Ionamin/Phentermine - I need some feedback, please...

My PCP is trying hard to help me get approved, but in the meantime, CIGNA OAP is standing their ground regarding the 6-month physician directed weight loss program - soooooo.... She's put me on Ionamin, 15mg capsule once a day with a diabetics diet & exercise regimen. My question to you guys is - has anyone ever taken this appetite suppressant and what are your feelings/reactions about the medication? I hate taking pills anyway, but if I have to do this, I will & am. Thanks everyone! I look forward to hearing from you all....

Helen, This is very ironic, but I used to work for a weight loss doctor. Obviously I didn't do well longterm losing weight, but I did learn about the different medications. The 15 mg phentermine's brand name is ionamin. It was one of the milder appetite suppressants. Side effects were dry mouth, restlessness, and sleeplessness, though these side effects become less pronounced the longer you take it. It does reduce your appetite and some people did very well with it. I didn't do well because even though I had less of an appetite I could still eat. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Good Luck Mary

Thanks, Mary! I'm only on the 2nd day, but I will at least give it a fair chance.

I lost weight on it -- went on it before my wedding in 1995, and lost about 50 pounds. However, it became less effective, and I started re-gaining the weight even before I stopped taking it (and I stopped taking it because well, I was gaining weight and there was no reason to take it!). It gave me LOTS of energy -- it's a cousin of amphetamines, so I accomplished a lot during the course of a day, which was really handy when I was wedding-planning. But the weight loss was REALLY temporary, and I gained a lot more afterwards. Lisa

Thanks, Lisa! That's pretty much what's happened to me all my life - I'll go on a diet (aided or not), lose the weight only to gain it back plus more - sounds familiar, huh? I think it's happened to at least 95% of the obese population! That's why I'm going to do what my doctor says, get thru this 6-month period, then re-apply for WLS. I need a permanent tool, not a pill, to lose my weight for once & for all!

Yup, lose weight, regain more, lather rinse repeat.... The "lose weight" part with ionamin was even more effective than usual, but the result was just as disasterous..... It's sad that for some people, the same thing happens with weight loss surgery! Good luck! Lisa

Yeah, I did, and its not good for you, so get it if you want, fill it if you want to, but don't take it. It will make you feel hyper and like you are going to crawl out of your skin, its not good for you. One thing Dr Byrne always said was he will do the 6 month supervised program, but none of his patients will lose weight, because if you lose a lot, then you won't qualify for the surgery, catch 22. Just blow it off and it is not an appetite suppressant, it raises your metabolic rate and also makes you feel like crap. My mom could not take it, it really made her sick. I took it, its the half of phen fen that was not pulled off the market. Just stay away from it. Also, xenical is bad, it will make you have major diahrrea. Well, just go through the motions and check the box and fill the square and move on. Just consider it a formality and I am warning you, if you lose too much, your insurance will say "see, you can lose weight" we aren't paying. Good Luck, Deb

Thanks, Deb. You reaffirmed what I believe. I'll do what I have to to get approved. It's such a crock of _ _ _ _ what we have to go thru to get treated for this disease. I fantasize about the day when I can't decide what to wear or when I can stand to just look at myself in the mirror... And it seems so far away... but don't worry, I'm just a little down now, I won't give up! When I hear stories like yours and see the extraordinary results, I know it can happen to me - I just need to keep up my faith. And that's why I believe in God and people like you! Thanks again - I needed a little affirmation tonight... Have a wonderful week & keep us in touch with "Boston Legal"!!