

Nevertheless, phentermine could potentially offset some of their sedative effects (since it is a stimulant after all). Regarding the 'conscious sedation' drugs you mentioned, fentanyl and Versed (midazolam), the precautions with phentermine don't apply since they have different effects from general anesthesia. This likely isn't a huge concern but stopping phentermine well-before your bowel-clearing medications would be prudent. Since colonoscopies require a clear colon, there is a chance that phentermine could complicate your bowel evacuation procedures. One study, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, found fenfluramine, a drug very similar to phentermine, delayed gastric emptying time by about 15%. Phentermine can cause delayed gastric emptying, which means it takes longer for food to leave your stomach. Nevertheless, since phentermine is associated with complications, it is best to discontinue it before your procedure. Reports of colonoscopy induced ischemic colitis are rare, and colonoscopies are often used as a diagnostic tool for them. Amphetamine-induced systemic effects are believed to be due to release of vasoactive amines." Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2003 Dec 17(12):719-21.Īnother study published in Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings gives a pretty firm conclusion regarding phentermine: "Dietary supplementation with phentermine (an amphetamine-derived sympathomimetic) can be associated with ischemic colitis. Heightened awareness and appropriate surveillance is warranted to determine whether the use of weight-loss drugs, such as phentermine, can lead to ischemic colitis." Can J Gastroenterol. One such case report, published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, states: "This report describes a temporal association with the use of phentermine and the development of ischemic colitis. There have been several case reports of phentermine, or similar stimulants, causing it. It has also been associated explicitly with causing decreased blood flow in the colon and therefore, is a risk factor for causing ischemic colitis. The side effects of phentermine are well-documented and include a narrowing of the blood vessels and increased blood pressure. While ischemic colitis itself isn't uncommon, it occurring as a complication from a colonoscopy procedure is quite rare. Ischemic colitis is essentially a condition that results from a restriction of blood flow to the colon, which can result in both inflammation and injury. In the instructions given to you by your doctor, there is a good chance that phentermine is listed as a medication to stop before undergoing the procedure.


Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is thought to be the most significant risk. Why You Should Stop Phentermine Before SurgeryĪs a quick summation, having phentermine in your system while undergoing general anesthesia puts you more at risk for:.We have written a number of articles on this subject, one of which is available here: The concern is that the combination could put you at significant risk of dangerous side effects. It has been well documented that phentermine, a prescription weight-loss drug with similar effects to amphetamines, should be stopped before surgery involving general anesthesia. There are several reasons to stop phentermine before your colonoscopy procedure, including the fact that it can put you at risk for ischemic colitis (decreased blood flow to the colon).
