Can You Take Phentermine Long-Term?

Can You Take Phentermine Long Term

While phentermine is very useful and effective in helping you to lose weight, it is important to remember that taking phentermine long-term is not recommended and that phentermine has always been intended for short-term use only.

This is because of how phentermine affects your heart and can cause serious side effects; plus, it can be addictive and becomes less effective over time as your body becomes accustomed to its effects.

Here we explain more about why phentermine is only recommended for limited periods of time, the potential risks of taking phentermine long term, and how you can maintain weight loss without taking phentermine long term.

Why Phentermine Is Recommended For Short-Term Use

Phentermine has been available on prescription since the 1970s for the short-term management of obesity after first receiving FDA approval in 1959.

It is recommended that phentermine only be prescribed short-term, typically interpreted as up to 12 weeks. There are two reasons why phentermine is only prescribed for a short period of time:

How Phentermine Affects The Body

The first reason is because of the effects phentermine has on the body. Phentermine is classified as a controlled substance, recognized as having a structure similar to amphetamine.

Like amphetamine, phentermine acts on the central nervous system to stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and nor-epinephrine (nor-adrenaline).

This causes phentermine to increase energy levels, suppress appetite, and minimize cravings, making it an effective weight loss medication that helps you to lose weight quickly.

However, for many patients taking phentermine, the initial effects can be quite aggressive, including feeling ‘wired’ and unable to sleep, with little to no appetite, and a variety of side effects, such as dry mouth, anxiety, depression, nausea, and mood swings.

Over time these side effects reduce, but so do the effects of appetite suppression and energy boosting. This is because the sustained use of many drugs causes adaptation within the body that tends to lessen the drug’s original effects over time, known as drug tolerance.

Many phentermine users experience a reduction in the effectiveness of the medication over time, which indicates that tolerance is occurring within the body until, eventually, patients experience fewer and fewer of the desired effects, with even the maximum dosage of 37.5mg providing very little appetite suppression or extra energy.

This is why it is crucial to take a break from phentermine, and then only take it for a further period if it is deemed necessary by your doctor.

It is not uncommon for patients to take phentermine more than once. However, it is not advisable for patients to take phentermine for several years.

Having to take phentermine many times would indicate that it is not effectively helping the patient to achieve long-term weight loss and so alternative treatment should be considered, such as counseling or more personalized dietary and lifestyle advice.

As a stimulant, phentermine also causes the heart to work faster as a means to enable the body to work more efficiently at processing food into energy.

Over time, this can put stress on the heart, resulting in symptoms such as chest pains and an increase in blood pressure, among other heart-related side effects.

Therefore, due to an increased risk of harm to the body coupled with a reduction in effectiveness, taking phentermine long-term is not worth the risk to the patient.

The Limitations Of Phentermine Research & Development

The second reason that phentermine is only recommended for short-term use is that the drug was never systematically tested for long-term use and, therefore, cannot be considered safe when taken for longer periods of time.

In the research and development stage, including clinical trials where patients took phentermine and were observed for weight loss and side effects, phentermine was only ever tested for short periods of time.

Therefore, the recommendation for it to be taken up to 12 weeks is based on the length of time participants in these clinical trials took phentermine. 

Because phentermine was first tested in the 1950s, it was not subjected to the rigorous testing methods that the FDA now imposes, as shown by the extensive year-long trials into Contrave, the latest weight loss drug to be approved by the FDA.

Therefore, when considering the possible long-term effects of taking phentermine, we have to rely on anecdotal reports from individuals and infer results from the long-term effects of taking drugs with similar substances to phentermine, such as amphetamines.

The Risks Of Taking Phentermine Long-Term

As we have explained, phentermine is not intended for long-term use, but despite this, there are still many posts in our Facebook support group from members who have taken phentermine for several years.

Conversations about taking phentermine for extended periods include reports of migraines, heart problems, high blood pressure.

In particular, one user is taking phentermine after nearly 7 years, despite having a BMI of 22, and is now experiencing eyesight problems as a result.

The fact that this user is a healthy weight would indicate that this member has developed a dependence or possibly an addiction to phentermine, whereby she no longer needs to lose weight but is still taking phentermine after years, and now her health is suffering.

Other conversations that discuss addiction to phentermine include people talking about how they continue to take phentermine despite no longer needing to lose weight or becoming dependent on it. They begin to take more and more each day to get the same effects.

