the gastrointestinal tract instead of Phentermine strictly under medical supervision. Hope this answers your query.

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (35 hours later)

Is there any appetite suppressant drugs that would be safe to take with mitral valve prolapse?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I would recommend Orlistat Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing me back. All currently available appetite suppressants invariably have some side effects related to heart and blood vessel.I were to recommend orlistat for losing weight though it is not a appetite suppressant. Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (2 days later)

What if I just used the phentermine for 3-4 weeks to get me on track for healthy eating plan. Would that short duration likely further worsen my mitral valve prolapse? I'm already eating a fairly low fat diet and I don't think the Orlistat would be very helpful. I would like help to curb my appetite at the beginning of my weight loss plan and only need to lose 10-15 pounds. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: Continue with caution Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing me back. I were to advise to take phentermine with cautions.Stop phentermine as early as possible.At any point of time if you experience tiredness, breathlessness, palpitation(feeling of one's own heart beat) or dizziness bring it to your MD's notice to rule out cardiac(valvular) origin of these symptoms which can be done by an ECG and Echocardiogram. Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj