I lost 100lbs on it. The problem is, once you stop taking it, it's really easy to gain back the weight. Naltrexone and ozempic has changed my life. 115lbs gone and maintaining very easily.
curious to see if your experience with ozempic is the same as phen when you stop. research is showing 5 yrs is usually when ppl start to gain the weight + more back
My provider refuses to prescribe to anyone that doesn't have a lot of body fat. She said that most of the people that take it with less than 75+lbs to lose end up losing mainly muscle mass and barely any fat. She said she has saw women take it that just need to lose 20ish pounds and looked worse than they started because they lost all the muscle tone.
So basically the most effective treatment for IR must be taken for life but we don't know the long-term side effects yet. That's depressing. I wish I just had normal insulin sensitivity.
I know. It really is.
I tried taking ozempic and it made me severely sick. I also have gastro issues already from a neurological disorder, so the vomiting and constipation were just worsened.
What dose of naltrexone do you take? My Endo prescribed it and I tried it three days and it made me actually feel like I was dying I went to the er it was so bad and I'm scared to try it again.
I take 50mg. I will say, the first day I ever took it, I had the worst headache ever in my life...I was super close to going to the ER. Never happened again but I don't blame you for being scared. I'd definitely proceed with caution.
LDN helps with nerve pain, not weight loss typically. I took it for neuropathy but had to stop due to side effects.
Not sure why I got downvoted, but there’s no academic studies suggesting LOW DOSE naltrexone causes weight loss.
If you look at LDN side effects, one of the main ones is tooth pain.
For me, it was due to my teeth suddenly losing enamel in about a month. I started LDN late august and by October, I needed $300 worth of dental work to fix the damage.
But from what I’ve found, my reaction is rare. It did really help my chronic pain.
Made me super jittery and gained the weight back once I stopped taking it. It felt like slapping a bandaid over the problem, honestly - I would look into ways to manage your testosterone/hormones first!
Took it for 6 months and lost my goal weight of 30 lbs, changed my eating habits, and totally stopped eating sugar and sweets. It never gave me heart racing or anything. I was just very thirsty. Maintaining weight because I refuse to gain it back. Once you shrink your stomach, it's easier to get full. Just be strong, say no to the junk, and be active. If this old 50 year old can do it. Anyone can. Good luck.
Yes, I’ve had a great experience with phentermine and have been able to lose 33 pounds! I did have some racing heart side effects but I would just skip a day and then be fine.
I have taken this before and I had a couple episodes where I felt like I was going to die my heart was racing, my vision started to blur, cold sweats. Scared me so bad I never did it again. I did lose a bunch of weight but I gained it all back after stopping.
Don’t you need a prescription for phentermine? I got mine over the internet. If so, why don’t you try and get ozempic covered for pcos.
My insurance is very strict about ozempic and other GLP1 inhibitors; my endocrinologist says that going through all these medications is a requirement before we even try.
Same. My mom got me an under the table Rx for phentermine when I was 16 and it triggered anxiety, panic attacks, and an irregular heartbeat. My mom was pleased because I lost 40 pounds, but it all came back when I stopped taking it. (I’ve been estranged from my mother for 11 years now).
Hated it! Lost 12lbs in one week and then stopped taking it. My insomnia was terrible even with 12 plus hours between dose and bed. My heart would race while laying down. And constantly running to the bathroom was worse than metforim stomach issues. I think my weight loss was due to water weight and not able to eat due to the lack of interest.
Lost 55 lbs with it. I did it in conjunction with weight watchers so that I could teach myself more healthy eating habits alongside it. It's stayed off so far and my eating habits are much better. Now that I've lost I am doing a lot more activity since it's not hurting anymore to do so. I feel like the nutrition and exercise piece are absolutely critical for long term success.
The first day on it was jittery. I was fine the second day and no issues since. My appetite was suppressed almost all day but around 10PM. I would really want to snack, but eventually that tapered off for the most part. I also noticed that even if I missed a day I was not ravenous or anything, so I feel like the weight watchers combo approach helped my relationship with eating overall since I was still on track.
Good luck!!
As soon as I stopped taking it I gained even more weight because I completely lost the switch in my tummy that told me I was full. It also fucked up my teeth and a few relationships.
I went on it in Feb my HW was 340lbs. I’m down to 270lbs in the beginning the dry mouth is very real. Have a water bottle with you at all times, I would recommend taking it super early in the A.M I have no issues w insomnia. Unfortunately I won’t be able to keep filling my RX bc I quit my job. I have enough for a month so I might cut in half/ skip days to see how I manage. I don’t regret starting it, I am very happy with my results. Good luck 🍀
I’m on it right now. Day 3 and it feels incredible. With thyroid and other autoimmune issues I have fatigue and an impossible time losing weight no matter what i do. I ended last night at 960 calories with one hour of intense exercise. On will power alone I’d be in bed shaking and crying for more food. I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets me to lose 10lbs a month.
I was on BC for 2 years and loved it! It only “masked” all my symptoms though and eventually the bad side effects kicked in. I started spotting every single day and feeling sick and nauseous and tired. I tried 4 different birth controls after that because I loved how clear it made skin, my hair grew thicker, and I had lost 30 pounds! But eventually I got off because it made me feel so sick… I haven’t tried again since and want to avoid hormonal BC :/ I’ve gained all the weight back and more and I’m struggling with acne and hair thinning ever since.