Phentermine has a limited period of efficacy due to its amphetamine-like structure and addicting effects, so taking it long-term gives you fewer and fewer of the desired effects of appetite suppression and additional energy and more chance of dependence and suffering from dangerous side effects.

Other threads indicate that users doubt the addicting effects of phentermine or consider that it wouldn’t happen to them, and while individual differences mean that not everyone would experience severe side effects or dependence on phentermine, it is undeniable that phentermine is an addictive medication, shown by the withdrawal symptoms that many experiences once they stop taking phentermine.

For this reason, it is important always to follow your doctor’s instructions, so if you find that your phentermine prescription does not produce the same effects, you should not increase your dosage to manage your tolerance.

Doing this will only lead to a greater dependency and, therefore, a greater chance of withdrawal symptoms once your prescription ends.

This adaptation and tolerance to phentermine is the core reason for withdrawal symptoms, as strong medication can be highly reactive and addictive to the body.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that as phentermine is similar in structure to amphetamine, we cannot be sure that long-term usage doesn’t harm the body in some of the ways that amphetamine does when taken long-term.

Since no medical trials have extensively tested the effects of taking phentermine long-term, we would have to base our knowledge on the long-term usage of other amphetamine-like substances, which would therefore indicate that heart damage might occur, in addition to psychological damage or other unpredictable reactions.

Long-Term Weight Loss Without Taking Phentermine Long Term

Phentermine is not a miracle pill, but rather a tool kick to start your weight loss journey and should be used only as a means to establish a routine of healthy eating habits and exercise to continue for life.

If phentermine is taken without any effort to change the lifestyle in other ways, then it is to be expected that weight gain will occur once the phentermine prescription finishes.

But weight gain following the cessation of phentermine is no reason to take phentermine long-term, as this will just delay the inevitable, in addition to putting your health at risk.

To avoid the possibility of dependence while still taking phentermine, you should build yourself up to face the end of your prescription by using phentermine as a tool to help you achieve a maintainable healthy lifestyle.

As part of the best phentermine weight loss schedule, as well as eating healthily and exercising, it is important to establish a good sleeping routine and to take time to de-stress and look after your own well-being and emotional needs to create a balanced routine whereby you can continue to lose weight or maintain your goal weight without phentermine.

A great way to continue this balanced routine is to use a weight loss supplement such as Phen Caps to manage the end of your phentermine prescription.

Like phentermine, Phen Caps suppress appetite, reduce cravings, and increase energy, but they have no side effects and can be taken for as long as you need to achieve long-term weight loss.

Have you been taking phentermine long-term? If so, we’d love to hear from you if you have any feedback or questions, so please comment below!

Sally Cohen

Sally Cohen is a certified nutritionist passionate about promoting health at any size.

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113 Comments

  1. I’ve been on and off (mostly on) phentermine for two years. I’ve just recently realized my blood pressure is high. I tried to quit cold turkey but the withdrawal effect was too severe so I cut my dosage from 37.5mg to 30mg. I’m planning to cut down to 1/2 a 37.5mg pill, so like 19mg, soon hoping this won’t cause side effects. I’d really like to get off of it permanently as I believe it is starting to effect my health, plus I don’t think it’s helping me lose weight anymore, but it is so addictive. I’m afraid of the long term health effects, I’m only 24, I should not have high blood pressure. Do you think if I get off the phen soon my blood pressure will return to normal?

    1. Hi SDgirl24,
      We’re sorry to hear that your health has suffered after taking phentermine for an extended period but it sounds like you are taking control of the situation by reducing your dosage gradually with the aim of stopping. You would have to check with your doctor about your blood pressure but certainly coming off phentermine will help to improve your overall health.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  2. I’ve been taking Phentermine (30mg/qd) for 2 weeks and I was not getting results, perhaps because I’m 40 now and losing weight is harder now. So I added Wellbutrin 300mg/qd and Magic! I feel really good, my mood is improved and I am not eating everything I find. I know that a new behavior (diet/workout) needs to be established for me to succeed after the medication has to stop. Like making new brain connections and also understanding why I over-eat, why I use food to calm my anxiety, or if I’m bored or sad.

