[KayBee]

I am sorry that you are having such a struggle in your life. In my experience with phentermine I found that the effectiveness wears off after about 12 weeks as far as appetite control and that "focused" feeling. It did help with the cravings the whole time I was losing weight.

Since you are having difficulty controling your use, I think it would be a good idea for you to stay off of the phentermine for good. I have never known of someone being prescribed more that 37.5 mgs. I believe your addition is definitely psychological because phen just doesn't work for the long-term. You are definitely harming your body by taking so much. I think the larger issue for you is your psychological struggle with your weight and how it ties in with your self-esteem. This is a VERY common issue here at the forum and with just about everyone who has struggled with their weight their whole life.

I don't really know what the answer is but I think if I was in the same situation I would seek out counseling to help deal with some of the psychological issues to try to make some permanent changes in the way you look at your self and you life. Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is about living a healthy life forever.

When I first starting losing weight (I went from 215 to 150 from April 2002- April 2003) I had to keep saying to myself "It isn't about FAST, it is about FOREVER" So many of us want quick fix and feel bad about ourselves when we aren't able to accomplish it. Good luck as you move forward.