Qsymia and Constipation: What Users Say

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia in late September of 2020, so I have been on it for almost 100 days. Early on, I was losing a whole lot of weight. I started off with a 1700 calorie diet, I didn't start with exercising due to my weight (325 was my starting weight). I was down to about 294 by the beginning of October (so late August to beginning of October I lost 31 lbs), and I began elliptical training slowly for about 15 minutes, then 20 minutes all the way to 45 minutes by November, weight loss tapers off from crazy amounts to respectable amounts. I'm now down to 2-3 lbs a week average, and I'm currently down to 264. I have had a great experience so far. I had to give up soda (Topimax in Qsymia makes soda taste terrible, not so much a bad thing). I pretty much drink water and bubbly here and there. Side effects: I have had dry mouth and constipation, but I can deal with that. I recommend it, it has been a godsend, and I feel great. I have gotten my energy back, and I'm eating right. What more can you ask for?"

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Qsymia for 13 months now. I am 5'7'', and was 50 when I started. I weighed 304 pounds. I have lost 105 pounds so far. I cannot praise it enough. I intend to lose another 40lb or so. It has been a lifesaver for me. My energy is through the roof, and the benefits to my self-confidence are immeasurable. My cholesterol went from 225 down to 185. So, as for side effects, I do experience bouts of constipation. I try to keep myself fully hydrated, which definitely helps, and occasionally use fiber supplements as needed. In the beginning, there was some dry mouth, but that passed. Also, I had some occasional tingling in my fingers early on, but that has subsided as well. I know it's not for everyone, but for me, it has worked wonders. The cost has been an issue, but I think of how much I used to spend on snack foods, takeout, and the like, and it doesn't even compare. I am still way ahead of the game."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I have been taking it for a couple of months now and have lost a total of 50 pounds. In the beginning, the only side effects I have encountered have been dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. However, now on the third month, both of my legs have gotten numb and stayed numb for the last couple of days. I have gone to several doctors, and they are not sure what it is from. I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem?"

• jfk...
• April 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have suffered, like my entire family, with weight problems my entire life. Unfortunately, some injuries to my lower body joints while serving as a Paratrooper made exercise difficult and painful. Once I had my hip replaced and knees fixed, I worked with my doctor and he suggested Qsymia. It worked immediately. I still had to struggle a bit and the side effects were annoying, but not debilitating. So far I am down almost 70 lbs in a year and still going. Of course, the insurance company won't pay, so be prepared to do lots of shopping around. That being said, with the weight I have lost, I am back to hiking with my family in New York (two peaks in one day) from 48-50 pants to 38-40 pants and a blood pressure that went from 150/90 to 106/70. Look, not everyone will do as well, some will do better, but this pill really worked, and a bit of dry mouth, constipation, and sleeplessness are a lot better than gastric bypass!"

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "At 220 pounds and 5'0'', I was out of control with my eating. My BMI was 43. I had to do something. I tried every over-the-counter diet pill there was. Finally, my doctor prescribed Qsymia. I have been on it since August 2014 and have lost 89 pounds. My goal is to lose a total of 110 pounds. Dry mouth and constipation are the worst side effects, but I can deal with those. I have gone from a size 22 pants to a size 12, bust size has gone from 40DD to 36C. I now know how to eat and what not to eat to keep the weight off. I will continue on Qsymia until August. 21 more pounds to go to reach my goal of 110!"

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "65°F, many arthritic disabilities, so unable to exercise. I started the 3.75 dosage on 9/16/24 and lost 6.5 pounds those first 2 weeks. Since starting the 7.5, I've now lost another 32.5 pounds for a total of 40 pounds in 4 months. I've had dry mouth and constipation like a lot of folks, but it's manageable. I had a gastric sleeve in 2013 and went from 333 to 234, then gained back to 321. The last few years I've lost into the upper 290s. I started Q at 290 and I'm at 250 right now. I think because I'm of the former sleeve and the Q, I have absolutely NO appetite and have to force myself to eat... still not eating enough, but I'm doing labs and being monitored by my doctor. Everything is great, but my protein is still slightly low (it's been low the last couple of years). I only regret not finding this sooner."

• Dow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 54 y.o. female nurse who over the last five years gained 10 pounds a year with stress and menopause. I had a physical in July and weighed in at 215 lbs and 5' 6''. Started first month at 15 mg. Dosage strong, but I needed a good jump start--I had really bad snacking habits and barely exercised. I started walking 2 miles every evening and cut my calories down to around 1,000--eating clean proteins (chicken, fish, Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt) and tons of veggies, and fresh fruit daily. Increased my water intake, which took away side effect of tingling and constipation. That is key--start day with big glass of water. 2nd month on, 7.5 mg dose. I feel so healthy! It's mid-Sept and I'm down over 32 pounds. Shopping in the back of my closet:)"

• val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started back in June, and at first it seemed as though I was having all of the side effects from constipation to acid reflux, you name it. So far I have gone from 212 to 182 lbs. This is the only diet medication that has worked for me. It has always been a problem losing after being diagnosed with a thyroid condition. I am grateful my physician decided to try me on Qsymia."