  3. I have been on Adipex for 5 days. I have not slept at all. I am nervous and jittery and have no appetite. Called my dr. and they said to split the pill. The dose is 37.5. I weigh 167 right now and am 5’6″. I have lost 3 lbs already. I just wonder whether I really need this pill. I need to be able to sleep. What do you think?

  4. I have been reading a lot and almost all of the comments here. I first started Phentermine February 2001 – May 2001. I weighed in at 187lbs and within months I weighed in at 119lbs. Loved this stuff! Miracle pill I called it. I worked out, ran, cleaned house like no other. Best feeling in the world. Then, I started to have my heart rate at 120 per min just sitting. Started to have anxiety, panic attacks, along with ticks! I started to blink my eyes unctrollably along with stretching my mouth wide open. I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on and still haven’t until now. Reading some of the posts just made everything clear to me. I became a hypochondriac! Worried about EVERYTHING! Constantly in and out of Dr offices including the ER! I stopped taking this medicine for a while. I had my daughter Sept 2006. Decided to try it again and nope, instant panic. Couldn’t do it. Decided to work out and eat healthy. Lost all my baby weight and felt good about life. Met my now husband 2009. Still working out and couldn’t have felt better about myself ever. I’m fit, beautiful, he’s a muscular man indeed. We were both into fitness and along with that, we enjoyed our wine nights. We found ourselves sitting in the parking lot at the workout center debating on going in or going home tommake dinner and drink. We eventually got into the routine of drinking instead of the gym! Oops, bad, idea! We’re now married since 2011. We have both gained weight! More my husband b/ I have an eating disorder scared out of mind to even admit it! But, I do! I eventually got him started on Phentermine. He lost 20 plus pounds but puts it back on b/ he stops. I have to admit. I have been taking his pills as well. Not experiencing panic attacks but noticed my tick came back with the eyes after consuming the pill. It’s been this way since 2012, 4 years. One other thing I’ve noticed is and I’m sorry to be so informative but. Diarrhea!!!!!! Upset stomach!!!!!! Hemorrhoids!!!!!! Bleeding!!!!!!! Ticks!!!!!!! Anxiety!!!!!! Body aches!!!!!! Need I say more. This medicine may help you suppress your appetite, lose weight, possibly feel good, look good. But it’s doing more harm than good. I have been off for about three weeks and I’m finally noticing why I have had all these health issues. Maybe and more than possible is b/ I have been on it so long. I’m just glad I have finally come to realize I’m really not crazy. Medicine is. ??. Love your body, eat right and listen to it. Took me far too long to do so. God bless

    1. Did your anxiety and depression stuff seem to subside after being off the adipex for a while? I’ve been taking it off and on for about 3 years now I’m not addicted by no means bc when I say off and on its on for approximatey 2 to 3 months at a time, anyways about 3 years ago I was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and bipolar depression and the anxiety just seems to get worse and worse, well after reading a lot of the comments on here I started to realize I didn’t get this bad amxiety until after I first started taking the adipex…Anyways my anxiety is getting severe again and I just recently started taking the medicine again, and I’m just hoping stopping the adipex for good will help with my severe anxiety… Thanks

  5. I am 47, have been on phentermene for almost 4 years now. I started taking it to lose 20lbs so I’d look & feel better (for pictures!) for my son’s graduation… the first couple years were great! I had energy, worked out, was proactive and driven at work. Was the fun spontaneous mom! Even better – I had a lot more energy and confidence in the bedroom for my husbands sake ! I was losing weight, felt great & looked good. I did get the dry mouth, constipation, headaches and insomnia – but all the pros outweighed the cons….Fast forward to today: I am addicted. I can’t function without it. I have tried and can’t go one day without it. My eyesight has suffered I know. Everything is always blurry… I feel spacey all the time. I have gained ALL my weight back and more! I am always VERY angry and easily agitated. I am depressed/crying most of the day – My husband and I are on verge of divorce because the sight of him now just aggravates me to the point that we fight every day. I seem to dwell on all the little things that I can’t stand in everyone. I’m miserable! and making everyone around me miserable… how do I wean myself off!? I have to get my life back!

    1. Hi Annie,
      Weening yourself off phentermine won’t be easy judging by the scale of your addiction-related symptoms. You should speak to your doctor to see if there is some way he or she can help you gradually cut down and get your life back. Wishing you the best of luck.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  6. I’ve taken phentermine on and off for ten years now (since 2006). A co-worker introduced me to them after I complimented her on her weight loss. I was in my mid-twenties, already exercising some, and vegetarian.

