New Diet Pills (Belviq vs Qsymia)

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Replies

  • SoLongAndThanksForAllTheFish
    SoLongAndThanksForAllTheFish Posts: 831 Member
    If you want information, please message me, I am happy to share, just not on this thread.

    Because why would you share information on a thread that could help other people? Or is the info against the terms of service?

    Var, because many people who participate on this thread are not interested in hearing anything positive about prescription diet medication.

    Sure, but if you want to spread something that's positive about it, you should also include what's negative about it, like as required by law to advertise drugs. So, you should look at it as people commenting warnings about the dangers of using the diet pills are doing a public service for the many OTHERS besides you that look at this, and are kind of your offset, you aren't even required to post the negatives. Unless you want to put something like this after the "positive" posts about a drug and then I think nobody would pipe up, the facts about Belviq:

    WARNING
    Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of coadministration of BELVIQ with other products intended for weight loss, including prescription drugs (eg, phentermine), over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, have not been established. The effect of BELVIQ on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established.
    Important Safety Information
    Contraindication
    BELVIQ should not be taken during pregnancy or by women who are planning to become pregnant.
    Warnings and Precautions
    BELVIQ is a serotonergic drug. The development of potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)-like reactions have been reported during use of serotonergic drugs, including, but not limited to, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, bupropion, triptans, dietary supplements such as St. John's Wort and tryptophan, drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including monoamine oxidase inhibitors), dextromethorphan, lithium, tramadol, antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists, particularly when used in combination. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome symptoms or NMS-like reactions, including agitation, hallucinations, coma, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle rigidity. Treatment with BELVIQ and any concomitant serotonergic or antidopaminergic agents should be discontinued immediately if the above events occur, and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated.
    Patients should not take BELVIQ in combination with drugs that have been associated with valvular heart disease (eg, cabergoline). In clinical trials, 2.4% of patients taking BELVIQ and 2.0% of patients taking placebo developed valvular regurgitation: none of these patients were symptomatic. BELVIQ should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients who develop signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease, including dyspnea, dependent edema, CHF, or a new cardiac murmur, should be evaluated and discontinuation of BELVIQ should be considered.
    Impairment in attention, memory, somnolence, confusion, and fatigue have been reported in patients taking BELVIQ. Patients should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until they know how BELVIQ affects them.
    The recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily should not be exceeded, as higher doses may cause euphoria, hallucination, and dissociation. Monitor patients for the development or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and/or any changes in mood. Discontinue BELVIQ in patients who develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
    Weight loss may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are being treated with antidiabetic medications, so measurement of blood sugar levels before and during treatment with BELVIQ is recommended. Decreases in doses of antidiabetic medications or changes in medication regimen should be considered.
    Men who experience priapism should immediately discontinue BELVIQ and seek emergency medical attention. BELVIQ should be used with caution with erectile dysfunction medications. BELVIQ should be used with caution in men who have conditions that might predispose them to priapism (eg, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia), or in men with anatomical deformation of the penis (eg, angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease).
    Because BELVIQ may cause a slow heartbeat, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of bradycardia or heart block greater than first degree.
    Consider monitoring for CBC changes, prolactin excess, and pulmonary hypertension.
    Most Common Adverse Reactions
    In patients without diabetes: headache (17%), dizziness (9%), fatigue (7%), nausea (8%), dry mouth (5%), and constipation (6%).
    In patients with diabetes: hypoglycemia (29%), headache (15%), back pain (12%), cough (8%), and fatigue (7%).
    Nursing Mothers
    BELVIQ should not be taken by women who are nursing.
    BELVIQ® is a federally controlled substance that may lead to abuse or dependence.
    For more information about BELVIQ®, see full Prescribing Information.
  • fullercorp
    fullercorp Posts: 37 Member
    YOU were the person i was looking for because this is all me. How long have you been on it? Is it low dose and are you seeing any results?
  • Junebuggyzy
    Junebuggyzy Posts: 345 Member
    If you want information, please message me, I am happy to share, just not on this thread.

    Because why would you share information on a thread that could help other people? Or is the info against the terms of service?

    Var, because many people who participate on this thread are not interested in hearing anything positive about prescription diet medication.

    But you aren't trying to convince me. You would be helping the people who are looking at this thread because they are searching for support.

    I hear you on that, Var. However, it's been my experience in the past, that if there is something that many people on this forum find challenging to what they personally believe, it gets shot down. It's just easier for us that use medication prescribed by our physicians, to take it elsewhere, rather than get bombarded by irrelevant comments.

