I'm new too - have so many questions!

**caterpillargirl** · May 13th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Hi - I'm new here, and to phentermine. This drug is so different than I thought it would be. I definitely have no appetite and half the time just don't feel good at all. The other half of the time I'm scrubbing bathrooms and could clean all day. Then there is severe exhaustion.

It goes in waves for me. One minute I have energy, the next I feel sick, and a minute after that I'm tired then I get another burst of energy. I did sleep last night, but it was broken sleep. I know I was sleeping pretty deep because I was dreaming, but I kept waking up every few hours and it would take a little time to fall back asleep.

I have another question too. Do primary care physicians willingly prescribe this stuff? I went to a clinic and was not impressed with their office, staff, or the program they offered. I really felt they were there just to prescribe drugs. It would be ALOT cheaper if I could get it from MY doctor rather than driving all the way downtown and paying twice as much at this clinc.

Is phentermine ever covered by insurance?

Also, I just wanted to say that I noticed that quite a few of you are on WW and taking the phentermine. That makes me so happy because I love WW and just want to do that program. The points system has worked wonders for me in the past and would like to do it again. I lost 37 pounds back in 2003 before I got pregnant with my last baby and of course gained it all back - and in different spots too!

I am NOT interested in this doctor's program that I saw yesterday. It's confusing and looks very difficult for my lifestyle, also he didn't really take too much time to explain it to me.

You all are so motivating! I've read several of the forum threads before deciding to register, and I'm so excited to begin MY journey. I hope to see you all around the boards.

Crystal

**cecebean** · May 13th, 2008, 06:33 PM

Welcome Crystal! Phen is different for everyone, but personally, I find that if I exercise in the morning (I do 1 hour of cardio at the gym) that my energy stays more consistent all day, as well as my appetite (or lack thereof!) Exercise also helps you sleep better, so i would give it a try, even if it is just brisk walking. I dont know too much about insurance, I just know mine doesnt cover it, you should call and check it out. I also have never tried WW, but it sounds like alot of ppl here have had success while doing both. I hope I helped a little!

Welcoma again, and good luck!

**steffy3279** · May 13th, 2008, 06:54 PM

I went to the dr. today and got my phentermine I plan on starting tomorrow.
I am so excited to get started and lose some weight and get back into my
skinny clothes. I really do want this to work. I plan on eating the best I can.

My starting weight
5-14-08 185 lbs

**caterpillargirl** · May 14th, 2008, 09:32 AM

Thanks for the welcome!

I haven't started my exercise program yet. Just running after my 3 year old gets my heart rate up half the time.

My husband and I recently purchased some mountain bikes and have been out riding every weekend since we got them, so I'm getting some good exercise from that. Just not formally and just not every day yet.

I'll tell you, the first two days on the phen were so uncomfortable I don't think I could have done any cardio. I just felt sick and foggy. Yesterday I just wanted to lay around and close my eyes and wished I hadn't taken the phen.

I hope it gets better. I'm giving it two weeks like my doctor asked me to. It may be that they need to change my dosage, or try a different med. We'll see.

**libby0920** · May 14th, 2008, 10:51 AM

1. you need to make sure you are eating and drinking ALOT of water....
2. no most insurances dont cover phen
3. doctros that prescribe phen vary. some are strongly against it, others are for it, and some you have to coax into giving it to you.

how much are you paying? i pay $60 a month at my clinic

**caterpillargirl** · May 14th, 2008, 11:39 AM

Initially it was $120 for the office visit and $27 for the phen. When I go back on 5/27 it will be $45 for the office visit and I think $27 for the refill, but it depends on if I stick with this med or ask for another one.

**MSummerl** · May 14th, 2008, 12:32 PM

Interest.... I usually to buy the phentermine at Walmart for 30 qt of 30.75 mg... so it total me 25 dollar in Oregon.... so well? Do you know where is cheapest that you can get one?

**Ibsly271** · May 14th, 2008, 02:38 PM

I found that our local pharmacy - not Wal-Mart / Walgreens / Target, etc. was the cheapest. I pay $22 for 30mg - 30 pills. I didn't think that was too bad.

**Melinda00** · May 14th, 2008, 02:44 PM

If your not eating enough you will start to feel sick and run down. Try to get at least 1200 cals a day plus plenty of water . A daily vitamin helps also.
I get mine from my family doctor. I didn't have a problem talking him into it. He will however only give it to me for three monthes. My insurance does not pay for it so the perscription and the doctor visit cost me about $90 a month.