    It worked wonders and I had tons of energy and excitement about life and could find lots of deals on size small clothing on the sales racks. It was a golden time.

    I only stopped taking them during periods when I switched jobs and made a lot less money (@that time, I paid $25 for a visit at the doc-in-a-box, botox/”spa” place, $100 for the pills, 37.5mg, 30ct). I would regain most of the weight. At my smallest, I wore a size 2-4, weighed a muscular 139lbs for my 5’4 height). Glorious times indeed.

    When I found a cheaper place, an ob/gyn who also ran a weight clinic and charged $20 & wrote an RX to be filled for only $8 at Sam’s, I started back. Each time I’d do this, the weight would melt off again but not quite as easily. I sometimes wondered if the Adipex was a diuretic because the first day I took the pill, I’d pee maybe 12 times and the next morning, I’d look 5lbs slimmer instantly.

    Again, each time I started back up on the pills, it worked BUT I began to depend on it more for maintenance of current weight and energy (much better than coffee, wouldn’t stain my teeth) & less for new weight loss and fitness goals.

    After being on phentermine for about 2 years straight between mid2014 – mid2016, I stopped cold turkey.

    OMG. It was ridiculous. Since July 2016, I’ve gained 35lbs. It’s only the beginning of November. I’ve experienced a profound loss of energy, motivation, positivity, willpower… I am having a difficult time deciding what is depression due to withdrawal versus other situations in my life. I can’t tell how much of the weight gain is due to hormonal changes because I’m getting older (35) versus withdrawal. I’ve even been reevaluating what I know about my personality (just how much of that “joie de vivre” over the last 9 years was due to my own unaffected bubbly nature versus…phentermine highs?

    In the past two months, I’ve considered going back on the pills just to get my weight under control (who wants to have to buy new “big girl”clothes?)… But I cannot. I’ve fought too hard to get my mental state back from that abyss. And, boy has it has been abysmal–again, I kept going back and forth between feelings of healthy grief/PMS-y type days and wondering what the heck was wrong with me, I’m fat, ugly, worthless and gonna lay here and not do anything about it. Miserable.

    I do NOT recommend phentermine, short or long term use. I did not mention earlier how I also worry that I might have developed a heart issue (and I’m almost terrified to get that checked out). It’s addictive– you’ll crave the mental stimulation/energy boost and become spoiled by the unrealistic fast weight loss results with little effort. Long term, the cost adds up and the benefits are soon outweighed by the pounds you pack back on as soon as you stop taking it (doubly so if you didn’t bother to modify your eating and exercise habits).

    I survived 10 years (mostly on, sometimes off) of Adipex /Phentermine. I weigh more now than I ever did (a whopping 193lbs) and I wish I’d dedicated more time to learning how to do better the right way. Hope this helps someone!

    1. Hi Nik,
      Thank you so much for sharing your experiences of taking phentermine long term. We really appreciate your honest account of how phentermine has affected you, and we hope that you get the help you need to overcome the problems you’ve faced since quitting. Good luck.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  7. I’m 52 years old , I started taking 37.5 phen my fist time 2 1/2 weeks ago.
    I’ve experienced lots of energy, no appetite, insomnia, some headaches, not to mention extreme dry mouth and constipation.
    My doctor said he would only prescribe it for 3 months just to give me a kick start. I have to say so far I’ve dropped 15 pounds, without trying to diet but staying under a certain amount of calories daily including working out 30-45 min a day.
    I’ve started my journey at 317 pounds , I began to diet and exercise before I began my phen. I dropped 35 pounds on my own in 3 months. Then my next doctors visit I gained 12 pounds back, I was very upset so my doctor told me about phen. I went from 294 to 278 in less then 3 weeks. I want to stop taking it because of my side effects but I’m afraid I will gain it back. I think people should be able to try it as a quick weight loss for a short time without bad side effects. Until you’re ready to see a difference with the pill and the long term damage or stop and think twice about what’s better for the long run doing it the healthy way. My goal is to lose 130 pounds at 5’6″ without meds and doing it slow with the right diet and exercise for long term health.

