Orlistat (Alli) interactions

[Sisteryaya]

Hi, Before I approach my GP, I would like to ascertain if there are likely to be complications with my asking for Orlistat for a 6 month period. I am already taking Lithium, Thyroxin and Prozac, gave up smoking 2 years ago and have gained quite a bit of weight. I do not see this as a Pop-a pill remedy, I have joined a gym, walk my dog regularly and have a low-fat diet but the weight is coming off so slowly (1 lb in 6 weeks) and going on so easily if I slip back into lazy eating. I just want to be able to talk sensibly to my GP about my drugs for Bi-polar disorder and the new drug I am asking for. Thanks

[johnep]

Orlistat will not make the pounds roll off by magic. If you lose a pound in six weeks, with orlistat will lose 1 1/4 lbs.
johnep

[Sisteryaya]

Johnep, thanks for that, I was more interested in the drug interactions that might occur. I am nearly 60 and my expectations of Magic are not as positive as you may think.

[JonF]

The BNF, the pharmacists bible, doesn't list any interactions with the drugs you are taking and orlistat

The following is taken from the Summary of Product Characteristics last updated on the eMC: 29/04/2009

No interactions with amitriptyline, atorvastatin, biguanides, digoxin, fibrates, fluoxetine, losartan, phenytoin, phentermine, pravastatin, nifedipine Gastrointestinal Therapeutic System (GITS), nifedipine slow release, sibutramine or alcohol have been observed. The absence of these interactions has been demonstrated in specific drug-drug-interaction studies.
The absence of an interaction between oral contraceptives and orlistat has been demonstrated in specific drug-drug interaction studies. However, orlistat may indirectly reduce the availability of oral contraceptives and lead to unexpected pregnancies in some individual cases. An additional contraceptive method is recommended in case of severe diarrhoea (see section 4.4).

Read more: Xenical 120mg hard capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)

[Sisteryaya]

Thanks JonF, That link was an interesting read and just the information that will help me have an informed discussion with my GP.

[johnep]

Believe you have to have a BMI approaching 35-40 to get Orlistat on the NHS.
Alli is on BMI of 28. I will be holding an Alli clinic in Cambridge on Sunday.
johnep

[DavidS]

I am already taking Lithium, Thyroxin and Prozac,

Lithium is a well-known cause of weight gain, and having thyroid dysfunction won't help either.

Bipolar disorder patients - experiences with lithium - weight gain

[Pharmanaut]

Lithium is a well-known cause of weight gain, and having thyroid dysfunction won't help either.

Bipolar disorder patients - experiences with lithium - weight gain

Li is good at causing Acne as well.
Check your next patient!