Long term side effects of phentermine
81
Before we discuss the long term side effects of phentermine let's look at its history. Phentermine was designed in the 1950's as a weight loss drug. It works as an appetite suppressant. It is a stimulant which triggers a "fight or flight" response in your body, which then causes your appetite to be suppressed. Doesn't sound too bad so far, does it? Let's now look at some of phentermine's possible side effects:
- It can be habit forming and addictive
- You may get withdrawal symptoms if you try and stop taking it
- Some people get an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling)
- Irregular heart beat
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Diarrhoea
- Tremors
- Impotence and loss of sex drive
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
The list goes on and on.
So why would anyone in their right mind take a drug like this? A drug that has such horrible side effects. Answer? Because they want to lose weight. Fast. And they're willing to take a drug to get what they want. Rather than do things the "hard" way, i.e cut down on junk food and do some exercise (which works every time!), they choose to pop a pill. Not keen on that idea, personally....
Look at it this way: taking a pill to help you lose weight (for weight read fat) is only a short term solution. I almost 100% guarantee that any weight lost while taking drugs of any kind (assuming you lose any at all) will soon magically reappear. And bring it's friends along, so most of the time you put back on more than you lost! You can only fool your body temporarily; internal systems are smart and have kept mankind going for thousands of years. So if you have not made any other lifestyle changes, your body will rebound back to it's "set" weight quicker than you can say "Hand me a Doner Kebab". And that's the truth; ask any dieter what happens when they come off their diet. Within three months they are back to their old weight, many are pounds heavier than before they started the diet!
Any short term solution to fat loss is doomed to fail. I know it's true and you know it's true. So what's the real reason people look for a short term solution like drugs for fat loss? They believe changing their lifestyle to ensure safe long term fat loss is too damned hard. (Actually, it isn't - but more on that later). They would much rather pop a pill, go on the latest diet or buy some weird exercise gadget that a stick-thin celebrity is promoting, in an attempt to avoid the real reason they are fat. THEY EAT TOO MUCH and exercise to little! Harsh words, but oh so true.
One of the main problems people have with fat loss is the time scale they set. If you do some research you'll find adverts for "Lose 10lbs in a week!" or "Drop 4 dress sizes in a month". Well the only way to lose 10 lbs in a week is to cut your head off! After all, it took you a lot longer than a week or a month to put all that weight on and swell to that dress size, so how can you possibly expect to lose in that time? The body gains fat easily and loses it reluctantly. Why? Because it's an incredibly important inbuilt failsafe which maximised our chances of survival in times of famine or when we couldn't find a woolly mammoth to eat. The immovable fact is that you simply cannot safely and permanently lose that much weight, that quickly. So sorry, but you may not. (That's a line from "The Last Samurai". Yes, I know I'm sad!)
Let me explain it this way. Results (i.e fat loss) = Effort (healthier eating with portion control, plus exercise) x Time. To get the results we want, this has to be sustainable. We're thinking long-term here. Attempts to make a huge effort for a short time are ultimately doomed to fail because the extra effort is not sustainable in the long term (remember the dieters).
What works is changing your timescale. Accept that losing 4 dress sizes will take time and effort. Make simple changes to what you eat and the amount of exercise you do. Your goal should be a 1-2 pound a week weight loss. No, you won't lose 10 lbs by Tuesday, but when you do lose it (probably 5/6 weeks on Tuesday) you'll be able to keep it off.
So, the first thing you need to do is reset your internal clock. Set a date in the future (at least six months from now, depending on how much fat you have to lose), and vow to make the small changes required in your eating and exercise habits that will allow you to lose 1-2 pounds a week for the next 26 or more weeks. Honestly - 1 pound a week weight loss requires eating only 3500 calories a week less. That's only 500 calories a day! The 500 calories a day saving can be made up of eating 250 cals less and burning off the other 250 exercising. An hour walking will burn 200-250 calories. In a year you'll lose 50-100pounds just by making this one change!
Make small changes that you can stick to FOREVER. Try cutting down on the amount of sugar you have in your coffee, eat one less cake a day, eat a little bit less of processed food, eat out less...Never deprive yourself completely of anything. If you really want it, eat it.Just eat less of it!
I could go on and on and on and on :) But I won't. Lucky you! I'll leave you with a list of things to do I'd like you to start implementing. TODAY
- Set your intent to lose 1-2 lbs a week.
- Imagine yourself 50-100 lbs lighter in one years time. What does it feel like? What are you wearing? Don't you feel (and look) just great!
- Make small changes to your eating habits - Ditch some of the junk!