• mzp...
• June 30, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have used Qsymia since January along with a low carb diet, and as of today I have lost 44 pounds. The medicine assists with keeping me from being hungry and craving foods that I would generally binge on, like sweets. I really am pleased with this medication. The only side effects I have incurred are some constipation, which I always had issues with. I use Miralax to aid with that. I only have a few more pounds to lose to reach my goal, but the medicine has really been a help."

• eea...
• May 26, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 59 years old, 5'6" tall, 326 pounds. On April 5, 2021, I received the basic dosage and initiated my 1500-calorie intake, as well as 7000 daily steps. As of May 19, 2021, my weight was 304. I'm down 22 pounds. I'm extremely happy with the results. Since chemotherapy in 2015, I have gained over 130 pounds. The Mayo Clinic recognized my health issues and quickly recommended Qsymia. My side effects are similar to other posters: constipation, numbness in hands, mild insomnia, and dry mouth. As for what I am doing to assist in my weight loss, I stopped drinking all carbonated drinks and no more sugar. I am now adding an additional 30 minutes of stationary recumbent bike exercise to the 7000 steps. I drink two 16 oz bottles of water every morning with my pill. I drink a minimum of 5 (16 oz) bottles a day. I use my watch and phone to track my exercise, and I document all meals on an app called MyFitnessPal. I take screenshots of all my exercise and food information and send it to my nutritionist in a weekly email."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Another update - Today I have lost 20 lbs. and been on Qsymia since March 9, 2014 (3 months, 9 days). I went four weeks with no loss, then lost a few more. It's slow and steady, but it does work. It's not a miracle pill, you have to do your part! It does help with cravings and appetite control. I also have to stay very consistent with Miralax and stool softeners because it does cause constipation. You have to drink a lot of water with this medication, too, as it will cause you to be thirsty. It's good to get into the habit of drinking lots of water anyway!"

• Caf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update: I have been on Qsymia for about six weeks and have lost twenty pounds. I feel pretty good and am getting into some really good eating habits while taking this medication. The only side effect I have had is constipation and it is pretty much under control. Feel great!"

• Cor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Qsymia makes me think like a thin person. I no longer have any compulsion to think about food. I have been obese for 98% of my adult life (I am 64) and tried everything. With Qsymia, I can make all the right decisions (and a few wrong ones) that I have known all along I needed to make. Now, just like a thin person, I am not driven to every fast food door, seconds or thirds of meals, eating a whole container or bag of anything. With minimal effort and smart decisions, I have gone from obese to within 5 pounds of normal weight for my height. No notable side effects - a little constipation when I don't eat much and a dry mouth. If I forget to take Qsymia for a day or two I know right away - my old eating habits come right back."

• amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on the 3.5 mg dose since June 2024 and have lost 20 pounds, and it is now early September 2024. Technically, this dose was only supposed to be a starter dose, but it worked well for me and I lost 20 pounds from it alone, which is why I stayed on it until I began a plateau. I will be starting a new 7.5 mg dose this week. Side effects that I noticed: any kind of drink with carbonation tastes flat, so any soda or energy drink does not taste good without the carbonation (not a bad thing). I have noticed constipation where I physically have to take a laxative to use the restroom because I got 4 or more days (TMI). As far as other things, my cravings have dropped drastically, and my appetite has decreased significantly. Sadly, my insurance does not cover this drug, so I pay out of pocket, but Qsymia Engage charges a flat rate of $98 + shipping for a one-month supply regardless of the dosage, so I have been doing that. Not ideal, but better than paying the alternative."

• Jes...
• August 8, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Qsymia in January of this year and have lost 82 pounds. The first 2 months were plagued by very intense side effects; almost every single one that the medication lists. I experienced irrational mood swings, irritability, anger, depression, tingling/numbness in my hands and feet, issues with vision (very mild), back pain (which improved with an increase of water intake), intense insomnia (which my endocrinologist ended up putting me on Ambien to aid with), cotton mouth/change of taste, and constipation (in the later months of taking it). The cost of Qsymia is a negative, and so are the multiple side effects, but after leveling off after a month or so of experiencing them and following a low-carb diet, it has been worth it!"

• Ike...
• June 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a Type 2 Diabetic who has lost 41 pounds in 3 months. Qsymia is extremely effective, having substantially lowered my desire for food. Side effects are dry mouth, heartburn, constipation, restless sleep, and metallic taste to food. I would readily recommend Qsymia to you for weight loss. It works!"

