Effectiveness of Belviq after finishing Phentermine

KSTmomof3

I live in OH and per drug regulations phentermine can only be prescribed for 3 months at a time. After completing 3 months there is a 6 month break required prior to being able to get another prescription. I have lost 35lbs on phentermine 37.5 mg in the past 11 weeks. I am exercising 4 times a week for an hour (elliptical and yoga). My MD has prescribed Belviq 10mg taken twice daily to begin after I finish my last week of phentermine. Has anyone tried Belviq (or contravene or qsymia) after finishing phentermine, and, if so, what was your experience?

andrea9133

I tried Belviq about a year ago for about 5 months and did pretty well, but then again I was also eating well and exercising regularly. I had no effects from it at all. I never heard about only allowing to be on it for 3 months then off. But I wasn't able to get a refill because I wait over 37 days from my previous refill (Ohio law: if you go over 37 days you can't go back on it for 6 months and I kept forgetting to take my 2nd pill). So I started on it again in Oct. 2016 (I had gained back some weight, my fault entirely, not the drug) and this time I had headaches for the first 2 weeks. My doctor gave me 3 months at a time, then I would go check in and weigh in, then get another refill for 3 more months. When I went to get my latest refill on Feb. 9, the pharmacy said my savings card expired. Long story short, I couldn't get the drug (because I wasn't paying $260 a month for it) and I've been experiencing major withdrawal. For 3 days I was experiencing a lot of confusion and couldn't focus. My heart has been beating very fast, in fact I just went to the dr. today to have it checked out since I woke up with major heart beating and sweating. I'm hoping it goes away soon it's been 1 week now. Bottom line: I think it helped, I can't really say for sure. I did lose 6 pounds, but as before, I am doing what I should be doing anyway. I regret taking it though, based on how I feel the 2nd time around.

KSTmomof3

Thanks Andrea9133!! I think My lost may have been confusing....it's the phentermine that is limited to 3 months I actually delayed starting the belviq for a few days due to a terrible respiratory infection. I needed cold medication and didn't want all of that in my system at the same time. I'll start this week. I didn't realize about the regulations regarding refills and 37 days. I'll be sure to be careful. I hope your symptoms subside soon!! I'm sure that's scary. Going to the doctor was a good idea!!