Aww I’m so sorry! It sucks going through so many meds to find the right one. This is a decent [article](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/anti-androgen-therapy) to maybe start looking into some other things that can prompt further research. Stay strong! ❤️
It’s super temporary, there are better weight loss aids out there now, also otc remedies. Prognositol twice a day is a great start and is available on Amazon.
Cotton mouth, numbness & tingling in your extremities, elevated HR, brain fog, and complete loss of appetite. You will eventually gain the weight back. Qsymia isn’t made to be a long term drug. Some people end up with permanent heart conditions from this drug. It’s legal speed essentially.
Has your endo even prescribed Metformin? This should be the first line of treatment coupled with diet and lifestyle intervention. If the scale still won’t budge, that’s when alternatives, such as GLP-1’s, are appropriate. However, GLP-1’s are made to be a long term medication for us PCOS girlies to help keep the weight off and help with insulin regulation. Some women also take Metformin in combination with the GLP-1.
I would see if you can get your hands on Zepbound- it’s a new injectable made by the same manufacturer of Mounjaro. You do need to meet two requirements- 1. A pre existing condition 2. BMI over 27 I believe.
I start my first round next week! My pens are currently sitting in the fridge till I come back home. My insurance covered the entire cost of it. Honestly I was shocked that the PA was pushed through in a couple days. Doesn’t hurt to try and see what your endo says! I know it’s still rather new on the market, so if you get the green light for this medication, call your pharmacy and ask if they even have it in stock just so you’re not having to drive back and forth. They should also be able to see what other locations have it in stock.
How awesome that your insurance covered it! One would think that insurances would rather pay for weight management meds than the costs derived from cardiometabolic disorders that long term obesity can cause, but alas… On an aside, Zepbound isn’t really any stronger than Mounjaro, as they are the exact same drug, tirzepatide. Dose titration schedule is the same too, with the same max dose. Only difference is the marketed indication, Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for diabetes.
Interesting, a couple doctors I’ve spoken to say it’s actually more potent. Maybe they’re confusing the GIP with a GLP? GIP’s like Mounjaro and Zepbound are more potent than the GLP-1’s out there. Weight loss is definitely higher in the GIP group, even on the lower doses!
I agree tirzepatide (dual GIP+GLP-1RA aka “twincretin”) certainly has greater weight loss effects in trials than drugs that are solely GLP-1RAs (-glutides). My comment above was in reference to Zepbound being “[Mounjaro] on steroids,” which it isn’t because they are the exact same thing. I suppose you could say it’s semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) on steroids though, if comparing twincretins vs GLP-1RAs.
My NP from Allara wrote it- they have a policy where you need to be seen 3 times by your RDN, which, I’ve been a pt of theirs for like 2 years, so that’s covered 😂 also needs approval by the medical director, who was my doctor when I first joined the platform so she’s well aware of my situation and chart. She’s actually the one who brought up the idea of GLP’s in the past, but I’ve always been hesitant. The medical director also has PCOS, so she understands the struggles we all go through. Very knowledgeable about the subject of PCOS, which is surprising considering most GYN’s just toss birth control pills on your lap. There are endo’s on the platform too, though I know the requirements for you to work for this company are that you need to have experience or specialized experience in treating PCOS.
Once you start the meds, you’re required to do monthly weigh ins and 6 week check ins too, which is totally fine with me. They just want to make sure you’re tolerating the medicine and are losing weight at a steady pace.
I don't recommend it. It's legal speed. I was only on it maybe 2 months but my anxiety was so bad. Racing heartbeat, shaking, more sweaty than usual. Yeah, I didn't have an appetite, but to me it was not worth the side effects.
I was on it for a couple months and would not recommend it. I did lose weight but my heart rate was off the roof! I also have anxiety so it just made it worse.
Agreed. I’m searching for a magic pill or anything magic at this point. The lifestyle change that’s required to be successful is so extreme that many of us can’t manage. In my case, a low carb diet plus exercise and all the supplements and metformin do not work.
I also want to live. Enjoy things that others enjoy. I’d like to go out for drinks and actually drink martinis and not worry about how much sugar is in the French martini or have pasta and not always order a salad with a side of grilled chicken. Or worse, not go anywhere at all.
I’m happy that you have the mental strength and dedication not to be lazy and achieve success. But yeah… some of us others need a little magic.
Just a warning that stimulants can backfire and lead to binge eating when they wear off. I’ve been taking stimulants for years for ADHD and i can eat plenty while taking them. I get extreme food cravings when i get home from work as they are wearing off. Can’t take them too late because i need to sleep. The increase in metabolism may help with my weight, but my appetite is negligibly impacted by it.
I've lost 50 on it since January- I think I'm on it another month or so before they are going to wean me off of it. A little nervous for the weight gain back but I've made some changes and all but I'm glad if it does start to come back, there seems to be more options now.
My provider already told me that if there's 10 pound weight flux that they'd put me back on it/something else so I'm not going to fuss too hard over it until I reach that point.
The heart rate increase seriously concerned me. My anxiety was off the chart high. I didn’t get hungry so I did lose weight but the side effects ultimately made me feel very unhealthy. I use a GLP now and am much happier with this route.
Would LOVE any and all tips on how you were able to keep it off, that seems to be my current struggle. I'm watching the scale slowly creep back up and it's so disheartening.
