Phentermine??

rjt1000

I took it in the 90's as part of Phen-Fen. Worked great I lost 80lbs but when they took me off of it I gained all back plus some

And how many of the people who took Phen-Fen ended up with heart damage? Cost the manufacturer millions in that class action lawsuit. And the families of the people who suffered heart valve damage are grateful.

This is the problem with every diet drug that comes along.

creative1981

Yea, I have defiantly been doing research on this drug. I've seen where some people hallucinated and a few other negative side effects. I've taken it 3 days now and only the first day did I have a negative side effect, and that was only a rotten taste in my mouth, which was controlled by drinking bottle after bottle after bottle of water. After that I haven't had much of an appetite but i've made sure to eat small meals during the day. Lots of fruit and yogurts, pleanty of water and honestly i've discovered that I like fish a lot more than I thought I would. Now I just need to learn to cook it more than one way!

So far I haven't seen a real negative effect! Thanks guy for the support and comments, please keep them coming!

You have to be really careful with this drug, especially if you are on other medications and/or have conditions such as depression. I suffer from depression and anxiety and took Phentermine several years ago. I lost about ten pounds but in the meantime, I was flipping out with anxiety and agitation.

I was really agitated all the time. I ended up on anti-depressants after I came off it.

Can I just say, I'm not supporting the drug. I wouldn't take it again if you paid me, It really did mess me up for a while. BUT the OP is going to carry on taking it whether I sit here and scream 'stay away' or give her personal experience because, yes, she's going to be buzzing from it right now. I thought it was a wonder drug for the first few months. Personally I don't think it works for many in the long term and the negatives are way longer than the positives.

But I'm here to seek support and support others - whether I agree on their methods or not. I'd rather give honest advice and have her educate herself. What she chooses to do with that advice is up to her.

Loseweight1980

To all of those who say slow and steady, etc, etc, I couldn't agree more. However, I am about to start taking phentermine short term, and let me tell you why. As a member of the military, we are tested on fitness regularly. However, one of the awesome tests of "fitness" is a waist measurement. So, despite the fact that I can pass the run and sit-ups with flying colors, my waist is 1/16" over the requirement. Granted, I am currently heavier than I have been for a while, but my waist measurement was over even when I was 30lbs lighter (it's still the same now as it was then, I think my butt and thighs finally gained weight) But, overall, in order to keep my career, which I love, I am willing to do this. I am a PA, so I am well aware of the side effects and risks, but at this point, my career is worth more than any short term headaches, jitteriness, etc.
BTW, America is great, free world. If someone wants to use a method you don't agree with to do something, and they are an adult, it's absolutely their right. I stand by that every day, and put the uniform on to protect that. 10 years so far, 10 more coming.

Slasher09

I've seen this prescribed in our office a few times now. In my opinion many of the patients who take this require nutritional counseling with a plan for weight loss after the medication is discontinued, as most doctors will only prescribe for up to 3-4 months. It is used most often in non-breastfeeding mothers trying to lose baby weight and those who are morbidly obese and need to lose weight, but have joint issues that prevent exercise and are made worse by the weight. Another issue with this is that the medicaion is fairly expensive, and I have only seen special exception insurance approval granted once. But, if you plan on it just being a jump start and not a quick fix or a crutch, I don't really see much wrong with this! Good luck

skinnybitch0178

Okay, so just as a defense for myself from the posts by rjt1000--- no where in MY post did I mention "Sure try it, its a wonderful drug" however, in my MEDICAL experience when people want to do something, they are going to do it, where there is a will there is a way, no matter what you think of the persons actions or trials...or what you say to them....THEY are going to do what THEY want to do. The best thing someone can do for those people is to educate them on the dangers, personal experiences and precaustions that need to be taken. So did it work for me? Yes, initially it did....did it wreak havoc on my body....why yes, it did. Would I recommend it to anyone....no....can I stop someone from taking it by being a complete *kitten* and screaming at them telling them they are an idiot....no. So the best thing I....me....I...can do for them is inform them of my personal experience and side effects and ultimate failure in the end of the medication. Sharing on message boards should be informational, people should be able to ask questions and get honest answers. I see that you have lost alot of weight congratulations to you, slow and easy does win the race, you need to modify your lifestyle and usually if it souds too good to be true it usually is, hence the "no insta fix for fat". I am sure that you have lots to share about you weight loss journey, and I am sure much could be beneficial to the masses here on MFP. Your responses seem abrasive and you are okay with that, your opinion is your opinion....and ya know, thats okay too , opinons are like *kitten* everyone has one. It's just normally if you want someone to listen to you, approaching them with respect is step 1.
that.is.all.thankyou.