**jessi_b** · May 14th, 2008, 03:04 PM

I just started taking phen today. I am so excited to lose weight. Last summer I lost 24 lbs. for my wedding, by starving myself and taking some awful OTC diet pills (which gave me bad headaches). Since then I have gained 15 pounds back.

I have only taken half a pill because I am feeling jittery. Do u think I should take the other half anyway?

Actually, I feel just like Crystal did. I was amazed to read your entry, because it sounded like you were explaining exactly how I feel. By the way, my insurance did not cover the phen. It was $25 at Walgreen's. The receptionist told me there was a website where you could get a coupon or discount. I can try to call and get that info.
I went to a medical spa, that was nice, but very small. The dr. also gave me a B12 shot (for energy I think).

So does anyone know how long it takes before you start losing weight.

**steffy3279** · May 14th, 2008, 03:17 PM

Well so far so good. I think. I do have a bit of a headached kinda feel icky. So tomorrow I think that I will only take half a pill. I have drank plently of water 1.5 liters and another one to go.

**msredd** · May 16th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Hello Steffy3279: Keep me posted. I plan to start this weekend and you and I have about the same starting weight. so tell me are u taking 30 mg or 37.5mg? thanks

**Loving Me** · May 16th, 2008, 03:34 PM

WELCOME to ALL THE NEWBIES! I have been on Phen since 4/17/08 and thusfar I have lost 18 pounds. IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY and I get frustrated, but it's worth it! Caterpillargirl, I understand what you mean. When I first started Phen I had every single side effect; from THE WORST HEADACHES (that lasted three weeks), jitters, rapid heartbeating, bloating, constipation, mood changes, insomnia ( for the first 2 nights) then I was always tired....it's crazy how it effects you. Just make sure you eat, no matter if you are hungry or not. I had to put myself on an eating schedule. Every 2.5-3 hours I would eat something (fruit, veggies, a Special K bar, Nutri grain bar etc.) as long as I got in 1200 calories and PLENTY of water.
And yes, my insurance covers my Phen. I only pay $23. So, once again good luck and Welcome to the forum. It's some wonderful people here!

**ENisSLadY** · May 16th, 2008, 07:13 PM

Hey guys so I am pretty new to the pills- 3 weeks in...
some people are saying the side effects get better... like how long do I have to wait!?!? I'm sorry but I am just up and down and it kind of worries me. Also this last weekend I went to a friends for a party- I had 3 drinks and 2 shots, I ate before I went but didn't eat dinner... I started freaking out. I felt sick and it seemed like it was hard to breathe, I could feel my heart beat in my hands...
then again Yesterday I went to dinner with my Dad- which we never do so we always make it special- we had some drinks and again felt sick. I have had drinks before and been taking this so it confused me. Has anyone ever had somthing like that happen? I don't drink at all usually during the week. I can only afford to really go out one night and sometimes not at all. But now I am scared to drink anything! Anyone know anything? Any kind of info would help.

**steffy3279** · May 19th, 2008, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by msredd

Hello Steffy3279: Keep me posted. I plan to start this weekend and you and I have about the same starting weight. so tell me are u taking 30 mg or 37.5mg? thanks

Well so far to date I have lost 9 lbs. Drink Lots of water. That is truly the trick. I think.

**msredd** · May 19th, 2008, 04:37 PM

Thanks for the update Steffy3279, I took my first pill yesterday.. It made me sick, I even threw up, however, today I have taken my dosages ( i'm on the 37.5 mg, it took half and 10 am and other half around12) and it's now 2:30 and I feel fine, so I'm happy about that. what mg's are u taking?
good luck and Congrads on the 9lb ( that's great!!!!)

**steffy3279** · May 19th, 2008, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by msredd

Thanks for the update Steffy3279, I took my first pill yesterday.. It made me sick, I even threw up, however, today I have taken my dosages ( i'm on the 37.5 mg, it took half and 10 am and other half around12) and it's now 2:30 and I feel fine, so I'm happy about that. what mg's are u taking?
good luck and Congrads on the 9lb ( that's great!!!!)

Congrats to you on your 7 pounds that awesome. I am on 37.5 as well. I take only a half a pill a day. the whole pil made my head kinda werid feeling. Hey MsRedd I was wondering you like to be my bubby? I have looking for one and I also haven't figure that feature out yet. Let me.

**lety85** · April 23rd, 2010, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by MSummerl

Interest.... I usually to buy the phentermine at Walmart for 30 qt of 30.75 mg... so it total me 25 dollar in Oregon.... so well? Do you know where is cheapest that you can get one?

Could i ask who your Dr. is?? I live in portland oregon and havent found a Dr. to perscribe phentermine from?? Thanks ahead!!