    I use this site to log my calories and exercise. It keeps me focused and helps me stay in the range recommended for me by MyFitnessPal when I first filled out my profile. It's very motivating for me to have friends on my page. We cheer each other on and celebrate each others successes, and offer support and kind words.
  • mandycsoto
    mandycsoto Posts: 1
    Has anyone experienced extreme fatigue from Belviq, ive been on the 15 day trial for 3 days but don't really notice a difference in my appetite much and I'm feeling dizzy and tired. Thinking this may not be the one for me :(
  • finleyfolk
    finleyfolk Posts: 3 Member
    I just started Belviq on May 6th, starting weight is 274, only side-effects so far has be slight headache and fruity taste in my mouth. My problem is that I just want to eat even if my tummy is tight I still want to eat, I exercise 3-4 times a week but still gain weight. Now that I'm on Belviq I don't even think about food, I have always eaten health but would gorge myself, now my portions have shrunk considerably and been putting food back into the frig instead of eating it all.

    I know I just started and who knows how long it will last but I have a 6months supply and I will post back in a month to say if it's truly working for me, I know some hate the idea of taking pill and I'm glade you are able to loose the weight and maintain it but for me it's been a real struggle.

    I'm just glad I don't think about food right now....
  • Amd4008
    Amd4008 Posts: 1
    June, could you please tell me which drug has Topamax in it? I used Topamax for seizures years ago. Gave it a shot for a month.
    Was the worst medication I've ever taken! Yes you do lose weight taking Topamax. Weight loss is a side effect of the drug. It also wipes your memory! Unable to concentrate, had a tough time using certain words. Just makes you "dumb!" if you look it up, the nick name for the Drug is "Dopey-max or Dopamax.".
    Thanks, Anne-marie
  • Junebuggyzy
    Junebuggyzy Posts: 345 Member
    I had the same experience with Topomax. Horrible side effects. Maybe we were on higher doses. One of these two does, I don't know which. Wow, it wiped your memory too? My daughter would call me at work "Mom, you left the stove on again."
    It was so bad, I thought I had Alzheimers!
  • JBella0125
    JBella0125 Posts: 18 Member
    I quit smoking cold turkey in 2006 stayed Smoke free for 2 years and my life style and personal life went upside down going through divorce. I went back to smoking. Then I tried it again in March 2012, cold turkey for close to 4 months and once again went right back to it. Now thinking about quitting again, but trying the patch or the shantax (spelling). Anything now to quit smoking again and this time to stay away from them for good is my goal. Everyone is different and things work for others that may not work for someone else. All with diet pills as well. If you take something to quit smoking and have had great success with it, I look at it as long as you quit smoking what does it matter what you did to get to that point. Thumbs up to ones who can kick the habit and stay with it for a lifetime. Smoking, losing weight is all about life style change, no matter which one it is, it is still hard and can be very challenging at times. Whatever works for anyone to get a jump start on a healthier living “my hats off to them!”
  • JBella0125
    JBella0125 Posts: 18 Member
    Well said! Thanks for the post!
  • grinogirl
    grinogirl Posts: 32 Member
    Wow that's ballsy posting that. Lol. At least the one i'm using is legal.
  • dgnieski
    dgnieski Posts: 2 Member
    I have been using the 15 day trail Belviq and have lost 5 lbs in one week and noticed that my appetite is much better (eating less food). On the flip side, I have been extremely fatigued to the point of depression and have NO energy! I am now only taking one pill per day because two pills literally make me like a zombie! I am hoping that it takes a full two weeks for the drug to metabolize in my system and the fatigue and light headed symptoms will subside.
  • fullercorp
    fullercorp Posts: 37 Member
    Are Belviq and Qsymia appetite suppressants? so they wouldn't be recommended if you had no problem eating managed portions/ counting calories? i don't have issues with food anymore- i just don't lose. i essentially need a metabolism boost without weight lifting 2 hours a day.
  • keribossy
    keribossy Posts: 1
    You can call 1-855-235-8471. They will email you a 15 day free trial certificate. You still have to get a prescription from your doctor to receive the medication.
  • Texsox
    Texsox Posts: 146 Member
    Are Belviq and Qsymia appetite suppressants? so they wouldn't be recommended if you had no problem eating managed portions/ counting calories? i don't have issues with food anymore- i just don't lose. i essentially need a metabolism boost without weight lifting 2 hours a day.

