Is it okay to take phentermine and proactol at the same time?

by Dianay

Is it okay to take phentermine and proactol at the same time with proper exercise and diet? I plan on taking proactol for about 3 months and phentermine for about 2 weeks to just get a jump start on losing weight.

Note from Dr. Dan

Proactol is the tradename for a fiber obtain from prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica.)

The prickly pear has been recognized by cultures throughout the world for centuries for its nutritional properties.

The prickly pear can be a good source of calcium in areas where dairy is unavailable, and for those who cannot tolerate dairy.

It is also rich in fiber. The plant has soluble and insoluble fiber, with more insoluble fiber as the plant ages. It is this insoluble fiber that has health benefits.

The chemical composition of prickly pads was analyzed and reported in Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 May; 8(5): 1287–1295, where they noted:

"...benefits associated with fiber content are well known, especially for the prevention of illnesses such as diabetes, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, illnesses associated with low dietary fiber intake, reduction of glucose values in the blood, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects..."

There are no known drug interactions of the prickly pear. It should be safe to take and may be of some value to you as part of an your weight loss efforts.

Phentermine is a chemical with properties related to the amphetamines. It can help with appetite but has many side effects.

Phentermine is a central nervous system stimulant. It can increase blood pressure and heart rate.

And of course the real question is: Does it work?

The official documentation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states:

"The magnitude of increased weight loss of drug-treated patients over placebo-treated patients is only a fraction of a pound a week."

So, to answer your question, about taking Phentermine and Proactol at the same time: There is no known interaction between the two and there is no reason that they cannot be taken together.

On the other hand, I would not recommend taking phentermine. It doesn't provide enough benefit for the potential risk.

It's better to provide healthy nutrition and activity to build a stronger body. That is what will take off the weight.

Drugs like Phentermine are actually poisons and do not lead to long term weight loss.

Good luck with your weight loss.

Dan Curtis, M.D.