Drug Interactions between lorcaserin and ma huang

CONTRAINDICATED: The efficacy of centrally-acting appetite suppressants in combination with other anorectic agents has not been studied, but available data suggest that combined use may have the potential for serious cardiac problems. In a case-control epidemiological study, the use of anorectic agents was associated with an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension, a rare but often fatal disorder, and use for longer than three months was associated with a 23-fold increase in risk. Increased risk of pulmonary hypertension with repeated courses of therapy cannot be excluded. The use of some anorectic agents such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine has been associated with valvular heart disease. Possible contributing factors include use for extended periods of time, higher than recommended dosages, and/or use in combination with other anorectic drugs.

MANAGEMENT: Centrally--acting appetite suppressants should not be used in combination with other anorectic agents, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal preparations. In addition, they are not recommended for patients who have used any anorectic agents within the prior year. The potential risk of possible serious adverse effects such as valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension should be assessed carefully against the benefit of weight loss, and baseline cardiac evaluation should be considered to detect preexisting valvular heart diseases or pulmonary hypertension prior to initiating treatment. These agents are not recommended for use in patients with known heart murmur or valvular heart disease, severe hypertension, or symptomatic cardiovascular disease including arrhythmias. Patients should be advised to immediately discontinue the medication and contact their physician if they experience potential signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension such as new onset or aggravation of exertional dyspnea, chest pain or tightness, syncope, and lower extremity edema.