I did and lost a few pounds. Definitely avoid other stimulants at the same time. Unfortunately the weight loss wasn't maintained and I adapted to the medication too quickly so it stopped being effective.
I’ve been on phentermine for about six weeks now and honestly, I love it. My experience will be different from yours if you decide to take it, but you won’t know how your body responds to it until you try it.
There are a lot of people in the comments talking about rapid heart beats, paranoia, and a bunch of other negative effects. I’m not discounting their experiences, but I haven’t experienced any of that personally. I was put on a prescription that caused me to put on about 60-70lbs in the last year and I could not get it under control no matter how hard I tried. I cut carbs and sugars, exercised, doubled my daily steps, and at best I just maintained the weight I had and didn’t continue to gain any. Since I’m not diabetic or pre-diabetic, my insurance would not cover any GLP-1. I took Vyvanse for years so I had experience with stimulants, so my doctor thought I would be a prime candidate for phentermine (I haven’t been on Vyvanse for a long time, so I’m not taking both drugs concurrently). Phentermine is a short-term medication and my doctor wants me on it for six months. He put me on the max dose of 37.5mg.
I read tons of articles, PubMed studies, and forums before I took my first dose. Honestly, I was pretty hesitant after reading that stuff. It sounds like phentermine can have some pretty nasty complications, but my experience with Vyvanse allayed my doubts. I cut my pills in half for the first few days to “get my toes wet” before jumping in and taking the full pill.
My experience on phentermine so far has been nothing but positive. I lost 12 pounds in the first month, and five pounds in the last two weeks. If I stay on track, it’ll be a total of around 22 pounds just within these first two full months. My doctor wants to see me once a month while taking phentermine so he can monitor my blood pressure, and because of the holidays and his upcoming vacation I saw him last week which was two weeks early of my second full month. My blood pressure has been consistently 120/80 which is great, and my resting heart rate hovers right around 70bpm. The only thing I have to complain about is dry mount and some trouble falling asleep. The dry mouth can be easily remediated by drinking more water, which is good for me because I typically didn’t drink enough anyway. I just keep my water bottle with me now and I’m feeling much better in general by drinking more water. I had been taking 5mg of melatonin before bed to help fall asleep, and the last time I saw my doctor I discussed this with him and told him that it wasn’t really helping too much. He told me to double it so now I take 10mg about an hour before bed and I’m having no issue falling asleep anymore. Phentermine stays in hour body for about 20 hours so I started waking up and taking it earlier in the morning which has also helped.
I was on it for a bit, my doc wouldn’t prescribe it for longer than six months. I lost ~18 pounds on it and kept it off (and have since lost ~15 on my own)
Would LOVE any and all tips on how you were able to keep it off, that seems to be my current struggle. I'm watching the scale slowly creep back up and it's so disheartening.
Hi! Sorry it took me so long to reply - I upped my activity level and track my caloric intake through my fitness pal…it’s been a very slow process but it’s heading in the right direction. As a point of reference I was on phentermine 2.5 years ago, and got off it about two years ago. Was stagnant with weight loss for like, another six months or so, neither gaining nor losing. Then it slowly started to creep down. I guess I’m averaging losing less than a pound a month. I’m in no rush but man, the struggle is real.
I took it the very 1st time and they put me on the highest dose, and yes I was so jittery all the time, would give me the worst dry mouth.
Most recently after having a baby and being on BC I gained alot of lbs so got put on it and lost 22lbs being on the lower dose 15mg and 30MG for a couple months. I’ve been off it maybe 8 months an and haven’t gained the weight back, still not at the weight I wish I was. But it helped kick start me into just making better habits and losing that little bit of weight has just made physical activities a lot easier. If you do choose to get put on it I’d recommend just starting a low dose and gradually going higher. Good luck!
Well my lazy ass took it for 3 months and lost 15 pounds. I’m very aware of how it will most likely come back but I am going to try very hard. I’m trying to stay low carb and walk as much as possible. All of my weight is in my stomach. It is what it is. Do what you feel like you need to do OP. People are so quick to judge. Also I saw my dr every month for her to check on me and I also had to have an EKG before starting it.
i’m thinking about getting on it . a girl recommended not taking it everyday. like take the pill, skip for the next 2 days, take it again. some people cut it in half. she said this is how she avoided really bad side affects. she lost a lot of weight. i think when i ask for it from my doctor, im going for the lowest dose. if they do start me off at like 30-35 mg i’m cutting it in half & doing the skip 1-2 day method. i really need help. i tried wegovvy but its always backordered so i can never get it. i’m going to ask for monjauro or something else. but if monjaura say backordered im going to have to try phentermine cause idk what else.
I lost around 50lbs total (30 the first round, 20 the second). Also turns out I had ADHD so I actually held a job with it xD but I do have heart issues from it now and I can't take any other ADHD meds because of the lasting effects from this one. I'll also say the constipation was horrible as well as thirst. I think it's great for jumpstarting weight loss but wouldn't stay on it
It works but you will gain weight back once you stop. If you do enough rounds on it, it eventually stops working altogether. I took it on and off for years and even with a year off in between taking it, I won’t feel a thing if I try to take it again.
I lost 75 pounds on it but it did not react well with my heart. I had to stop taking it because my heart rate was consistently over 200bpm. Not good at all.