  8. I have Hashimoto’s so it’s very difficult for me to lose weight. Even with going to the gym and eating right, the weight was not moving. I started taking Phentermine 2 months ago, I am on my 3rd month. I have dropped 18 lbs. so far. I plateau for days and then I drop a pound. I rather do it slowly instead of dropping super fast.

    I find that if I forget to miss a dose (mostly on weekends) I find that I really don’t miss it. However, I do nibble a bit more and ask myself why only to find out that I forgot to take it. I also noticed that I don’t crave sugar anymore like I used to but, I do eat a Power Crunch Choklat after lunch. I used to eat one after dinner but no longer do.

    My appetite has changed considerably. I don’t eat as much as I used to. I’ve been on a GLUTEN Free diet for over 3 years and when I started with phentermine I’ve been on a Low Carb, High Protein diet. I’ve cut out all processed foods. I did notice that when I do cheat, for example; I ate a Gluten Free Lasagna the other day my stomach was not happy.

    I’m glad I found this site as I was told I could be on Phentermine for 6 months and off several before I can go back again. I may just finish this year out as the holidays are approaching and ween myself off of them completely and continue with my new eating habits.

  9. I have taken this medication for almost 5 months. I have had bad headaches and it has effected my eyesight. Even now I have stopped taking the drug my eyesight is extremely bad. You never know how it will affect you or when it will start affecting you. Not a miracle pill.

  10. I’m 46 and have taken phentermine for 8 months. The truth is that I love it! I have no side effects and I think it’s great how well the appetite suppression works. I do stop taking it for a few days at a time so that it still remains effective. My doctor said I can’t take it long term, but why not? I think it works great with my body chemistry. Is there something similar that I can take longer for weight loss maintenance? If I do start to experience negative side effects than I would stop taking it… but right now it’s still working well for me.

    1. Hi Julie,
      Medications like phentermine aren’t designed to be taken long-term. You may not have any side effects yet that you know of but taking medications such as phentermine on a long-term basis are dangerous and can do lasting and irreversible damage to your body. Read some of the comments on this blog article or on our Facebook support group to see how people have been affected by long-term use. If you’re taking phentermine and no longer need to lose weight then you should take steps to come off it.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  11. Hi everyone,

    I started phentermine back in 2012 after I had gained almost 70 lbs during a pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. I gained so much weight because I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and my body just couldn’t take it. So I changed my lifestyle and phentermine has a lot to do with that. I couldn’t believe how much energy I had but more than that, I was focused more than ever not to mention the weight loss. Unfortunately, I have become dependent on it and it’s not really helping with cravings anymore. Also, I think it’s affecting my health; when I stop taking it, I get dizzy spells and feel really faint and tired. I haven’t taken them for about a week now and I’m going to try really hard to not fall back into them. I am going to look into something to help with focus and concentration, I really have been using it for that over the last couple years. It truly is a wonderful medication but I highly recommend only using it short term and sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise regime, phentermine is an excellent spring board.

  12. Feeling all alone here! I haven’t read anything that describes my situation…I’ve never had a weight problem growing up, I’m not obese now, and I’ve been taking Phentermine (37.5) for about 3 or 4 years (Yes, you read that correctly). I grew up with healthy eating habits & was very active in sports. I’m 49 years old, had 3 children, eat very clean, and still very active (scuba dive, ski, etc). So why did my endocrinologist prescribe me Phentermine? I had weighed about 130 lbs (I’m 5’5″) and had gained about 15 pounds without changing what I eat and under no stress. I found out that I am Insulin Resistant and was given Metformin for my glucose-insulin war, and Phentermine for the weight. I started off with half a tablet of 37.5 mg, then it was upped to a full tablet when that didn’t work. Fast forward to today, I have celiac disease so I still eat very clean but, my weight usually hovers around 140 lbs – 142 lbs. This 10 pounds won’t go away & makes a big difference in how I physically feel and how my clothes fit. If my physical activity slows down, I start gaining weight (my metabolism and thyroid were checked again and they’re fine). Can I be the only person who actually gains weight while on Phentermine?? My next appointment is in a week & I’d like to start weening myself off it if since I’ve been on it for so long & I’m worried about the effects from long-term use, and it never worked for me in the first place. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    1. Hi Lauri,
      I’m sorry you haven’t found any advice for your situation on our blog but we mainly aim at people taking phentermine for weight loss, and yours is more of a specific individual case. We agree that it is a good idea to try and stop taking phentermine though, as, like you say, it’s not even working so it makes no sense to continue taking it. Good luck for your appointment and I hope that you can find a solution to your problem.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  13. After about 10 months of using phentermine I have developed hypertension. I haven’t taken any phentermine in a few days. I was wondering if my blood pressure would eventually go back to normal or is this permanent?

