My Experience with Phentermine for Weight Loss: A 30-Day Review
This article details my experience taking Phentermine for weight loss over the past 30 days. I will discuss my reasons for choosing this medication, the weight loss I experienced, the side effects I encountered, and my overall thoughts on using Phentermine.
Background and Motivation
I started taking Phentermine as a more affordable alternative to Ozempic, which I had been on for 10 months to assist with weight loss. My insurance stopped covering Ozempic, making the monthly cost around $400, which was unsustainable. Phentermine, including the doctor's visit and prescription, costs approximately $30 per month.
Weight Loss Results
My starting weight was 165.4 pounds. As a five-foot-tall woman, I typically lose weight slowly, averaging only 3-4 pounds per month when strictly dieting. After a month on Phentermine, I weighed 162.6 pounds. My doctor confirmed a three-pound weight loss and was pleased with the progress. While I may not have as much weight to lose as others, the body fat percentage loss is still significant. I found this to be an improvement from Ozempic, where I was only losing 1.5-2 pounds per month.
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Starting Weight: 165.4 lbs
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Weight After 1 Month: 162.6 lbs
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Total Weight Loss: 3 lbs
Appetite Changes
Phentermine significantly reduces appetite. It makes food less appealing, and it's easy to forget to eat. After a couple of weeks, my appetite leveled off somewhat, but I can still go longer periods between meals without feeling hungry.
Side Effects
I experienced several side effects while taking Phentermine:
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Dry Mouth: This was a major initial side effect. I constantly needed water and aimed to drink a pitcher daily. The extreme dryness subsided after a week or two.
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Vomiting: On the second day, I threw up. This may have been due to my body adjusting to the medication or not eating enough that day. However, I have not experienced any nausea or vomiting since then.
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Jitteriness and Anxiety: A common side effect is feeling jittery, anxious, and having a rapid heartbeat. This can be problematic for those with pre-existing anxiety. I take medication for anxiety, which helped manage these side effects. I experienced these symptoms primarily in the first few days.
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Caffeine Sensitivity: I strongly recommend avoiding caffeine while taking Phentermine. Drinking coffee while on the medication resulted in extreme anxiety and a feeling of being overwhelmed. As a result, I have completely cut out coffee for the past 30 days.
Important Considerations Before Taking Phentermine
Before starting Phentermine, my doctor required an EKG and blood pressure check. This is crucial because Phentermine can speed up your metabolism and heart rate. Individuals with heart problems or high blood pressure may not be suitable candidates for this medication.
Duration of Treatment and Maintenance
My doctor suggested continuing Phentermine for a couple of months to assess my progress. The medication was initially approved for 90 days. Some physicians recommend using it for maintenance, such as every other day or once or twice a week, to prevent weight regain.
Diet and Food Aversions
I am insulin resistant and have been advised to follow a high-protein diet to feel fuller for longer. However, I have been experiencing food aversions, particularly to turkey and chicken. I am currently trying to force myself to eat these protein sources.
Activity Level and Motivation
Phentermine has helped increase my energy levels and motivation to be active. I go to the YMCA, attend classes, walk, and participate in outdoor projects. It has also motivated me in other areas of my life.
Counting Calories
I have been counting calories for about 200 days, which has helped me stay accountable and understand my dietary intake. I weigh and measure everything I eat in grams using a food scale. Since January, I have lost 12 pounds, which is about 7% of my body weight.
Body Image and Self-Perception
I am starting to notice changes in my body, such as my waist slimming down and my clothes fitting looser. However, my perception of myself still lags behind the reality. I am trying to be kind to myself and avoid being too strict, focusing on balance.
Final Thoughts and Cautions
Phentermine has been a game-changer in controlling my appetite. Unlike Ozempic, which made me feel nauseous and fearful of eating, Phentermine simply reduces my interest in food. However, I am aware of the potential for addiction and the importance of using medication responsibly under the care of a physician. I would not recommend ordering this medication online or from other countries. I plan to continue taking Phentermine as long as it is effective and safe.