Phentermine Side Effects and Effectiveness?

Question

I was at my doctor last week and mentioned to her that I'm getting married and trying to lose weight. Immediately she offered to prescribe me a drug called Phentermine, and recommended that if I use it at all, I should take it only as needed for appetite suppression (like half a pill every one or two days). I looked it up online, but I can't find any good reviews from people who are similar to me...

I'm 24, not obese, just a little overweight by about 15 pounds. I would love to work out more, but travel a lot which is tiring, and I spend most of my time sitting in front of the computer. However I do watch what I eat, I try to keep my calories low but seem to have reached a plateau in weight loss.

What I'd like to hear is some feedback from people who really used phentermine and had a similar situation/body type. I am just trying to see if it really works, and if the side effects outweigh the benefits. (if my doctor offered it, it should be safe, right?)

I forgot to mention that I read these sites already, so please don't copy and paste from websites:

http://www.remedyfind.com/treatments/31/2108/
http://www.phentermine.com/
http://phentermine.drugs.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine

I really don't want to get depressed after using the medication, so please let me know if that was one of your side effects.

THANKS EVERYONE! THEY WERE ALL GREAT ANSWERS, I JUST SELECTED THE ONE WITH THE MOST INFORMATION. JUST FOR THOSE WHO VIEW THIS LATER, I STARTED TAKING THE PILLS 1/2 A DAY FOR 2 DAYS NOW. IN ADDITION TO THE SIDE EFFECTS BELOW, I DID EXPERIENCE A BIT OF CONSTIPATION, SO PLEASE MAKE SURE TO HAVE PLENTY OF WATER (AT LEAST 8 GLASSES) THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHILE TAKING THIS. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 1

I've been on phentermine for about 5 months. I like yourself only need to loose about 20-25lbs. I used it before and lost about 20lbs. However, as soon as i stopped I gained the weight back. I had gained the weight initially from being on Zoloft. It made me eat like crazy.So about 5 months ago I started taking Phentermine 37.5mg,but this time I knew what to do. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Take it about an 1hr-1&1/2 before eating. It is absorbed by the body easier in this manner.

2. I take it for 2 weeks, then off for 3 weeks. This way you won't become a physically or physcologically dependent.

3. THE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG ONLY WORK FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. You will be tempted to take a higher dosage,but your body will compensate very rapidly for this and the uped dosage will only be efective for a few days.

4. EAT!!!!!! Especially veggies, low fat dairy(calcium regulates metabalism),etc. You will be tempted to "STARVE" ,and you'll find comfort in that,but you gotta eat.

5.Take 1 pill in the morning, then 1/2 before lunch and the other half 1/2 before dinner. This is for the 2nd week only. Then you can cycle off of them.

6. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER EAT UNTIL YOUR FULL!!!! Phentermine decreases your appetite and shrinks the stomach. By over eating you stretch the stomach and causing you to over eat and feel hungry even when you're not.

7. Most Important "PHENTERMINE IS NOT A MAGIC CURE ALL DIET PILL" It only gives you a good start. Don't think this pill will solve your problems,because I can't stress enough that "YOUR BODY WILL BECOME IMMUNE TO THE EFFECTS OF THIS RX IN ABOUT 2-3 Weeks" After that it's up to you to eat right and excersis for at least 3-4 weeks,and then start another cycle.

Everyone is different but my symptoms were:
1. Difficulty maintaining an erection.
2.Hot flashes and sweat burst.
3. Shortend my attention span.
4. You become somewhat irritable(you have a serious attitude,but you'll be aware that you're stressing over small and stupid thing,so just adust.
5. Most people feel a burst of energy that last a few hours,but it makes me sleepy and tired.

So overall I love phentermine, you can lose a good 10-15lbs in about 2-3 weeks if you eat right and diet, BUT BUT BUT!!! You have to take it as just a push onto the right track,because it doesn't last long term.

G'luck ,be smart, and most of all stay safe:)

Answer 2

i have been taking phentermine for about 4 and a half weeks and i think it works really well. i dont really have insomnia but i take it early in the day and i kind of noticed that i wake up earlier in the mornings then i used to without a problem but i havnt really had any trouble falling asleep. also ive already lost 16 lbs and i just want to lose a few more so im not going to stop yet, but i definatly do recommend it, it definatly works. the only annoying side effect that i do notice is dry mouth.

Answer 3

Take it when you wake up, and you might want to start with a half of one. Phentermine gives me the worst insomnia, but it absolutely works for appetite suppression.

Answer 4

Music forces you to eat more. According to research by the journal Psychology and also Marketing, soft, classical tunes encourage one to take time over your mealtime, so you consume more foodstuff. So, switch off – silence could make you more aware of what you’re investing in your mouth.

Answer 5

Music enables you to eat more. According to a work by the journal Psychology as well as Marketing, soft, classical tunes encourage you to take time over your meal, so you consume more food. So, switch off – silence will always make you more aware of what you’re setting up your mouth.

Answer 6

Ive taken it w/ little side effects. Take as your Dr. recommended you can lose that 15lbs. quickly. I just suggest take it early in the morning that way it has enough time to get out of your system so you can get to sleep.

Answer 7

It’s Friday brunch time and you simply can’t stop going back pertaining to seconds. But hang on! Stop for the minute and suck on an extra strong mint. The flavour will certainly put you off that next plate of chicken korma/roast beef/sushi medley.

Answer 8

Bask in the sunshine. Just 20 minutes of Vitamin D absorption everyday will boost your ability to help loose weight.

Answer 9

Get back to basics – burn more energy than you ingest.

Answer 10

Add t carry rest in excess of thirty a few moments in between exercises