Anyone taking Phentermine 37.5?

Dear Dr. Trogalicious,
Shaking your head at people is helping? Condescending is helping? Just because you have an opinion about everything doesn't mean you have to open your mouth every time. Catch your breath and have another beer. I'm sure you really enjoy hiding behind your computer taking pot shots at people. You can dish it all day but taste your own swill and you realize it sucks. If this is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you need to get out more, your as sensitive as a 15 year old girl with the low self esteem too.

Trog is condescending?!?! You have GOT to be kidding me. The only condescending person I've seen on this thread is you.

And just so we are clear on what that means...con·de·scend·ing [kon-duh-sen-ding] adjective showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority.

You have been the ONLY one doing that.

Trog is one of the most supportive people, I see him giving advice and help where he can. She was asking for people who take pills. Last I saw this was a free board and people whether they take them or not can post what they want, be it their experience, them just saying no (which he wasn't the only one doing this, just the only one you seem to have thing for) because he posted a gif saying no. Nor does he say he's an expert or does he get mad at anyone who doesn't do it his way. He's the first one to always say find what works for you.

Typically pills don't work. They also do raise health issues. I have had friends on this, their doctor required them to come in every 3 months, not just for BP issues, but to check their liver enzymes.

And as for your remark that he doesn't know how to keep it off long term, where are you getting that from? He made a LIFESTYLE change and has been keeping it off. I know it's mind blowing that he can eat/drink what he wants, including beer and actually lose weight. Shocking I know. Sorry if that approach doesn't work for you, no need to take it out on other people in the forums.

The thing that DOESN'T work long term for people are pills. Because doctors typically won't continue to prescribe this for the rest of your life.

ETA: Personally, I'd listen to someone who has lost 153 lbs and has almost 3000 posts on the board where he's HELPING people over you.

Wow. The people on this website simply amaze me. I usually keep to myself and never post but this thread just annoys me. The OP said "Would love to have some friends that are also taking the Phentermine." I didnt see anything in her post about asking for anyone's opinion no matter how "helpful" you think you were.

I started taking Phentermine on Feb 4th and so far its been perfect. No terrible effects at all. I've been able to gain control of my previous out of control behaviors. I expect to take it for about 2 more months and then come off of it. By that time, I'll have picked up some better eating and exercise habits. And no, I don't care about your experiences and no it's not your business if I "gain it all back".

mlittle71. Wow. Your callousness and general disregard for others is dually noted. I'm glad the pills didn't harm you. I really am. I wish that was the case for every other person out there who has taken a believed-to-be-safe stimulant diet pill. Because, clearly no one else has ever been harmed/killed by taking diet pills before.

Based on my loss (sorry, "experience"), which everyone is completely free to disregard, I feel morally obligated to offer a word of caution to those people who are considering taking amphetamine pills for weight loss who may not be fully aware of the potential risks involved.

Dear Dr. Trogalicious,
Shaking your head at people is helping? Condescending is helping? Just because you have an opinion about everything doesn't mean you have to open your mouth every time. Catch your breath and have another beer. I'm sure you really enjoy hiding behind your computer taking pot shots at people. You can dish it all day but taste your own swill and you realize it sucks. If this is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you need to get out more, your as sensitive as a 15 year old girl with the low self esteem too.

Trog is condescending?!?! You have GOT to be kidding me. The only condescending person I've seen on this thread is you.

And just so we are clear on what that means...con·de·scend·ing [kon-duh-sen-ding] adjective showing or implying a usually patronizing descent from dignity or superiority.

You have been the ONLY one doing that.

Trog is one of the most supportive people, I see him giving advice and help where he can. She was asking for people who take pills. Last I saw this was a free board and people whether they take them or not can post what they want, be it their experience, them just saying no (which he wasn't the only one doing this, just the only one you seem to have thing for) because he posted a gif saying no. Nor does he say he's an expert or does he get mad at anyone who doesn't do it his way. He's the first one to always say find what works for you.

Typically pills don't work. They also do raise health issues. I have had friends on this, their doctor required them to come in every 3 months, not just for BP issues, but to check their liver enzymes.

And as for your remark that he doesn't know how to keep it off long term, where are you getting that from? He made a LIFESTYLE change and has been keeping it off. I know it's mind blowing that he can eat/drink what he wants, including beer and actually lose weight. Shocking I know. Sorry if that approach doesn't work for you, no need to take it out on other people in the forums.

The thing that DOESN'T work long term for people are pills. Because doctors typically won't continue to prescribe this for the rest of your life.

