Has anyone ever taken phentermine?

ccesq73

"There are plenty of other legal drugs that have a lot of negative side effects. That doesn't mean they have no use.


Personally, I think it's kind of rude for people who haven't used it, or maybe even have and didn't like it, to call it a "magic pill" or "silver bullet". Taking this medication is NOT an "easy way out". It's not a cure all. And my doctor never presented it that way, or let me think it was.

You know what the easy way was? Just staying fat. Giving up, not trying anything anymore, that would have been easy. Forcing myself to get on the phone, call my doctor (whom I greatly admire and trust, despite my general distrust of doctors - I don't like doctors, I don't trust the FDA, I don't think most doctors are good at their jobs - but I found one who IS good), so I get on the phone and call someone who I admire and have to admit that there is something I can't do without help? You think that's EASY? To admit that you have failed over and over again and just don't know what to do? Especially to someone who is clearly in good shape?

Yes, calories in / calories out - the equation is simple. The premise is obvious. But execution is not always so easy. I know the theory of how a rocket works, but I'm not going to build one on my own."

Amen.

My doctor prescribed it after I was unable to make much progress for seven years after my hypothyroidism diagnosis. Like others have said it definitely causes dry mouth and insomnia. Don't be surprised if you also need an occasional Dulcolax.

I joined Weight Watchers the same day I started the medication. I also joined a gym shortly thereafter. I feel like the medication helped me stay on track while I was adjusting my lifestyle and trying to figure out what works for me.

Someone mentioned that the pills are expensive. I haven't found that to be true at all. In Atlanta they are $21 for 30 at Sam's Club. That's the nonmember rate.

nbg127

Lost 85lbs on phentermine w help of a bariatric doc. Life long struggle between healthy weight and over weight. This medication helps reduce appetite. I was constantly hungry and this gave me control. Took over a year to reach goal so not a quick weight loss fix. I still record EVERYTHING I eat. Still workout regularly and have made permanent lifestyle and dietary changes.
If you do the research, you will find that many people that struggle w weight have brain and metabolic imbalances that are helped with medication. The research on obesity is growing rapidly. Had zero issues going off (took it 3 months, 1 month off) during weight loss and maintenance.
I don't currently take it but wouldn't hesitate to under a doctors care if needed. I currently maintain my weight through healthy living and practicing the changes I made. Slips happen but right back on plan ASAP .
It's time that we don't judge others about how they become healthy, after all we don't judge people on medication for other health disorders (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease). This should be a place to come for support and information. It's helpful to get that from those with experience.
PS*eliminating simple sugars will help immensely!!

ashley92188

Thanks everyone who has taken the pill and shared their experiences with it. That's all I was asking for. No need to be rude or judgemental. If u have never taken it y even comment?

But anyways this is only my 2nd week onit and I'm hoping to be successful. I'm excited and really believe that this will be the stepping stone I need to get my weight back under control. Im not looking for an easy way out but I have been struggling with my appetite for years now just constantly gaining weight even when I was doing everything right.

dancemom0311

Hello everyone Im new to this site but not to being over weight have been my whole life. I have tried diet after diet. I have started phentermine yesterday and looking for support. YES I would like a magic pill to make me skinny but I also would like to be a rich! but something's in life I know just aren't going to happen. I started phentermine as an aid not as a pill to take and then just eat junk food to keep me going. As for most of us am an emotional eating and food has been my best friend. Im trying to learn to eat clean and healthy and with a little help from phentermine to not think of food at every minute. I understand that as soon as im off of phentermine that my best friend food is going to be knocking at my door but hoping in the time im on phentermine I can learn that I don't need food as a reward or as friend when im sad. I wish everyone luck with there life change! Hoping to find some people to help me with my support on my road ahead!

jakichan

I'm on my last month of it. It hasn't seemed to help much, but it hasn't had any nasty effects either. *shrug*

GrammyWhammy

Do NOT do this! I only took phentermine for a few months, during which I had major sleep issues including horrible dreams. I developed problems with my heart which led to A-fib and sick sinus syndrome. Following a cardioversion (heart is re-started to get it back into normal sinus rhythm) I was placed on powerful meds for 3 years, including a blood thinner, until I agreed to have a cardiac ablation. The A-fib is now gone, but not the sick sinus syndrome. All this was related to the phentermine. And, this was under a doctor's care. I knew someone else who DIED after taking phentermine. Avoid it at all costs. Oh, and I didn't lose a pound---just peace of mind and $$$.

I'm not a pill hater. I was looking for an alternative to bariatric surgery, having struggled for years with morbid obesity. This pill is not the answer. Counseling, support groups, sensible eating, adequate and appropriate exercise and weight training, keeping a food diary...these are things proven to work. And that's the thing. It's WORK. It's HARD. And it's worth it. Skip the phentermine. Save your life.