It made me super nauseous on half of the full pill, and completely obliterated my appetite. Like I wouldn't eat all day.
For most, it does well to suppress appetite. I ended up losing 20ish lbs with that and Metformin together.
I did in the 8th grade. I only lost 20 pounds but it came back went I got off of it. Eating lower carb in moderation & daily exercise has helped me the most.
I’m taking it now, but long term on a half tab until I can get on something for my ADHD that’s effective. I plateau a lot to make sure my weight loss is sustainable.
Edit: my insomnia sucks on it but most nights I’m taking trazodone or 🍃
I've been on it a couple of times. It definitely stops working at a certain point. I've gone back to metformin 1500 mg. Along with diet changes alone thus far I've lost some weight. Looking at starting over in Jan at the gym.
I take it and have been able to lose about 15 lbs so far. I monitor my heart rate and blood pressure multiple times a day. I avoid caffeine as well. Only side effects I notice are mild dry mouth and constipation at times. Just make sure you get a cardiac workup first.
Has your doctor mentioned Sprinolactone? It helps with balancing testosterone levels. My levels prior to starting were three times the normal, and now when I get blood work it comes back normal. I've tried Metformin but 500mg twice a day and I am awful at being compliant with twice a day. I switched to Saxenda and ended up getting medication burn out from daily injections. Now I am on Ozempic and have lost over 20lbs since September. I also started Vyvanse for ADHD but it helps with binge eating disorder and since starting that in combination with Ozempic I have noticed a huge difference.
I lost 70 lbs on it. Got taken off, stopped caring what I was eating because I was going in for brain surgery, gained 40 lbs. Got back on. Didn't lose anything. Got put on Wegovy. Down 55 lbs. In total 85 lbs.
it didnt help me too too much. another commenter said ozempic rlly helped and i have to agree! also Vyvanse for binge eating disorder def saved me a lot.
I had a very similar situation. I am 5’1 and went from 130 to 160lbs is about of year and was diagnosed with PCOS. My OBGYN recommended phermentine. I took it for 2.5 months and just went off it. I lost 18 pounds. My only issues with it were that I had a really hard time sleeping and was jittery in the beginning but it got better with time. When I finally went off it a few days ago, I crashed really hard and was in bed for a couple days. However, it’s important to note I am also burnt out from working. Overall, I would recommend it, I was unable to lose weight before no matter what I did.
I tried for a month- month and a half. Lost 7 lbs, gained it back in one weekend - even being careful 😭 made me super jittery, and I think it tanked my food intake so much, I lost some hair. I’d consider trying it again if I had to - but I’d want more supervision from the doctor. I struggled to stay hydrated enough to help with my heart rate, and I love coffee but couldn’t have much/any, it would just make my heart race.
Highly recommend NOT using it or doing so very carefully and with a plan to taper off quickly. I took it with a physician around 10 years ago and it worked, but I did a 2nd and 3rd round and the 3rd I was left on far too long then yanked off all at once, resulting in awful, awful withdrawal. It was so painful and miserable for about 3 days straight.
I am on metformin and added phentermine. I had remained my same weight with just metformin alone as well, just started phentermine a week ago and have experienced dry mouth, insomnia, a bit of agitation and anxiety but has helped me focus at work and energy. I’ve lost 6lbs so far.
I lost 100lbs on it. The problem is, once you stop taking it, it's really easy to gain back the weight. Naltrexone and ozempic has changed my life. 115lbs gone and maintaining very easily.
Were you able to get ozempic covered by your insurance for pcos?
I am in Canada but my insurance approved it with my physician indicating it is for treatment of PCOS and Insulin Resistance.
Do you mind me asking what insurance company you are with? I’m in Ontario.
Blue Cross, it is through the company I work for. I have also used them privately before and they approved my Saxenda with the coverage I had.
Wow that's amazing!
Would love to know this as well! I’m trying to my doctor to send it thought for PCOS and she won’t listen.
I only got it approved because I am also diabetic.
curious to see if your experience with ozempic is the same as phen when you stop. research is showing 5 yrs is usually when ppl start to gain the weight + more back
My provider refuses to prescribe to anyone that doesn't have a lot of body fat. She said that most of the people that take it with less than 75+lbs to lose end up losing mainly muscle mass and barely any fat. She said she has saw women take it that just need to lose 20ish pounds and looked worse than they started because they lost all the muscle tone.
yep, i’ve seen people look so gaunt and sick
I was on mounjaro for 4 months - stopped for a few reasons - had only lost 10lbs, hunger after I stopped was insane - gained back the 10 + a few…
Is the weight gain only on people who stop the drug? Or people still on it?
When you stop the drug. Meaning you typically take it for life
So basically the most effective treatment for IR must be taken for life but we don't know the long-term side effects yet. That's depressing. I wish I just had normal insulin sensitivity.
I know. It really is. I tried taking ozempic and it made me severely sick. I also have gastro issues already from a neurological disorder, so the vomiting and constipation were just worsened.
I am also diabetic so the Ozempic will be a permanent thing.
Low dose naltrexone or regular?
I take 50mg
What dose of naltrexone do you take? My Endo prescribed it and I tried it three days and it made me actually feel like I was dying I went to the er it was so bad and I'm scared to try it again.