ETA: Personally, I'd listen to someone who has lost 153 lbs and has almost 3000 posts on the board where he's HELPING people over you.

^^^ I second this. Trog is super helpful and has accomplished what I hope to do. Lose it and maintain that loss and live an awesome and fun-filled life. He can have a bit of snark and sarcasm, admittedly but that is only because he's been here long enough and heard it 100 times. He has great advice if only people listen.

This is just the first page....

Not only did my heart start palpatating with prolonged use, it started to become less effective. When I stopped using it, my appetite returned to normal and I unfortunately gained all of my weight back.

Not to make you panic but I took it and I ended up in hospital with a panic attack =-(

I'm a pharmacist, and I think this drug is dangerous and addictive. I don't like dispensing it. There is inherent risk in prescribing an amphetamine like drug to an obese person, because they are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular events...the drug only makes the risk higher. The drug has addictive potential and can cause behavioral issues, mood changes, and even psychosis. In clinical trials, it did not cause that much more weight loss versus diet and exercise alone...especially when you consider the cost of the medication (usually not covered by insurance) and the additional risk you could be putting upon your body. In addition, these meds can only be used short term, so any benefit you get from it will likely go away, once you have to discontinue it.

I tried Phentermine twice, as in two pills, and the side effects sucked so badly for me that I tossed the rest of the bottle. So there's no way to say exactly what will happen with you without actually trying it. Good luck.

I have tried it. You have to be smart when using it. It made me have no appetite with bad headaches and I didn't eat and I got sick...just be smart.

I took Phentermine a few years ago for about 5 months... I dropped about 30 lbs

Then I noticed it made me extremely edgy and touchy, and overall just more easily agitated all the time. My heart felt like it would explode out of my chest at times, horrible horrible stomach aches if you don't eat enough. Make sure you eat!

So that December, I got off of the pill. Gained all of weight back instantly plus some. When I say instantly, I mean within 2 months, it was back. I didn't have the energy to workout obviously, because my body wanted that pill.

Bottom line: It will work, you will lose weight, but the side effects are extremely horrible, not to mention the withdrawals and weight gain you'll experience once you give it up.

My mom suddenly died at 59 from a brain aneurysm (i.e., massive hemorrhagic stroke) immediately after starting a stimulant diet pill regimen. It wasn't phentermine, it was PPA/ephedra-based - but both are pharmacologically similar to amphetamine. Our family sued the manufacturer and the drug is no longer on the market, but that doesn't bring my mother back. Seriously, it's just not worth it. I would like to ask you to please exhaust all your other options before resorting to a stimulant diet drug. At least consider safer options first. For you and your family. Please. Much love & support in your weight loss journey.

I really wish people would pay attention to posts like this. Look at the risks, OP. Please.

I'm a pharmacist, and I think this drug is dangerous and addictive. I don't like dispensing it. There is inherent risk in prescribing an amphetamine like drug to an obese person, because they are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular events...the drug only makes the risk higher. The drug has addictive potential and can cause behavioral issues, mood changes, and even psychosis. In clinical trials, it did not cause that much more weight loss versus diet and exercise alone...especially when you consider the cost of the medication (usually not covered by insurance) and the additional risk you could be putting upon your body. In addition, these meds can only be used short term, so any benefit you get from it will likely go away, once you have to discontinue it.

I'm also a pharmacist, and I agree with all of this.

I've also lost 50 pounds before, gained it back while I was pregnant, and am now losing it again.

The second time has been much easier, because I already know I can do it with just diet and exercise. Please give yourself the pleasure of knowing that it was you and only you that lost the weight .

Good luck!

Um, I'll come at this from another angle:

What thyroid problem do you have that you'd be able to off your meds? Thyroid problems are for life. They get "fixed" when they're being treated with medication. And being heavy doesn't cause a thyroid problem, so losing weight wouldn't require you to go off of meds, just be able to reduce the medication dosage you can take (since there'd be less of you to dose).

I disagree with this. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and since losing weight, I've been able to cut out my medication. I don't take anything for my thyroid now at all, where before I've taken Armour, and levothyroxine to maintain levels. If I feel off, I get a blood draw, and will evaluate with my doctor how to proceed. But for now, nothing.

I'm a pharmacist, and I think this drug is dangerous and addictive. I don't like dispensing it. There is inherent risk in prescribing an amphetamine like drug to an obese person, because they are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular events...the drug only makes the risk higher. The drug has addictive potential and can cause behavioral issues, mood changes, and even psychosis. In clinical trials, it did not cause that much more weight loss versus diet and exercise alone...especially when you consider the cost of the medication (usually not covered by insurance) and the additional risk you could be putting upon your body. In addition, these meds can only be used short term, so any benefit you get from it will likely go away, once you have to discontinue it.