- Take some exercise - Walk for an extra 30 mins a day, take the stairs not the elevator, join a gym...
Just do it. There is no "try", there is "do and "don't do". The sooner you get started, the quicker you'll see results. No more short cuts that lead nowhere but downhill. Take the high and narrow path and discover for yourself the joys of being fit and healthy.
All the best,
Laura
Sensible ideas for weight loss
- Free Pilates Exercises
Receive free pilates exercises, tips and articles delivered to you by email each week
At Home Workouts
- Rhythm Rocker Reviews
Although not a new product this Rhythm Rocker Review has been written because it looks like it’s being relaunched in time for the New Year. Yes, this is the time of year when we all suddenly... - 5 months ago
- The Ab Glider Reviews
The Proform Ab Glider is another off the floor Ab machine that does look similar to the Ab Coaster but the manufacturers claim it’s as good as having both the Ab Coaster and the Ab Circle Pro.... - 7 months ago
- The Step360 One Year Review
I’ve had my Step360 for a year and thought I’d update everyone on how it’s performed in that time. The first and I believe most important point is that I’m still using it... - 9 months ago
- Rip60 Reviews On The Latest Suspension Trainer
I love the names manufacturers are coming up with these days and Rip 60 is no exception. As always when a new fitness product comes to market Rip60 Reviews (honest ones written by actual users) are... - 9 months ago
CommentsLoading...
I've taken this drug for about 6 or 7 weeks, and i've been completely fine. Although the side effects while taking the drugs, was enough to make you want to kill yourself or someone else. The number one side effect of this drug is irritability (moodiness). I stopped taking it for a month, and im taking it again for another 3 weeks. When I stopped taking it, I didn't gain any wieght. However, I was excersizing and eating okay. But this drug is effective. I recommend you try to develop good eating habits while your on it, so when you stop, you dont gain any weight. because I didnt.
I have lost almost 100lbs in 1 1/2 yrs. WITH LOTS OF HARD WORK AND EATING RIGHT!!!!! I do cardio, pilates, weights with cardio, jogging, etc etc............but I did have help with phentermine in the beginning and when I came to a stand still I took it to get over my hump.........there isn't much else i can change in my diet and i cant wear myself out anymore.......but for people who do try hard and need jus a little push in certain times i recommend it.......I do not think it is for everyone and i believe docters do give it to people who misuse it!! but jus like a type 1 diabetic needs insulin or medicine someone who has a problem with weight may need a boost or help in the beginning and not everyone can afford all natural b12 shots and etc etc.......that i have had and doesn't not always help.............but may need jus a start or a helping hand ONLY PRESCRIBE by a RESPONSIBLE DOCTER and MONITORED!!!!! properly!!!! not jus given out like candy!! but loosing weight even with help IS ALOT OF WORK and WORK TO KEEP IT OFF!! HOPE ALL CAN GET WHERE THEY NEED TO BE!! and stay there :)
In 1998 i was put on phentermine 37.5 mg qd for 1 month, I did lose 20 lbs and kept it off for 3 years after the birth of my second child is when i put back on the weight, not before. Again this year I was put on phenermine 37.5 mg qd and have dropped 40 lbs. I have been off of the drug for 2 months and only bounce 2-3 lbs. What I want to know is there any serious long term effects?
