I know most docs have negative opinions of weight loss drugs, but if you’re aware of any possible solutions to what I’m experiencing, I would so greatly appreciate the insight….
Why would I NOT be losing weight at all on my current course of Phentermine (37.5mg 1Pill QD), but lost 30lbs within 6-7mos the last time I took the same Phentermine strength/dose in 2004? I am 5′4″ & weighed 160lbs in 2004 & got down to a weight of 135; this time my weight began at 178lbs in May 2010 & here I am at only 3lbs lost-175lbs.
Answered by: Dan & Maria/ MD Health Forum.com Team
It’s true that doctors do not recommend the use of weight loss drugs to all patients, however, this treatment option may be recommended in certain conditions. It may be considered if dietary changes and exercise fail to improve the patient’s weight, and if the BMI or Body Mass Index is more than 27. Based on an online BMI calculator, your BMI is 30.6.
Phentermine was approved as a short term treatment of obesity. With exercise and right diet, phentermine help treat obesity by decreasing appetite which results in lower caloric intake. This drug should only be taken as directed by a physician. Phentermine’s dosage is individualized to get desirable results with the lowest effective dose possible to lower the risk of untoward effects.
Phentermine and other drugs of the same class are effective appetite suppressants, but this effect tend to decrease after a few weeks. It has been some time since you first used phentermine. You may need to have an appointment with your doctor to find out why the drug failed to improve your weight. Some patients experience tolerance to the appetite-suppressing effects of phentermine, as a result, there may be no significant weight loss. In such cases, the patient may be recommended to stop taking the drug.
Aside from food intake, there are other factors that contribute to weight gain. Underactive thyroid, for example, is generally linked to weight gain. Before recommending treatment options, the patient’s overall health must be assessed.
Do not hesitate to discuss with your doctor your concerns about weight loss. It is also important to mention if you experienced any unusual symptoms while you were taking phentermine or any weight loss drugs. Your body’s reaction to the drugs, lifestyle factors, and your overall-health will help your doctor and other members of the health team in formulating a treatment plan which would work best for you. Good luck.
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf
Aschenbrenner, D., Venable, S. Drug Therapy in Nursing. Third Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2008.
http://www.drugs.com/ppa/phentermine-hydrochloride.html
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