    No, Belviq does not boost your metabolism. Also the recommended rate of loss is much less than what most people here are looking for. The guidelines from Belviq is 5% of your total body weight in 3 months or 10% in a year. That is less than a pound a week for most people. It's not a fast weight loss drug at all.

    I experienced a minor backache for a day or two and a very slight headache for another day or two, possibly a little fatigue, but being I started at the end of my college semester and with just a little over a month from my teacher end of semester, it may have been that.

    I've been using Belviq for a month, after the usual quick weight loss I have always experienced with MFP I stalled for two weeks. I need to exercise more but an unrelated health problem is keeping me from walking. But I find it really easy to stay under my calorie goal. I consider MFP to be my primary plan with Belviq as secondary. While I understand that Belviq is meant to be long term, possible life long, and accepted that possibility I am planning on stopping at least once and going with MFP alone. One issue will be leaving other medications I've been taking for a chronic health issue. My doctor and I are working out a plan of dropping the meds in the correct order. We're hoping for some independent research over the next year or two to guide us.
  • fullercorp
    fullercorp Posts: 37 Member
    welp, it had been a month and Dietylproprion did nothing. i weigh exactly the same so i am taking Qsymia starting today. My doc said Belviq has an appetite suppressant and i don't need that. my work is getting busier so i am not finding time to eat much anyway. I don't know that this will help and i dread the side effects (i notice in my 40's i have no patience w not feeling well) but this is the last stop before i go get a personal trainer for $$ who makes me do sprints at 4am with a weighted backpack. There is NOTHING further i can do to change my diet.
  • marykayedney
    marykayedney Posts: 2
    I have been taking Qsymia for four days and have lost six pounds. I am thrilled
  • FatCatsRule
    FatCatsRule Posts: 37
    Yep, this is my first post and I found this thread like others by Googling Belviq as well. And although I do not necessarily think that the people here were bulling, I do think some were extremely rude and insulting. It is not just what you say but HOW YOU SAY IT. There is a better way of conveying your ideas than name calling or telling anyone they are fat and lazy just because you do not share the same beliefs about their use of weight loss drugs. You have no idea what others are going through in their health and weight loss journey. A little more compassion and support would go a lot further than demeaning someone especially since the reason for this forum is to help build up and support others, as well as get support yourself... or you would not be here either, now would you?

    Belviq is not just another fad diet pill and not an addictive amphetamine like Phentermine. The FDA approved Belviq with the guidelines that it only prescribed for those that have either a BMI of >30 OR a BMI of >27 and at least one major medical risk factor such as high blood pressure. The weight loss program I checked into is run by Bariatric doctors and before even being considered for Belviq, requires BMI testing, bone density testing, a full physical, complete blood panel, EKG, meeting with nutritionist to get a meal plan in place and a meeting with a physical trainer to get a workout routine scheduled. Once the above have been completed and the doctor has determined candidacy for the drug, Belviq may be prescribed along with a healthy meal plan and exercise regime.

    From what I have learned about Belviq so far, the results are extremely positive and many people that have struggled with weight and health issues for years (ie. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.) are seeing some amazing weight loss results and major health benefits. Many people have been able to reduce the amount of health related drugs they are required to take daily and some have even been able to stop them altogether. You can read some reviews from users here: http://www.drugs.com/comments/lorcaserin/belviq.html
  • Texsox
    Texsox Posts: 146 Member
    And i will agree with the regular posters here who complain that some of the pro-Belviq posts sound like they are shills paid to write these reviews, I must agree. I have 40+ days logging in, and a posting history that pre-dates these new pharmaceuticals.
  • MarthaQ2
    MarthaQ2 Posts: 47 Member
    Hi where can I get these pills?
  • FatCatsRule
    FatCatsRule Posts: 37
    Hi where can I get these pills?

    Apparently you did not read my post above. You must get them from a doctor.
  • Junebuggyzy
    Junebuggyzy Posts: 345 Member
    I still haven't tried Belviq; my doctor said that Phentermine, which I use, is not addictive. I have used it before, and never became addicted to it. The only problem I have had is feeling tired for a few days after I stopped using it. But the truth is, diet pills are just a start. For me, it was a quick way to get almost down to my ideal weight, quickly. The doctor I am seeing weans her patients off slowly, for six months, so that we keep the healthy eating habits we have learned. Even after that, the will keep tabs on me for another six months.