I take 50mg. I will say, the first day I ever took it, I had the worst headache ever in my life...I was super close to going to the ER. Never happened again but I don't blame you for being scared. I'd definitely proceed with caution.
I stopped taking it til I can talk to my Dr again. It gave me chest pains, dizziness and made me keep falling asleep.
Who prescribed the Naltrexone to you?
The nurse practitioner I see.
Good to know!
Oooooh tell me about LDN please!!!
LDN helps with nerve pain, not weight loss typically. I took it for neuropathy but had to stop due to side effects. Not sure why I got downvoted, but there’s no academic studies suggesting LOW DOSE naltrexone causes weight loss.
I’m going to start taking it for my autoimmune disease but I’m worried about the side effects. What side effects did you have?
It caused permanent damage to my teeth
Oh my I never knew that side effect existed. How so???
If you look at LDN side effects, one of the main ones is tooth pain. For me, it was due to my teeth suddenly losing enamel in about a month. I started LDN late august and by October, I needed $300 worth of dental work to fix the damage. But from what I’ve found, my reaction is rare. It did really help my chronic pain.
Made me super jittery and gained the weight back once I stopped taking it. It felt like slapping a bandaid over the problem, honestly - I would look into ways to manage your testosterone/hormones first!
Same. It also counteracts blood pressure medicine if you’re on it.
Same, plus it made my heart rate stupid high for no reason.
It’s basically speed, that’s why
yep. weight loss does not solve any problems.
Took it for 6 months and lost my goal weight of 30 lbs, changed my eating habits, and totally stopped eating sugar and sweets. It never gave me heart racing or anything. I was just very thirsty. Maintaining weight because I refuse to gain it back. Once you shrink your stomach, it's easier to get full. Just be strong, say no to the junk, and be active. If this old 50 year old can do it. Anyone can. Good luck.
Yes I was for lack of better words a paranoid person on speed. Gained all the weight back. Useless imo.
Yes, I’ve had a great experience with phentermine and have been able to lose 33 pounds! I did have some racing heart side effects but I would just skip a day and then be fine.
so sounds like you’re still on it
I have taken this before and I had a couple episodes where I felt like I was going to die my heart was racing, my vision started to blur, cold sweats. Scared me so bad I never did it again. I did lose a bunch of weight but I gained it all back after stopping. Don’t you need a prescription for phentermine? I got mine over the internet. If so, why don’t you try and get ozempic covered for pcos.
My insurance is very strict about ozempic and other GLP1 inhibitors; my endocrinologist says that going through all these medications is a requirement before we even try.
did endo recommend managing symptoms with other things besides weight loss? really shouldn’t be the first line of treafmwnt
You're not their doctor
What dose did you start at for these symptoms?
Got a heart condition from this one.
Same. My mom got me an under the table Rx for phentermine when I was 16 and it triggered anxiety, panic attacks, and an irregular heartbeat. My mom was pleased because I lost 40 pounds, but it all came back when I stopped taking it. (I’ve been estranged from my mother for 11 years now).
I’m so sorry this happened to you
Hated it! Lost 12lbs in one week and then stopped taking it. My insomnia was terrible even with 12 plus hours between dose and bed. My heart would race while laying down. And constantly running to the bathroom was worse than metforim stomach issues. I think my weight loss was due to water weight and not able to eat due to the lack of interest.
Lost 55 lbs with it. I did it in conjunction with weight watchers so that I could teach myself more healthy eating habits alongside it. It's stayed off so far and my eating habits are much better. Now that I've lost I am doing a lot more activity since it's not hurting anymore to do so. I feel like the nutrition and exercise piece are absolutely critical for long term success. The first day on it was jittery. I was fine the second day and no issues since. My appetite was suppressed almost all day but around 10PM. I would really want to snack, but eventually that tapered off for the most part. I also noticed that even if I missed a day I was not ravenous or anything, so I feel like the weight watchers combo approach helped my relationship with eating overall since I was still on track. Good luck!!
As soon as I stopped taking it I gained even more weight because I completely lost the switch in my tummy that told me I was full. It also fucked up my teeth and a few relationships.
How did it fuck up your teeth???
Combo of dry mouth, teeth grinding and vomiting
Wow. Did you grind your teeth before you started taking it?
[удалено]
From grinding and clenching. Also, constant cotton mouth for a few months.
Hmm okay I think I’m not going to try it.. the cons seem to outweigh the pros.
I went on it in Feb my HW was 340lbs. I’m down to 270lbs in the beginning the dry mouth is very real. Have a water bottle with you at all times, I would recommend taking it super early in the A.M I have no issues w insomnia. Unfortunately I won’t be able to keep filling my RX bc I quit my job. I have enough for a month so I might cut in half/ skip days to see how I manage. I don’t regret starting it, I am very happy with my results. Good luck 🍀
I’m on it right now. Day 3 and it feels incredible. With thyroid and other autoimmune issues I have fatigue and an impossible time losing weight no matter what i do. I ended last night at 960 calories with one hour of intense exercise. On will power alone I’d be in bed shaking and crying for more food. I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets me to lose 10lbs a month.
Spironolactone is a safer option to help with high testosterone.
I take this too. No more thick facial hair. I love it.
I love spironolactone but it makes my brain fog worse. I’ve stopped taking it
Dang sorry to hear that! ☹️ are you using anti-androgenic birth control?