I could not have said it better myself.

This whole thing is not easy. It took years to get become fat and out of shape, it will take years to turn the boat around. While phentermine may do well to kick start your weight loss, in my humble opinion, the risks well outweigh the pros. Don't wait to lose weight to exercise: start right now. If all you can do is walk the length of the driveway, then do that. And each day, do two more steps. And patience, patience, patience. It has taken a year to lose 10 small pounds...but damn do I feel better, look better, my clothes fit better, and my body fat % is down significantly. There are more measurements than just the scale. Use tham all. Good luck.

Well said and totally agree!!!!

I used it also, lost around 30lbs in about 3.5 months. My emotions were crazy during use! Also gained it all back, BUT with the help of MFP I am down 15lbs! Good luck!

I may have a unique perspective on this situation, or maybe not, since there are several people that have also taken this. I took this drug in the Phen-Fen combo when I was around 19....I don't really remember much from the 3-6 months I took it - it was like I was on speed or something. I took HALF the recommended dosage, after the first week, because of what it did to me. (made me feel like I could run 50 miles without stopping, and not hungry at all, but also not really sleeping, and acting erratic). I lost 30 pounds in one month...and although we all want the weight GONE...this is NOT the way to do it.

I was prescribed this med because I also have an issue with feeling hungry ALL the time. It was literally the ONLY time in my life I didn't feel hungry, so I UNDERSTAND where you are coming from (the part about using it as a tool), HOWEVER, now that I'm not taking it, I still feel that. It didn't remove that feeling forever...so eventually, you have to learn to "fight" that feeling or deal with it on your own.

Trog is on my FL. I LOVE his advice. He's someone that is a huge inspiration and success story on here. If I have a question, I can ask him, and know I'll get an honest answer. I also like his snark. He makes me laugh, and I think he's just a cool beardy guy. Who wouldn't want to be friends with a cool, successful, beer drinking, snarky, beardy dude?!

***I was also scheduled to have an echocardiogram, and I am in perfect health, but I know others that took this combination of meds are NOT in perfect health, and there IS NO CURE for the damage it does to your heart.***

I asked for an appetite suppressant from my doctor some time back because I have a voracious appetite. I also have more than 120 lbs. to lose, not 15, not 25, not 40 lbs. like many of those who are naysaying you right now.

yeah, i didnt have 15, 20, 25 or 40 pounds to lose either, i too had over 100 pounds to lose, and didnt need a dangerous drug to do so. those of us who are "naysaying" the op, are doing so out of care and concern.

Amen to that. <points at own ticker>

I think it's totally counter productive to use a pill (dangerous amphetamines at that) to begin your journey to health. You need to show yourself you CAN do this and without any magic pills. You need to learn how to do this THE RIGHT WAY, or you will very likely fail. I'm sorry if that is harsh, but it is truly how I feel.

This!! Being active, watching portions, and eating healthy is the ONLY way to do this! It's my opinion that you need to change your lifestyle to achieve your goal!!

Good Luck~

I took Phentermine in 2008, and I lost about 70 lbs while taking it. It definitely suppressed my appetite, and it kept me from the mindless snacking and "eating my feelings" that I had done most of my life. I used to see it as the "magic pill" that helped me to lose weight. Awesome, right? Who wouldn't want to take these pills?!

Well, as others have said, it is not a lifestyle change, and the weight loss is most likely to be temporary. I had to increase my dosage to two 37.5 pills a day because my original dosage became ineffective, and this led to sleep issues. I also had horrible headaches and dry mouth from the medication, as well as dramatically increased irritability. As soon as I stopped taking the medication, it was like I hadn't eaten in weeks--I was starving all the time! This is not a medication that you can take all of your life, and you're fooling yourself if you think that you can use it just to lose weight, then will maintain that weight loss on your own without the pills. The habits and reasons that you gained weight will still be lurking under the surface, and Phentermine just gives you a way to avoid dealing with them in the short-term.

Long story made short, I have since gained all of the weight back plus more, which is why I'm here. I just started on a new weight loss journey (see ticker below), and this time I'm determined to do it the hard way--the way that will be a lifestyle change and permanent. Don't waste your time or health on Phentermine.

Thanks for sharing your story, Clandahlina. I wish you much success!!!