ive been taking the pills for about one mon. at first i felt dizzy and confusd but in time my body got use to the pills i lost 12pounds in a mon. i was so happy that i did.im just worried about gaining all my weight back when i reach my weight goal.after im done with the pills i know i can try my very best to keep off the weight with exercise and good eating habits,this is just a boost to help me get started, the pills dont lose weight for you its still hard work, so to all those poeple that think its a hop& A skip that is not the case.your friend
I used this drug when I was in my 20's. I had alot of success with weight loss. I maintained a healthy weight for most of my adult life. Then in my mid-30's, I gave up smoking. I gained 20 lbs. that first year, & at least 10 pounds a year there after. By my 40's, I was obese. I am 48 years old, and I am determinded to loss the weight. I checked into almost every weight loss program that I could think of, from Atkins to Food for Life to Suzanne Somers to going to seminars about having a lap band procedure. My mind was exploding. I began my change of life so my hormone's were raging, and I was unable to loss any kind of weight. Then my younger sister had the lap band & she started to loss weight fast--this made me determinded even more to loss the weight. I felt that I needed to lose 100 pounds. I had high blood pressure and I was taking meds for that & high cholesterol, and still not much weight loss. I even went to see if I could get on the TV show, the biggest loser--I was 5 2 & 236 lbs. When I couldn't get accepted to the show, I called a dr. who did watch your weight loss. He gave me shots of vit B-12. He had 3 different doses. The first doses I was on for 3 months. I seen the most weight loss with that one. I did eat healthier & I also made food journals with a food plan. I stick to my plan faithfully. I went of vacation, and only had one treat for the entire week. I am on the next doses. I am still losing, but I began to exercise 30 minutes a day--I now have energy and feel empowered to lose the weight. I have a plan & I stick to it. I have changed everything about my life. I eat out very little. I do not want to stay on these pills more than 6 months--but until I can manage my weight by myself, I will. I know that I am doing most of the work, but without the drug--I know that I wouldn't have this much success. Like the other's it is more than taking a magic pill to lose weight. It took me 12 years to add this much weight on--I think it will take me at least 12 years to drop the weight and maintain it. Exercise, diet, & food journals will be a part of my life--for the rest of my life. I hope that after my change of life, my hunger will be under control. For me, it is all about making healthy choices. My New Year Resolution is to lose weight before my 50th Birthday, I have 1 1/2 year to go. I weigh 192 lbs so I am on my way. Do your research, find a program that will work for you or a combo of programs that will work for you & stick to it. The bottom line is, I couldn't have achieved my weight loss without the drug. I did take off a week to see if I would go out of control--Vacation, and I didn't. I did not feel addicted to the drug either. I kept exercising and food journals and I had a healthy plan. I had an ice cream cone but otherwise I ate healthy, even dining out. My worst side affect is sleeplessness. I am lucky to sleep 6 hours a night. My dr. took me off all other medications & I no longer have high blood pressure, even with exercising. I am so happy that I started this on Jan 6, 2010. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Best of Luck!
I took phentermine on and off for almost two years - lost 20 lbs and maintained it from 186 to 166 while on the pills. When taking the pills I experienced all the side effects you hear about - dry mouth, racing and extreme moodiness. The moods and temper were the worst - it wasn't me at all. Once off the phentermine, I kept the weight off for about five months. In the next five months I gained back all 20 lbs. A year later and I was up an additional 10 lbs, weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life. Now, nearly two years later and I can't get the weight off. It's awful. I have erratic periods - when I have the at all -although I'm only in my mid-30s. My hormones are a disaster. Blood tests come back all crazy. What should be high is low and vice versa. I can't say for certain that this is due to phentermine. But I can tell you none of this was the case for me before I took it. I can also tell you my hypothesis. If phentermine stimulates the fight or flight response and you do this for months or longer to yourself then you are triggering constant stress. Stress can reak havoc on your hormones and your health. Doctors can't figure out what is wrong or how this could have happened to me. One finally admitted that the phentermine may have pushed my body too far. I feel pretty hopeless today. Really think about the decision before you take phentermine, please. I really understand the temptation and don't judge whatsoever. I just don't want to see anyone else go down this awful road.
I have taken Phentermine on and off for the last 4yrs., with great sucess. In those 4yrs., I have went from 210lbs. to 117lbs.. I was a size 22, now I am a size 5! I didn't really have to excercize too much. But it seemed like I kept bussier than normal. The more weight I lost, the more I actually wanted to play with my kids, or take walks. As far as my sex drive; I wanted it more! I did however, have the restlessness, and forgetfulness. I found with the forgetfulness, just to write down whatever I wanted I had to do, apointments,ect.. My doctor would only perscribe the phentermine for 3mos. a year, so it was up to me to keep the inbetween weight off. I did fairly well. I would gain 2-3lbs. in my inbetween time. If you have a serious issue with your weight, and have honestly tried other methods without sucess, I reccomend trying Phentermine for at least few months. NOTE: I also went on a low_calorie diet. I found it helpful to keep a calorie journal. I allowed myself 1200 calories daily. When I would pleatu, I wouldn't take the Phentermine for 3days and eat whatever I wanted, then on day 4 take the Phentermine and go back on the 1200 calorie diet.
I have been taking phetermine For about a month and a half i was 194 pounds and down to 168.so i have lost a total of 26 pounds. I can honestly say i have not had no side effects but have had dry mouth twice but, You have to remember to drink lots and lots of water otherwise you will get dry mouth. Since taking them i love it i have learned to eat smaller portions and eat more about every 2 hours hand fulls of almonds different fruits yogurts. eat full meals but half of what i used to eat. In my oppinion if you don't exercise when you start taking them when you do anything that makes your heart pump faster that your not used to you will have a irregular heart beat or palpitation. i even drank jager and red bull and didn't have any interactions. But, then again everybodys different. To be honest im less moody and more calm then when i don't take the pill. I only have about 8 pounds to loose and im done. Good Luck to everyone I would recommend this to anyone.