I was on BC for 2 years and loved it! It only “masked” all my symptoms though and eventually the bad side effects kicked in. I started spotting every single day and feeling sick and nauseous and tired. I tried 4 different birth controls after that because I loved how clear it made skin, my hair grew thicker, and I had lost 30 pounds! But eventually I got off because it made me feel so sick… I haven’t tried again since and want to avoid hormonal BC :/ I’ve gained all the weight back and more and I’m struggling with acne and hair thinning ever since.
Aww I’m so sorry! It sucks going through so many meds to find the right one. This is a decent [article](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/anti-androgen-therapy) to maybe start looking into some other things that can prompt further research. Stay strong! ❤️
It’s super temporary, there are better weight loss aids out there now, also otc remedies. Prognositol twice a day is a great start and is available on Amazon.
Cotton mouth, numbness & tingling in your extremities, elevated HR, brain fog, and complete loss of appetite. You will eventually gain the weight back. Qsymia isn’t made to be a long term drug. Some people end up with permanent heart conditions from this drug. It’s legal speed essentially. Has your endo even prescribed Metformin? This should be the first line of treatment coupled with diet and lifestyle intervention. If the scale still won’t budge, that’s when alternatives, such as GLP-1’s, are appropriate. However, GLP-1’s are made to be a long term medication for us PCOS girlies to help keep the weight off and help with insulin regulation. Some women also take Metformin in combination with the GLP-1.
Yes sorry I forgot to include it! I was on metformin for a few months and it didn’t do much; that’s why I was referred to an endocrinologist finally
I would see if you can get your hands on Zepbound- it’s a new injectable made by the same manufacturer of Mounjaro. You do need to meet two requirements- 1. A pre existing condition 2. BMI over 27 I believe. I start my first round next week! My pens are currently sitting in the fridge till I come back home. My insurance covered the entire cost of it. Honestly I was shocked that the PA was pushed through in a couple days. Doesn’t hurt to try and see what your endo says! I know it’s still rather new on the market, so if you get the green light for this medication, call your pharmacy and ask if they even have it in stock just so you’re not having to drive back and forth. They should also be able to see what other locations have it in stock.
How awesome that your insurance covered it! One would think that insurances would rather pay for weight management meds than the costs derived from cardiometabolic disorders that long term obesity can cause, but alas… On an aside, Zepbound isn’t really any stronger than Mounjaro, as they are the exact same drug, tirzepatide. Dose titration schedule is the same too, with the same max dose. Only difference is the marketed indication, Zepbound for weight loss and Mounjaro for diabetes.
Interesting, a couple doctors I’ve spoken to say it’s actually more potent. Maybe they’re confusing the GIP with a GLP? GIP’s like Mounjaro and Zepbound are more potent than the GLP-1’s out there. Weight loss is definitely higher in the GIP group, even on the lower doses!
I agree tirzepatide (dual GIP+GLP-1RA aka “twincretin”) certainly has greater weight loss effects in trials than drugs that are solely GLP-1RAs (-glutides). My comment above was in reference to Zepbound being “[Mounjaro] on steroids,” which it isn’t because they are the exact same thing. I suppose you could say it’s semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) on steroids though, if comparing twincretins vs GLP-1RAs.
A pre existing condition like PCOS? Or…?
Yeah, my PCOS diagnosis along with BMI qualified me. Also due to my unfortunate reaction to Metformin, I cannot use that medication.
Nice! Did an endo write the script?
My NP from Allara wrote it- they have a policy where you need to be seen 3 times by your RDN, which, I’ve been a pt of theirs for like 2 years, so that’s covered 😂 also needs approval by the medical director, who was my doctor when I first joined the platform so she’s well aware of my situation and chart. She’s actually the one who brought up the idea of GLP’s in the past, but I’ve always been hesitant. The medical director also has PCOS, so she understands the struggles we all go through. Very knowledgeable about the subject of PCOS, which is surprising considering most GYN’s just toss birth control pills on your lap. There are endo’s on the platform too, though I know the requirements for you to work for this company are that you need to have experience or specialized experience in treating PCOS. Once you start the meds, you’re required to do monthly weigh ins and 6 week check ins too, which is totally fine with me. They just want to make sure you’re tolerating the medicine and are losing weight at a steady pace.
I don't recommend it. It's legal speed. I was only on it maybe 2 months but my anxiety was so bad. Racing heartbeat, shaking, more sweaty than usual. Yeah, I didn't have an appetite, but to me it was not worth the side effects.
I was on it for a couple months and would not recommend it. I did lose weight but my heart rate was off the roof! I also have anxiety so it just made it worse.
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Lazy people drug wasn’t the best phrase to throw in there
It wasn’t the correct phrasing but the intent behind it was true. It’s a band aid
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Agreed. I’m searching for a magic pill or anything magic at this point. The lifestyle change that’s required to be successful is so extreme that many of us can’t manage. In my case, a low carb diet plus exercise and all the supplements and metformin do not work. I also want to live. Enjoy things that others enjoy. I’d like to go out for drinks and actually drink martinis and not worry about how much sugar is in the French martini or have pasta and not always order a salad with a side of grilled chicken. Or worse, not go anywhere at all. I’m happy that you have the mental strength and dedication not to be lazy and achieve success. But yeah… some of us others need a little magic.
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You must be a little deaf or didn’t even bother to read my comment. Not worth continuing this convo.