Dawn1084

My mother currently goes to a weight loss doctor and was prescribed this and I have an appointment with him next week. She has lost 28 lbs in about 10wks. I actually am worried about her when she goes off it because she never tried to control her eating before and she still does not really even while on it. She can't do alot of exercise because she has bad knees but she does not really try to do any.

For me the reason I am going to try it is because I feel out of options, I was always skinny and healthy and exercised alot and then when I got pregnant with my first son 5 years ago I gained 90lbs! My husband and I both tried explaining to my OBGYN at every appointment that I was not eating very much, in fact I kept myself to 1600 calories every day during my pregnancy. I actually went to college to be a nutritionist (did not finish my degree but I know alot about nutrition) and I have had a healthy diet for years. After I had my second son 18 months ago I was diagnosed with Celiacs and was told that was reason for my massive weight gain because my body was not absorbing any nutrients from my food and it flipped into starvation mode and held onto everything. So for the last 18 months I have not eaten any gluten, anything breaded or fried, no fast food (or resturaunts really since I can't trust them) We eat all organic meat and dairy, I buy nothing prepackaged because of preservatives .... .even for my kids! I prepare healthy meals with fruit and veggies every night. We "clean eat" 90% of the time! However I can't exercise because my energy is SOOO depleted from the celiacs and I was told it could be YEARS before my intestines have healed enough that I won't still experience pain and I am able to pull energy from the food I eat. I work 40 hrs a week with an hour each way commute, I have 2 small children and a husband that works full time and is also a full time college student and the clean eating requires ALOT of prep time on my part. I am sometimes amazed that I have the energy to run a load of laundry. I know I can find the time to exercise ........ if I could find the energy. I am hoping this helps me but I also don't want to become dependant on it.

Has anyone had sucess taking it only 3 or 4 days a week?

sobriquet84

"FDA Approved" doesn't mean a whole lot.

My father-in-law is currently dying from end-stage liver failure. Never drank in his life. The cause: "FDA Approved" drugs taken over a long period of time. All prescribed by his doctor(s).

melaniecheeks

I don't have a big issue with drugs being prescribed by doctors for people who are obese,as a means to an end to learn proper eating and exercise routines.

But the OP appears to be 5 foot 1.5, and currently weighs 133lb. Now, where, medically, is that obese, or in need of special treatment?

karachlo

I took it a couple of years ago & lost 35 lbs. Once you quit taking it your appetite comes back with a vengeance! I actually went to Dr about a month ago & took phentermine for a week & then weaned myself off. You can't just quit taking all of a sudden. I decided while I had success the side effects just weren't worth it for me. This time around I need to change my mindset or I will end up in the same boat I'm in now.

ImaSongbird

I take it sometimes on the weekend. It makes me very sleepy and groggy and then keeps me up all night, so I don't like to take it during the week.

When I'm home on the weekends I struggle with binge eating, so the Phentermine is a great tool for me. It doesn't so much suppress my appetite (that is, I still *feel* hungry) as make me not care about eating. Thus, it has helped keep me from regaining the weight I work so hard all week to lose.

Dawn1084

ImaSongbird - I think that is what I would need it for. I think just the hectic nature of my week will help me lose a pound or two then monday morning its back. I guess its not so much that I overeat on the weekends but I have more time to sit and do nothing and without any energy I don't exercise.

Lesa_Sass

You already failed at the 17 day diet. Now you are using a dangerous diet pill. What is wrong with old fashioned diet and exercise and being healthy? All this yo-yo dieting is going to mess up your metabolism. You are going to lose it and gain it all back again once you are off the drugs. You are not morbidly obese. I don't understand Doctors who freely give out this stuff.