Well i have been on Phentermine for about a month and two weeks, and i have lost 27 pounds. I really think it works. The Only Side Effects i think i have are the Headaches and Blurry Vision and don't go to the bathroom as i use to. But i plan to stay on it just another 2-3 months.
If I take way over the recommende dosage what can the side effects be?
i have been on the phentermine for 2months plus the vitiam b12 shot with lipo fat burning, i have very little side effects but lots of energy i have went from 325ibs down to 285 i feel better then i have in years
I started phentermine on February 12, 2010 & weighed 229. To date, I now weigh 159. I had not worked out for ages & read up on the side effects before I started the drug. I chose cleaning my house as my method of exercise in the beginning & instead of using my riding tractor, I used the trim mower. I could tell my heart was beating faster & did not want to go overboard with the exercise. I focused more on changing my eating habits & researching the foods I had chosen in the past to eat & maybe reasons why I ate them. As my weight and my blood pressure lowered, I incorporated walking and worked up to 1 hour and 20 minutes a day. The drug gives you the boost to loose the weight, but that is it. 70% of it is all based on learning to properly eat and 20% on exercise. I was diagnosed with "obessive overeating disorder" & these pills have saved my life. I know I will not be on them forever and that is why I am making the most of it while I am. I keep a "before" picture of myself with me wherever I go. I have had to look at it less & less now as the months go by because it is much easier for me know when making "good for me" food choices. I do treat myself once a week but none of my treats are foods that I was addicted to in the past. Like anything in life, "you get out what you put in". I will have to live everyday of my life battling the food demons, but it will all be worth it.
I have been on phentermine since July of 2009. I went from 305 to 215 but am at a stuck spot. I cant get below the 215, i have been at this weight for 5 months now. Any suggestions?
I have been on phentermine (Duromine in Australia) for a month now. It is working wonders for me. After reading all the dramatic posts about people who say it ruined their life, I felt that I should give my side of the story. In my first week, I have lost 35 pounds (16kg). And I feel terrific. I don't sleep as deeply as I used to and every now and again can get a little jittery but this is nothing difficult to deal with. I have found the worst side effect is that urinating takes longer - the reason for this is that the hypothalmus (which phentermine works on) also controls bladder contractions. I pee more often but with less force. I want to lose 66 pounds (30kg). As you can only be on it for about 3 months before the body adapts to it, I plan on using that time to up my exercise and train myself to get less enjoyment from eating. My weight loss is slowing a little each week which I am fine with as I am becoming more confident on eating different foods.
Had a baby late in life and gained 60 lbs... was nearly 200lbs when most of my 30's was around 140-150.( I am 5'7"). Tried with exercise walking 3 miles a day for months. Lost inches, but I never lost a pound. So I decided to try the pills and the B-12 shots. I have been taking them for 3 months. Eating the same foods, but smaller portions and the pills keep me from wanting to snack. Because of the dry mouth, I want to drink lots of water which is something I should be doing. I have been losing around 6 lbs a month, an average of 1 to 1.5 lbs a week.
Initially, had some side effects with increased heart rate and slight elevation in pressure. So I cut my pills in half and started with a good walk coupled with biking on a stationary bike which monitored my heart rate. I feel wonderful, and love that the weight is coming off... slowly but pretty consistently each week. I have begun excercising again regularly and love the energy I have with my little boy. I don't sleep as much, but it doesn't seem to bother too much. Skip taking the pills at least 1 or two days each week, because I'm afraid of addiction because of things I read. I do get a little irritable but monitor myself closely and try to check my self when I see that my moods seem different. I have a goal weight of 25 lbs.. Started at 168 and now am close to 150. I thought if I could get this jump start I have the experience and knowledge to maintain. It's wonderful to see your goals being realized. I hate counting calories and eating tasteless foods I don't enjoy... so I am doing more of a weight watchers approach and trying to think of healthy food balance and smaller amounts coupled with the exercise. Good luck to others who are trying to get control of their lives and their weight. My ultimate motivation is knowing I have a beautiful child late in life that I need to be healthy for.... It's a great incentive.
I was having severe dizziness to the point I was going to pass out. Had V-Tach while I felt this way. Am not starting to see a cardiologist and he says that he feels strongly that the phentermine is causing it.
P.Keegan 2 years ago
I took phentermine and lost 40 pounds but now I'm heavier than ever and have memory loss and tiredness.