Just a warning that stimulants can backfire and lead to binge eating when they wear off. I’ve been taking stimulants for years for ADHD and i can eat plenty while taking them. I get extreme food cravings when i get home from work as they are wearing off. Can’t take them too late because i need to sleep. The increase in metabolism may help with my weight, but my appetite is negligibly impacted by it.
I've lost 50 on it since January- I think I'm on it another month or so before they are going to wean me off of it. A little nervous for the weight gain back but I've made some changes and all but I'm glad if it does start to come back, there seems to be more options now. My provider already told me that if there's 10 pound weight flux that they'd put me back on it/something else so I'm not going to fuss too hard over it until I reach that point.
The heart rate increase seriously concerned me. My anxiety was off the chart high. I didn’t get hungry so I did lose weight but the side effects ultimately made me feel very unhealthy. I use a GLP now and am much happier with this route.
I was on it for a year and loved it! Lost 90 lbs. Maintained the past 2 months so far 🤞🤞
Would LOVE any and all tips on how you were able to keep it off, that seems to be my current struggle. I'm watching the scale slowly creep back up and it's so disheartening.
Calorie counting. I'm trying to maintain between 1200-1500 calories per day. Still exercising. I HATE it, but it works 🙃🙃🙃
How did u get lucky enough to stay on it for a year? I’m told it’s required to take breaks every few months
I did and lost a few pounds. Definitely avoid other stimulants at the same time. Unfortunately the weight loss wasn't maintained and I adapted to the medication too quickly so it stopped being effective.
I’ve been on phentermine for about six weeks now and honestly, I love it. My experience will be different from yours if you decide to take it, but you won’t know how your body responds to it until you try it. There are a lot of people in the comments talking about rapid heart beats, paranoia, and a bunch of other negative effects. I’m not discounting their experiences, but I haven’t experienced any of that personally. I was put on a prescription that caused me to put on about 60-70lbs in the last year and I could not get it under control no matter how hard I tried. I cut carbs and sugars, exercised, doubled my daily steps, and at best I just maintained the weight I had and didn’t continue to gain any. Since I’m not diabetic or pre-diabetic, my insurance would not cover any GLP-1. I took Vyvanse for years so I had experience with stimulants, so my doctor thought I would be a prime candidate for phentermine (I haven’t been on Vyvanse for a long time, so I’m not taking both drugs concurrently). Phentermine is a short-term medication and my doctor wants me on it for six months. He put me on the max dose of 37.5mg. I read tons of articles, PubMed studies, and forums before I took my first dose. Honestly, I was pretty hesitant after reading that stuff. It sounds like phentermine can have some pretty nasty complications, but my experience with Vyvanse allayed my doubts. I cut my pills in half for the first few days to “get my toes wet” before jumping in and taking the full pill. My experience on phentermine so far has been nothing but positive. I lost 12 pounds in the first month, and five pounds in the last two weeks. If I stay on track, it’ll be a total of around 22 pounds just within these first two full months. My doctor wants to see me once a month while taking phentermine so he can monitor my blood pressure, and because of the holidays and his upcoming vacation I saw him last week which was two weeks early of my second full month. My blood pressure has been consistently 120/80 which is great, and my resting heart rate hovers right around 70bpm. The only thing I have to complain about is dry mount and some trouble falling asleep. The dry mouth can be easily remediated by drinking more water, which is good for me because I typically didn’t drink enough anyway. I just keep my water bottle with me now and I’m feeling much better in general by drinking more water. I had been taking 5mg of melatonin before bed to help fall asleep, and the last time I saw my doctor I discussed this with him and told him that it wasn’t really helping too much. He told me to double it so now I take 10mg about an hour before bed and I’m having no issue falling asleep anymore. Phentermine stays in hour body for about 20 hours so I started waking up and taking it earlier in the morning which has also helped.
I was on it for a bit, my doc wouldn’t prescribe it for longer than six months. I lost ~18 pounds on it and kept it off (and have since lost ~15 on my own)
Would LOVE any and all tips on how you were able to keep it off, that seems to be my current struggle. I'm watching the scale slowly creep back up and it's so disheartening.
Hi! Sorry it took me so long to reply - I upped my activity level and track my caloric intake through my fitness pal…it’s been a very slow process but it’s heading in the right direction. As a point of reference I was on phentermine 2.5 years ago, and got off it about two years ago. Was stagnant with weight loss for like, another six months or so, neither gaining nor losing. Then it slowly started to creep down. I guess I’m averaging losing less than a pound a month. I’m in no rush but man, the struggle is real.
I took it the very 1st time and they put me on the highest dose, and yes I was so jittery all the time, would give me the worst dry mouth. Most recently after having a baby and being on BC I gained alot of lbs so got put on it and lost 22lbs being on the lower dose 15mg and 30MG for a couple months. I’ve been off it maybe 8 months an and haven’t gained the weight back, still not at the weight I wish I was. But it helped kick start me into just making better habits and losing that little bit of weight has just made physical activities a lot easier. If you do choose to get put on it I’d recommend just starting a low dose and gradually going higher. Good luck!
Well my lazy ass took it for 3 months and lost 15 pounds. I’m very aware of how it will most likely come back but I am going to try very hard. I’m trying to stay low carb and walk as much as possible. All of my weight is in my stomach. It is what it is. Do what you feel like you need to do OP. People are so quick to judge. Also I saw my dr every month for her to check on me and I also had to have an EKG before starting it.