TiffaniUT

I took phentermine last year and lost 60 pounds by using it. It helped me lose weight so I could have pressure off of my injured knee enough to slowly start exercising regularly. It also gave me a TON of energy, which helped me to eventually start training and run my first half marathon during that time. It assisted me in making it through my day with enough energy to workout after a stressful day at work (at the time I was a preschool teacher), and also it changed my mood to be a lot happier. Only side effect for me was massive dry mouth, which forced me to drink more water (not a bad thing), and I would sweat during the day and feel anxious. It was a great experience…. However, I will say that I stopped taking it because I thought I had things under control, but I was wrong. I started dating someone (my future husband) and I stopped caring about my diet and exercise because I was in love, blah blah blah. Needless to say, I gained 40 pounds back from the 60 I originally lost. NOW, I am back on phentermine to jump start my weightloss again. I have no issues with the pill that I would tell someone not to take it. Every BODY is different and may react to certain medicines in various ways. In my personal opinion, it's a great resource to assist me in my weightloss journey to a healthy version of myself.

amytackett33

ashley92188 wrote: »

christinev297 wrote: »

And what happens when you stop taking them and your appetite goes back to "normal" ?

That's where self control comes into play. I think the pill is like a helper to get u on the right track as far as eating habits goes.

I took them loved the energy lost tons of weight , when ideal weight was met and dr stopped the med within 6 mnts I gained nearly half the weight back and I literally worked out 3 x a day faithfully didn't matter counting calories , exercising , I still put the weight back on ... There great for a quick fix to she's few pds for a vacation , wedding etc but nothing that gives lasting results or it didn't for me I guess ... Good luck !! H20 h20 and more h20 !!!

ajanderson84

I took it, and saw major success with it. I also managed without it when it was time to stop, and I didn't even step down from it... at the end of 2 months I just stopped. Yes I experienced dry mouth, and it took about a week to adjust to sleeping... but I found the energy I needed and developed the eating schedule and habits I needed to be successful when it ended. Sadly for me though, I stopped trying to lose weight about a year ago when I had some family stuff go down. However, I think the drug is highly effective if you're in the right mindset about it being a temporary tool/aid and not something to depend on.

jakichan

I'm glad to hear that other folks had dry mouth...I thought it was something else.

Jaxsonjess

I am doing great on it I am on month three and I am down 26 lbs- I get dry mouth and the sweats sometimes. But other than that you still have to make good choices and work out. It is not magic, but when you have alot of weight to lose it is a great tool to keep you going and away from cravings. Of corse for everyone that is never going to go away, we will have to deal with craving and temptations our whole life, but for me it has given me the fight to keep going on my way to losing 100 lbs, 65 down!!!

ashley92188

The only side effect I am experiencing is dry mouth which really isn't a bad thing at all because it keeps u drinking water. And yes everyone experiences different side effects and that's with ALL medications. Nobody experiences the same effects. Everyone's body reacts differently to different things so u can't say don't do something because it didn't work for u. Gotta experience it for yourself.

Thanks for the feedback. I've been eating healthy and working out and I'm down 5lbs so far in a week.

shearbeauty91

I'm on phetermine . Only side affect in have is dry mouth. I have been in it before the first month I lost 12 pounds or more. In 3 months I lost about 30 pounds. And as far as going back to what you use to eat, if you call it a "diet" your never going to really change the way you eat. You kinda have to think of it as a life style. A life style change. And also when your off of it. I know my doc has nutritionists at the office for help and support for free with insurance. And you can go once a month. Hope that helps feel free to add me:) @shearbeauty91

miaelissa

It will kill u.

_Ben

Pharmacist here. Many people here will discourage you from the use of phentermine, which if you can lose the weight without it, absolutely thats the better option. However, for some people, they need some medical intervention. Dont let people judge you. This is your weight loss journey. Phentermine works on the fight or flight response, and works as an appetite suppressant. It doesnt really actually cause you to lose weight, but its supposed to make you feel 'not as hungry'.

As I said, it works on the fight or flight response, and can make you feel 'excited' or 'jittery' at times. Most people get used to it after a little bit. Id recommend not taking it close to bedtime. If youve had bad experiences with Pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed, Claritin-D), then you may have some issues with this.

If you have any specific questions, Id be more than happy to help

ashley92188

miaelissa wrote: »

It will kill u.

As will anything. U sound dumb but thanks for your unwanted input.

plainprincess

I am currently on day 8 of taking phentermine, it works very well for me in the sense that I haven't felt much like eating.. whereas usually if I were to eat the 1200 calorie diet my doctor has put me on without taking it, I would be nauseous and moody until I eat something (I hate dieting )

devinev32

I'm on them. No side effects that r to bad. I like them I'm losing weight.

MrsMegBlevins

I've taken them before and currently on them at the moment (week 3 I believe). The first time was after I put on about 30 pounds after my freshman year of college. I did well with it. I was on it for a month and lost the 30 pounds after doing that, working out on a routine basis, and watching every single morsel I put in my mouth. I gained weight when I graduated and got a job sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day. After working the 10 hour days and getting married in 2013, I have put on a ton of weight. I was depressed about it and I was trying to watch what I ate and work out, but nothing was budging. I was getting out of breath so easily. So I am now back on Phentermine. It helps me feel like I have enough energy to get through my work day and then go home and be able to get a full workout in every night. I have no problems going to sleep. I think it helps boost my mood as well. It works if you understand it's not a magic pill. You have to work out and watch your food intake. It helps you almost set up a healthy routine, so once you do get off of it, it's not anything new to you. Also, I noticed I had gotten some headaches a lot with it, but I looked it up and if you take a vitamin B supplement daily with it, it helps that. Plus, drink a lot of water. Good luck with it!