    1. Hi Jesse,
      We’re really not qualified to say, this is something you should speak to your doctor about.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  14. I’ve used phentermine for 3 1/2 years. I received it through a clinic. I had few side effects dry mouth, some restless sleep. My energy went through the roof. I finally lost weight. From 214 lbs to 156 lbs. I felt & looked better than I had in years. My only regret is not receiving it by a regular physician to be monitored closely because there where hidden side effects popping up that I did not consider were from these pills. A clinic from my previous employment had taken me off because my feet & legs where swelling. He couldn’t believe I had been on them for so long. Since I’ve quit taking them my life has turned around. I’ve quit 3 jobs in 3 mths. I had previously held my former job 20+ years. Since I quit my last job I can longer go to the clinic. I have no dr, no insurance & I’m fighting this addiction by myself. I’m still phentermine-free although I have days I don’t think I can make it. On those days I think how far I’ve come & that helps me have strength to stay free. I’ve done some online research & this is just my personal opinion of how I think the drug has effected me – I called it my wonder woman drug, these are symptoms I suffer from since I started taking phentermine: Anxiety disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, sexual hypocrisy (nympho), exhibitionist. Like I said this is just my own analysis. I also think I need a psychological evaluation. I’ve always pride myself on being strong & independent but my struggles are real. I act on impulse more now as before I would think things through. My finances have suffered because I can’t seem to work for long at a time now. My patience is short fused. I need help but without insurance or the finances I’m unable to find help. If anyone knows how or where I can receive treatment please let me know.

    1. Hi Debra,
      I’m really sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had as a result of taking phentermine. Without a doctor to go to, all I can suggest as a way to ask for help is to contact an addiction helpline or go to a free clinic, and then explain your symptoms to see if there is some kind of addiction management or evaluation they can help you with.
      Good luck,
      Sally, phentermine.com

  15. I have been taking phentermine (highest dosage) for a year or two 1/2 a pill a day during the work week. I usually only take it during the week for energy and it helps with my mood. How bad do you think this is affecting my heart?

    1. Hi,
      We’re not medically trained so it’s hard to say, but it sounds like you’re taking phentermine unnecessarily if it’s not even for weight loss, so you could be addicted to it. You should speak to your doctor about coming off it and finding other ways to help with your mood and energy levels, such as prescribed exercise, meditation, dietary advice or stress-management techniques. You could also ask for a check-up for things like blood pressure etc if you’re worried about your heart.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  16. Hi..read some of your comments and do agree…this phentermine is very addicting. I am ashamed to say I’ve been on it for 4 years. I want to stop, but when I do, I feel so horrible I just start again. I know I’m addicted, but like one gal said, I’m embarrassed to tell anyone. Tomorrow I have to have a colonoscopy and Dr. Told me to be off of it for 2 weeks because of the anesthesia I must have. Well, I couldn’t stop for 2 weeks….now I’m scared to have it done. I don’t want to die over this stuff.

    1. Hi Valerie,
      I really think you should tell your doctor that you weren’t able to stop for two weeks. Yes, it will be embarrassing and difficult, but this is nothing compared to putting yourself at risk with a surgery which might put you at risk. If you can’t get the words out or can’t face your doctor, trying writing it down or sending an email or text message. Your doctor will be glad you admitted it rather than lie and say that you did stop the phentermine, and it could be a good way to get out your secret and take steps to getting help.
      Sally, phentermine.com

