It’s been around for a long time, but is it safe? Phentermine remains in use today as a controlled substance for helping people to lose weight. Marketed under the following trade names – Ionamin, Adipex-P, and others, the drug may seem like a godsend to those who struggle with weight issues.
Personally, I know three people who have lost considerable weight using this drug. They seem happy with the results, each shedding approximately 30 lbs. each. The positive effects cannot be denied. My friends seem happy with their new and improved bodies.
Yet, each of these people have taken this drug for weeks – with no signs of stopping. That is the problem. Everything I’ve read suggests that it should be taken only for a limited time, as it can be addicting. If you think about it, why would you want to exchange a few extra pounds for an addiction to a powerful drug?
Because I could lose a few pounds, I asked one of my friends to give me a tablet, so that I could assess its effects on the body. I tried this experiment on a Saturday morning, when I did not have to work, and when I did not have to drive anywhere. About an hour after taking the pill, I broke out into a horrible sweat. Then I felt as if I had had a few drinks…mellow and relaxed.
Yes, the medication did dull my appetite, but its other effects intensified throughout the course of the day. I felt dizzy; I could not concentrate; I talked and talked…basically, I felt like a different person. What was really scary was when my tongue felt very heavy in the afternoon. When this happened, I had to lie down. At this point I realized how dumb I had been to take someone else’s medication!
When I felt better, I did some more research on phentermine. According to the Livestrong web site, this medication “…is closely related to amphetamines, and it has many of the same side effects, ranging from milder symptoms, such as dry mouth and gastrointestinal disturbances to high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, tremors, shortness of breath and chest pain.â€Â (Did I already mention that I regretted my decision to take another person’s medication?)
From this foolish experiment I learned that this drug is nothing to be played with! It made me feel like a different person, which makes me worry about my friends even more. How long will they stay on it, and when they stop, will they have withdrawal symptoms?
Sure, we all want to have slim, trim bodies, but is taking such a powerful drug worth the associated risks? If you are obese, it is best to discuss weight loss options with your family physician. Resist the urge to go to the “fly by night†weight loss doctors who promise a quick fix by giving B-12 injections and phentermine prescriptions.
And never, ever, take someone else’s prescription (even if it seems harmless!) I learned that the hard way.
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