Weight Loss Drugs and Alcohol Interactions
Medically reviewed on Nov 7, 2017
Obesity or weight loss drugs may be prescribed in the short-term or the longer-term as an adjunct to diet to treat weight gain.
Many weight loss medications, such as the amphetamine derivatives, appear to work in the central nervous system (CNS) which can lead to additive drug interactions with alcohol. Dizziness, depression, and problems with concentration, judgement or thinking may occur. Hazardous activities such as driving or operating dangerous machinery should be avoided until you are aware how the medication will affect you.
The use of CNS stimulant weight loss drugs should be avoided with the use of alcohol, especially in patients with heart disease. Stimulant weight loss drugs when combined with alcohol can lead to dangerous cardiovascular (heart) side effects such as rapid heart rate, chest pain, and blood pressure changes. Many weight loss or obesity drugs are also scheduled controlled substances and have addictive potential.
Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, and patients should discuss the use of alcohol in general with their doctor. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur when combined.
Not all weight loss drugs have drug interactions with alcohol; for example, lorcaserin (Belviq, Belviq XR) and orlistat (Alli, Xenical) do not list alcohol drug interactions in their product labeling. Nonetheless, always check for drug interactions with your pharmacist or doctor and determine if it is safe to combine the two agents.
Learn More: Guide to Weight Loss Drugs
Common Obesity and Weight Loss Drugs:
| Generic Name | Common Brand Names |
|---|---|
| amphetamine | Evekeo |
| benzphetamine | Didrex, Regimex |
| bupropion/naltrexone | Contrave |
| diethylpropion | Tenuate, Tepanil |
| liraglutide | Saxenda |
| phendimetrazine | Bontril PDM, Bontril Slow Release |
| phentermine | Adipex-P, Lomaira, Suprenza |
| phentermine/topiramate | Qsymia |
*This is not a complete list; always check with your pharmacist for possible drug-alcohol interactions.
Types of Drug Interactions With Alcohol
- Acne Medicines and Alcohol
- ADHD Medications and Alcohol
- Allergies, Cough/Cold Medications and Alcohol
- Antibiotic Medications and Alcohol
- Antidepressant Medications and Alcohol
- Antipsychotic Medications and Alcohol
- Anxiety Medications and Alcohol
- Bipolar Medications and Alcohol
- Birth Control Medications and Alcohol
- Blood Thinners and Alcohol
- Caffeine, Energy Drinks and Alcohol
- Cholesterol Medications and Alcohol
- Diabetes Medications and Alcohol
- Enlarged Prostate (BPH) medications and Alcohol
- Erectile Dysfunction Medications and Alcohol
- Heart Medications and Alcohol
- Herbal Supplements and Alcohol
- Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
- Motion Sickness Medications and Alcohol
- Muscle Relaxants and Alcohol
- Pain / Fever Medications and Alcohol
- Seizure Medications and Alcohol
- Sleep (Insomnia) Medications and Alcohol
- Stomach / Heartburn Medications and Alcohol
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