  17. I’ve always had issues with my weight. I remember weighing 100 pounds in 2nd grade, 280 in 8th grade and 421 in 2008. In March of 2015 I decided I need to make some changes and after not seeing my doctor for 7 years and despite being a ticking time bomb. I joined the gym and made an appointment to see my dr. I began working out I don’t know what my starting weight was but I’m sure it was significantly higher than 421 from 7 years earlier. My doctor had never been able to weigh me in office. I could only find out my weight by going into urgent care or the hospital as they had higher capacity scales. By August 2015, my clothes were noticeably looser and face smaller. I was around 390. In December I had to have a minor surgery and was 374. In April of 2016 I was 371 despite working out 4 times a week 2 hours per session. A year earlier my gave me the information leaflet for qsymia. I was nervous about the side effects but after the death of a family member due to heart issues due to weight I decided I needed to get this weight off as quickly as possible. I started phentermine and topiramate in May. I went to the dr in June and they could almost weigh me. This past Friday in July they could I’m down to 349. I’ve lost 25 pounds this is my 3rd month on the drug. I have noticed some mood changes but nothing I can’t deal with. I’m wanting to lose another 100 pounds. This drug has been a godsend I really felt like I had plateaued despite meticulous tracking of my meals for the last 500 days and intense workouts. I know once I hit my goal I’ll be able to maintain with diet and exercise. I love working out and how it makes me feel so I never think I’ll be a prisoner in my body again. I think for short term use this drug will be ok for me. I think by years end I will be able to come off of it.

    1. Hi!
      Thank you so much for your story, it’s great to hear how the phentermine and topiramate combination is helping you. We’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review about your experience with phentermine to share your experience and feedback with all of our readers. Good luck!
      Sally, phentermine.com

  18. I just read this article and I have been on phentermine for two years. I was 220 pounds and now I’m 135-138, it always fluctuates. The first agreement before starting this medicine with my doctor was to stop when I reached 150 pounds but I talked him into 130 pounds. So now that I’m finally the closest I’ve ever been to reaching that I can tell you I agree with the fact that this medicine SHOULD NOT BE USED LONG TERM!!! I’m very addicted like I see/hear myself get mad when there is a chance that I’m not going to be able to see the doctor to get a new script. When I ran out before I would be like I’ll just see about getting an appointment sometime later that week. Now I’m like I have to have it or I’m going to be hungry. The past two weeks I discovered I now have really bad anxiety I haven’t really eaten at all. I’ve maybe consumed 500 calories at most on a good day. But I go to the gym and burn those off. I’ve lost so much weight I wear size small shirts and a size 3 in shorts all my friends are like oh you look so good what diet plan have you been doing and all the compliments over the years make you want to stay on this medicine because you have to keep looking good, you have to have the attention… That’s the other thing, I’m addicted to the attention… Your mindset is I look good now why aren’t guys looking at me why aren’t they talking to me… I only got this guy because I looked this good so I have to stay this way or be skinnier. I CAN’T GET FAT AGAIN!!! THAT IS WHAT THIS MEDICINE DOES IN LONG TERM ASPECTS!!! Currently I’m considered anorexic but I hide it well and people don’t ask unless you tell them and who’s gonna tell them? I also agree that no the phentermine is not working and in the past two weeks I’ve added hydroxycut h2o with it is why I don’t eat anymore however I don’t recommend that either because when you do try to eat since you get shaky and dizzy and tired your stomach will twist and turn and hurt so bad because it’s not used to having food. Do it the right way people diet exercise and short term uses of phentermine only if you choose to use it.

  19. I started taking Phentermine a few years ago to bump start weight loss. I only took it for 12 weeks and lost a few pounds. But what I found was that Phentermine stopped my fibromyalgia pain. Completely. I started taking it again this year..in January. I have lost quite a bit of weigh this time….but by far the best thing is that I am pain free. My Dr and I are going to work on a plan so that I don’t keep losing weight so that I can continue taking it for pain relief.

  20. Hello I have been on phentermine now for 2 years, quit cold turkey once for 3 months just to see if I could. I started out at 250 pounds at 5’4. I have lost more than 80 pounds now! My doctor has me on a combo of phentermine and Topamax. So far it’s worked great for me! When I went off it for 3 months I slept all the time I wasn’t going to the gym or getting up near as early and of course my appetite increased! What I am going to do at the end of this month when I start to slowly decrease my medications is take supplements of vitamins and vegetables and drink lots of water and exercise at least 5 times a week! And get plenty of sleep each night! This is so important while you are winging yourself off the medication. I read a lot of comments about people struggling with constipation and I would always eat a lot of prunes or cantaloupe that always helped me. With phentermine you need to take extra fiber in your diet. So that your bowls will move or you will be in trouble quick?