    Before when I used diet pills, my regular doctor gave them to me, and didn't do much except write the prescription. The doctor I am seeing now is a Bariatric Physician. She is very knowledgeable about nutrition, and counsels me on the right types of foods to eat. She asks me each month what type of exercise I am doing. I can ask as many questions as I want, without feeling rushed. Each month I give her a printout of the foods I eat and my exercise. Thanks to MyFitnessPal it is easy for me too keep track of. My doctor also listens to my heart each visit and takes my blood pressure. I had to do compete blood work and have an EKG when I started.

    From the great experience I am having going to a Bariatric Physician, I highly recommend it.
  • FatCatsRule
    FatCatsRule Posts: 37
    I still haven't tried Belviq; my doctor said that Phentermine, which I use, is not addictive. I have used it before, and never became addicted to it. The only problem I have had is feeling tired for a few days after I stopped using it. But the truth is, diet pills are just a start. For me, it was a quick way to get almost down to my ideal weight, quickly. The doctor I am seeing weans her patients off slowly, for six months, so that we keep the healthy eating habits we have learned. Even after that, the will keep tabs on me for another six months.

    Before when I used diet pills, my regular doctor gave them to me, and didn't do much except write the prescription. The doctor I am seeing now is a Bariatric Physician. She is very knowledgeable about nutrition, and counsels me on the right types of foods to eat. She asks me each month what type of exercise I am doing. I can ask as many questions as I want, without feeling rushed. Each month I give her a printout of the foods I eat and my exercise. Thanks to MyFitnessPal it is easy for me too keep track of. My doctor also listens to my heart each visit and takes my blood pressure. I had to do compete blood work and have an EKG when I started.

    From the great experience I am having going to a Bariatric Physician, I highly recommend it.
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
  • Junebuggyzy
    Junebuggyzy Posts: 345 Member
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
    Apparently my Bariatric Physician lies. She says they are not addictive. And when I have taken them before, I have not experienced withdrawals. I guess that means I am a liar too.

    Note to self: It's amazing to me that you people think you are Physicians. I should have known better than to post here. Self, stay the heck away from these forms.
  • agrafina
    agrafina Posts: 128 Member
    I still haven't tried Belviq; my doctor said that Phentermine, which I use, is not addictive. I have used it before, and never became addicted to it. The only problem I have had is feeling tired for a few days after I stopped using it. But the truth is, diet pills are just a start. For me, it was a quick way to get almost down to my ideal weight, quickly. The doctor I am seeing weans her patients off slowly, for six months, so that we keep the healthy eating habits we have learned. Even after that, the will keep tabs on me for another six months.

    Before when I used diet pills, my regular doctor gave them to me, and didn't do much except write the prescription. The doctor I am seeing now is a Bariatric Physician. She is very knowledgeable about nutrition, and counsels me on the right types of foods to eat. She asks me each month what type of exercise I am doing. I can ask as many questions as I want, without feeling rushed. Each month I give her a printout of the foods I eat and my exercise. Thanks to MyFitnessPal it is easy for me too keep track of. My doctor also listens to my heart each visit and takes my blood pressure. I had to do compete blood work and have an EKG when I started.

    From the great experience I am having going to a Bariatric Physician, I highly recommend it.
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.

    Sorry. Phentermine may be similar pharmacologically to amphetamines, but it is not one. It isn't even in the same class of controlled substances as amphetamines, class IV vs Class II. Class IV drugs are considered low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. So no, it is not nearly as nefarious as you claim. If you are going to trash weight loss medications, please be accurate in your trashing. There are legitimate reasons to not take meds, just like there are legitimate reasons to take them. It doesn't do the anti-medication proponents any good to be peddling inaccurate and easily debunked information.
  • floatingnomad
    floatingnomad Posts: 11

    There has been no bullying in this thread ! I think that has well and truly been established !! quote me a piece of the thread that backs up this ridiculous claim ! Getting a bit fed up of repeating myself, and still no supporting evidence from those who claim bullying ! hmm, strange that.

    Ok, new to this and have no idea how to multiple post...because there were indeed multiple. So I'll just quote the poster I found the most offensive. "Get off your lazy *kitten* and start eating better. " That gem was somewhere on page 2 I think. And to be honest, your constant "So tell me again how I'm a bully!" ranting is not coming across well when the girl you keep snapping at never even mentioned you specifically. I feel like if I met you in person you'd be yelling "Who's a bully, huh?!!" while poking your finger in my chest. And do you really not realize how sarcastic you've been? I haven't finished reading this thread but I had to interrupt my reading to write to you.
  • FatCatsRule
    FatCatsRule Posts: 37
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
    Apparently my Bariatric Physician lies. She says they are not addictive. And when I have taken them before, I have not experienced withdrawals. I guess that means I am a liar too.