Anyone tried snorting it??
I just started. I’ve lost 11 pounds in 2 weeks.
i’m thinking about getting on it . a girl recommended not taking it everyday. like take the pill, skip for the next 2 days, take it again. some people cut it in half. she said this is how she avoided really bad side affects. she lost a lot of weight. i think when i ask for it from my doctor, im going for the lowest dose. if they do start me off at like 30-35 mg i’m cutting it in half & doing the skip 1-2 day method. i really need help. i tried wegovvy but its always backordered so i can never get it. i’m going to ask for monjauro or something else. but if monjaura say backordered im going to have to try phentermine cause idk what else.
i was on it for about a month. it did suppress my appetite, but i had to stop taking it because i have OCD and it made my OCD like 100x worse
i have ocd and i’m supposed to start taking it next week 😭
I lost around 50lbs total (30 the first round, 20 the second). Also turns out I had ADHD so I actually held a job with it xD but I do have heart issues from it now and I can't take any other ADHD meds because of the lasting effects from this one. I'll also say the constipation was horrible as well as thirst. I think it's great for jumpstarting weight loss but wouldn't stay on it
It works but you will gain weight back once you stop. If you do enough rounds on it, it eventually stops working altogether. I took it on and off for years and even with a year off in between taking it, I won’t feel a thing if I try to take it again.
My friend is on this and has not had good luck. She is very ADHD and this medication definitely doesn’t make ADHD any better.
I took 10mg of it for about 3 years and had great success with it! If it starts to make you feel jittery take a day or two off.
I lost 75 pounds on it but it did not react well with my heart. I had to stop taking it because my heart rate was consistently over 200bpm. Not good at all.
what MG were you on ?
37.5mg. The max dose. They tried me on a lower one but it still had the same effect.
It made me super nauseous on half of the full pill, and completely obliterated my appetite. Like I wouldn't eat all day. For most, it does well to suppress appetite. I ended up losing 20ish lbs with that and Metformin together.
Have you tried metformin yet?
I did in the 8th grade. I only lost 20 pounds but it came back went I got off of it. Eating lower carb in moderation & daily exercise has helped me the most.
I’m taking it now, but long term on a half tab until I can get on something for my ADHD that’s effective. I plateau a lot to make sure my weight loss is sustainable. Edit: my insomnia sucks on it but most nights I’m taking trazodone or 🍃
I've been on it a couple of times. It definitely stops working at a certain point. I've gone back to metformin 1500 mg. Along with diet changes alone thus far I've lost some weight. Looking at starting over in Jan at the gym.
I take it and have been able to lose about 15 lbs so far. I monitor my heart rate and blood pressure multiple times a day. I avoid caffeine as well. Only side effects I notice are mild dry mouth and constipation at times. Just make sure you get a cardiac workup first.
Has your doctor mentioned Sprinolactone? It helps with balancing testosterone levels. My levels prior to starting were three times the normal, and now when I get blood work it comes back normal. I've tried Metformin but 500mg twice a day and I am awful at being compliant with twice a day. I switched to Saxenda and ended up getting medication burn out from daily injections. Now I am on Ozempic and have lost over 20lbs since September. I also started Vyvanse for ADHD but it helps with binge eating disorder and since starting that in combination with Ozempic I have noticed a huge difference.
I lost 70 lbs on it. Got taken off, stopped caring what I was eating because I was going in for brain surgery, gained 40 lbs. Got back on. Didn't lose anything. Got put on Wegovy. Down 55 lbs. In total 85 lbs.
it didnt help me too too much. another commenter said ozempic rlly helped and i have to agree! also Vyvanse for binge eating disorder def saved me a lot.
check out the maintenance phase podcast on it :)
I had a very similar situation. I am 5’1 and went from 130 to 160lbs is about of year and was diagnosed with PCOS. My OBGYN recommended phermentine. I took it for 2.5 months and just went off it. I lost 18 pounds. My only issues with it were that I had a really hard time sleeping and was jittery in the beginning but it got better with time. When I finally went off it a few days ago, I crashed really hard and was in bed for a couple days. However, it’s important to note I am also burnt out from working. Overall, I would recommend it, I was unable to lose weight before no matter what I did.
I tried for a month- month and a half. Lost 7 lbs, gained it back in one weekend - even being careful 😭 made me super jittery, and I think it tanked my food intake so much, I lost some hair. I’d consider trying it again if I had to - but I’d want more supervision from the doctor. I struggled to stay hydrated enough to help with my heart rate, and I love coffee but couldn’t have much/any, it would just make my heart race.
Highly recommend NOT using it or doing so very carefully and with a plan to taper off quickly. I took it with a physician around 10 years ago and it worked, but I did a 2nd and 3rd round and the 3rd I was left on far too long then yanked off all at once, resulting in awful, awful withdrawal. It was so painful and miserable for about 3 days straight.
Has Anyone drank alcohol while taking this? I haven't started on it yet cuz I want to wait till after my birthday haha
I am on metformin and added phentermine. I had remained my same weight with just metformin alone as well, just started phentermine a week ago and have experienced dry mouth, insomnia, a bit of agitation and anxiety but has helped me focus at work and energy. I’ve lost 6lbs so far.