I hope you lose the weight but I hope you can do it the right way.

Phentermine has been FDA approved since 1959. It's not dangerous, and doctors do not freely "give this stuff out". Your comment is riddled with generalizations and inaccuracies.

UMM, this is straight up hilarious YES IT IS DANGEROUS! Please do some research before calling someone else out. The side effects are worse than the benefit in my mind, just like statins. I use good old fashion good eating and exercise. Life is all about choices we make. They start with our feet, where we put them and what isles they trek down at the grocery store.

rosemiller11

I guess I am just curious as to why peole are looking for the "quick fix" when slow and steady wins the race. Learning how to eat and changing your lifestyle permanently, seems like a much healther way to do things, was 240 at my heaviest weight, and I have learned how to eat...smaller, healthier meals, more frequently, excercising daily....and I am down to 182-losing about 1-2lbs every week, and I am totally okay with that because I know in establishing these habits I am much less likely to put the weight back on.
Just my opinion.

I just started taking Phentermine for weight loss, and I'll tell you why. For the past 10 months, I have been on MFP. I have tried setting my weight loss goals anywhere from 1/2 lb a week, to 2 lbs a week. I simply am unable to to lose right! Particularly when I started out. I had mine set to lose 2 lbs a week, I worked out 6 days a week, did things like JIllian Michaels Shred, I drank 8+ cups of water daily. I lost 5 lbs, then I sat there... for the last 9 months! Sure there were 2 times when I got really busy, or else super depressed about how long it took me to lose and I quit watching what I ate so closely. However, I never gained above my start weight, and currently I am 2lbs lower than my start weight. I am a full time student in school, and while I did (and do) watch what I eat, drink plenty of water, and try to exercise, I cannot seem to lose! So I am taking it short term to hopefully jump start my metablolism, and help me to lose. I am 22 btw, and weigh 264 lbs. It is not normal that I can't lose weight after 10 months of (mostly) watching what I eat, exercising, etc. Also, thos two times I "quit" MFP, that was only for two months total, and as I said, I didn't gain above my start weight. Anyways, I am really tired of being morbidly obese! I talked to my family practitioner, and she said she has seen a ton of people use it successfully, but she stressed that it is only for the morbidly obese, that you have to eat a healthy diet, both while you are on it, and once you get off, and that exercise is an important part. She told me that if the person who is taking it is not ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle then Phen doesn't ever work for them long term. She also told me that you have to wean off of it, and that it is for short term use only. I am totally okay with it, even with the potential side effects, because I know that I have a doctor who cares, who is prescribing it with my best interest in mind, and one who will monitor me for potential problems. I know that she won't give it out to someone who just wants an Insta-fix. I trust her, and I think that phen can be used safely, short term, with the correct medical observation.

To the user above who was talking about the medicine she was on that she had to slowly take and wean on to higher and higher doses... Yes you did. That was a barbituate (FYI they've been around longer than most of us. Since 1903 to be exact) They can be dangerous if you do not take them correctly, and yes they are gonna have side effects, but so do all drugs. I am not for drugs all the time, definately not first choice, but they are nessacery for some people. As a nursing student that is currently learning about drugs, I find it interesting how some people think drugs are so bad, and how all the side effects are so terrible, and how they could kill you if you overdose, etc, etc, etc. While this is true some of the time, nobody EVER tells you when they encourage you to drink lotsa water when you are losing weight, that you can litereally die from drinking to much WATER! Water is one of the healthiest things we can drink, I agree. And no, your average joe isn't gonna die cuz they drank to much water, but if your average joe who is on drugs prescribed by his doctor and is taking those medications properly, and REPORTS unusual signs and symptoms to their doctor, they pry aren't gonna die either.

okay, off my soapbox now. Just irritates me that people constantly try to self-diagnose and self-prescribe. Your doctor went to school for YEARS, learned EVERYTHING about the drugs he prescribes, good and bad. Yes you will get a few bad doctors out there who are only in it for money, but lots of them do care about the health of their patients. I have full faith in my doctor, that she will not prescibe me anything that she would not be willing to give to her family if nessacery. Again, I"ll digress. Sorry.