    Note to self: It's amazing to me that you people think you are Physicians. I should have known better than to post here. Self, stay the heck away from these forms.
    Did I say ANYONE was a liar? Nope, I sure didn't. But I am curious why your BARIATRIC physician is prescribing Phentermine for you.
  • lsorci919
    lsorci919 Posts: 772 Member
    Diet pills are bad, mmmkay?

    what she said........................
  • agrafina
    agrafina Posts: 128 Member
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
    Apparently my Bariatric Physician lies. She says they are not addictive. And when I have taken them before, I have not experienced withdrawals. I guess that means I am a liar too.

    Note to self: It's amazing to me that you people think you are Physicians. I should have known better than to post here. Self, stay the heck away from these forms.
    Did I say ANYONE was a liar? Nope, I sure didn't. But I am curious why your BARIATRIC physician is prescribing Phentermine for you.

    Sigh.

    "Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity." Wikipedia is your friend. Use it.

    A bariatrician is a perfectly appropriate physician to be getting weight loss medication through. What precisely does your problem seem to be (I ask since emphasis typically denotes either some sort of "gotcha" or that there is some issue to be had)? I'm genuinely curious.
  • FatCatsRule
    FatCatsRule Posts: 37
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
    Apparently my Bariatric Physician lies. She says they are not addictive. And when I have taken them before, I have not experienced withdrawals. I guess that means I am a liar too.

    Note to self: It's amazing to me that you people think you are Physicians. I should have known better than to post here. Self, stay the heck away from these forms.
    Did I say ANYONE was a liar? Nope, I sure didn't. But I am curious why your BARIATRIC physician is prescribing Phentermine for you.

    Sigh.

    "Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity." Wikipedia is your friend. Use it.

    A bariatrician is a perfectly appropriate physician to be getting weight loss medication through. What precisely does your problem seem to be (I ask since emphasis typically denotes either some sort of "gotcha" or that there is some issue to be had)? I'm genuinely curious.

    I asked why you are being prescribed Phentermine only because I believe there are safer weight loss medications available these days( ie. Belviq). Not sure if the newer meds work as well or as fast as Phentermine, so that is why I asked.
  • agrafina
    agrafina Posts: 128 Member
    Not addictive? It is an amphetamine and is totally addictive.
    Apparently my Bariatric Physician lies. She says they are not addictive. And when I have taken them before, I have not experienced withdrawals. I guess that means I am a liar too.

    Note to self: It's amazing to me that you people think you are Physicians. I should have known better than to post here. Self, stay the heck away from these forms.
    Did I say ANYONE was a liar? Nope, I sure didn't. But I am curious why your BARIATRIC physician is prescribing Phentermine for you.

    Sigh.

    "Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity." Wikipedia is your friend. Use it.

    A bariatrician is a perfectly appropriate physician to be getting weight loss medication through. What precisely does your problem seem to be (I ask since emphasis typically denotes either some sort of "gotcha" or that there is some issue to be had)? I'm genuinely curious.

    I asked why you are being prescribed Phentermine only because I believe there are safer weight loss medications available these days( ie. Belviq). Not sure if the newer meds work as well or as fast as Phentermine, so that is why I asked.

    I'm not the person you originally asked, but I can tell you that phentermine was never the one of the diet drugs back in the 90's that was dangerous--you may thinking of either dexfenfleuramine (Redux) or fenflueramine (the fen in fen/phen). Fenflueramine was combined with phentermine, but phentermine wasn't the problem child of the duo. Phentermine has been tested with topiramate (Topamax) fairly extensively looking at the impact on weight loss, and it doesn't have a negative effect. Qysmia is a combination of phentermine and topirimate, and that combination has probably been more studied than Belviq, tbh, since I think the combination has been being used ever since they realized that topirimate could be used for weight loss. I've seen a lot of studies on the two, and I've not seen any significant indicators of harm. Like I said above, phentermine is actually a pretty safe drug with low risk of dependence and low potential for abuse. I think it gets a bad rap because its parent compound is amphetamine, but it doesn't have nearly the same degree of addictiveness or potential for abuse.
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