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Qsymia for almost a month now and have lost 11 lbs in 22 days. I am on a low-calorie diet. I have had several side effects like constipation, insomnia, numbness in face and legs. Any carbonated drink tastes like it's been sitting out open for a day, just flat, no fizz at all. I do feel irritable at times but most side effects I can manage, except the constipation that just plain hurts. I have an appointment on March 28th and I'll see how it goes with my progress and labs. I was at 290 lbs starting weight and I am down to 279 lbs. Seeing my belly shrink motivates me more to exercise and continue to eat healthier. It is quite expensive, but I look at it like this, I waste money on other things that don't do me any better, and this will."

• Evi...
• February 4, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Qsymia now since July 2018 for about 7 months. I was prescribed the medication by my endocrinologist after a year of haywire thyroid problems. After being on Qsymia, coupled with my daily thyroid meds, I have lost 55 pounds! The biggest side effects have been dry mouth, thirst, and constipation. Insurance pays for the Qsymia medication. If you can't get your insurance to do that, have your doctor prescribe it as the two separate meds, phentermine and topiramate, which separately are covered. Sugar does taste really bad, like sand. I've had no heart or blood pressure issues. I also have a lot of energy. Also, I read that they are doing research into this drug for use on other addictive behaviors other than just eating. One study said they were testing Qsymia on alcoholics. It took away their desire to drink alcohol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost 13 pounds in 10 days. At first, I was very excited because the weight was coming off extremely fast, but my body caught on and the weight loss is slowing down. My appetite is suppressed, and I have no desire for chocolate over a healthy salad. Side effects: On the second day of Qsymia, I noticed my Diet Coke tastes like Diet Pepsi (I strongly prefer Diet Coke). In addition, I had numbness/tingling in the face, feet, and hands. After five or so days, the tingling in the feet remains, but it is very noticeable at times (especially when lying down). About day seven, I started dealing with constipation. That may be contributed to the fact that I choose to eat healthy foods without fats (to stimulate movement)."

• Rol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was 214 lbs with high blood pressure and a BMI of 28. Qsymia took away my appetite and allowed me to easily drop my daily calorie intake to about 1000 to 1200 per day. Qsymia made food neutral. I could smell it, see it as always but I had conscious choice over what and how much to eat. I had occasional dry mouth and constipation but I believe most of that was caused by my significant drop in food intake. I also got cold easily in the third month as my body slowed down my metabolism. Those were the only side effects. No exercise. I lost 29 lbs in 3 months. It's been almost 4 months and I've kept the weight off without Qsymia with a focus on eating smaller portions and making healthy food choices. I highly recommend Qsymia."

• Fat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today is the first day of week two of the starter dosage. I lost 4.6 lbs last week. I have noticed some dry mouth, which has caused me to be more conscious of water intake. I also have noticed some constipation and a little sleeplessness. Still no tingling in the hands or feet. I did try a sip of a Pepsi yesterday and a lot of people on here are right... this medication completely changes how it tastes. I am not a soda drinker anyway, but just had to see if that was a side effect, and it is. It has a really strong, unbearable metallic taste. My sugar cravings have surprisingly decreased dramatically as I am a sugar addict. I no longer have M&Ms on my mind 24/7. My appetite has decreased, but does still exist."

• Ima...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 34 pounds since June 10 (almost 14 weeks). On the 7.5 mg level I suffered many of the side effects. My doctor suggested I go back to the beginning dosage of 3.75 mg and I feel so much better. The mental fog, insomnia, chronic constipation, and headache are gone. I am still losing 1-2 pounds a week. My appetite is under control, and sweets hold little appeal. I still recognize an emotional longing to eat when I am stressed or in the evening when watching TV."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 44 years old. Felt tired, looked tired, and ached in my back, knees, and feet a lot. I was obese and had been for many years. I'm 5'5. Started taking Qsymia May 6th. Weighed 212. By June 2, my weight was 200. Felt good. Drank lots of water, ate more protein, and walked a couple miles daily. Side effects I had only in June were tingling fingers. Another short-lived side effect is constipation, but adding fresh veggies and fiber does the trick, people. I also felt annoyed a bit more, but again, life and people can get very annoying, so find something to de-stress; i.e., exercise. Now it is nearing the end of September, and I am still employed, married, and sane, and I'm at 175 and feel great!"

• RLA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 57-year-old woman, 5' 6'' and weighed in at 234.6 lbs. I started with the lower dose as recommended by my doctor on July 14, 2014, and it is now two weeks later, and I have lost 7 lbs. I have been steadily gaining weight over the past 20 years, but in particular, the past 7 years. This medication seems to be helping. I will admit that the very first day I questioned whether I could continue taking this because I was so drowsy I could barely function at work. However, each day got better, and by the 4th day, I did not feel any effects at all. I have now moved on to the stronger dosage. I have also not experienced the constipation that many have complained about here in this commentary. I am hoping for good results as time goes by."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update - I have been on this medication since March 9 (6 weeks, 3 days) and have lost 14 pounds. I think it works well. The only complaint is still the constipation issue, but if you stay on top of things (Miralax every day, faithfully), it will be okay."