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Qsymia and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 4)

Reviews for Qsymia

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Deb...
  • October 24, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Qsymia for about 6 months. The side effects I had were dry mouth, tingling toes while seated, and hated the taste of soda. I changed my diet and exercised, losing about 35 pounds. Qsymia stopped all of my cravings and cut my appetite. I loved it, then, after about 5 months, I noticed it stopped working. My body adjusted to the medication, and the side effects stopped after a couple of months, but my cravings and hunger returned completely by 6 months. My doctor has changed my medicine to Contrave, which I will start today. I still have about 20 pounds to go."

9 / 10
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  • TNY...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 40, and I've been on Qsymia since October 2018. I've lost 55 lbs to date. The only side effects I've had so far are dry mouth and the cost of the medication. My insurance does not cover the medication, and my doctor says taking the alternative, which is the two separate medications, is not as effective."

9 / 10
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  • Pax...
  • December 2, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia in May 2015. I'm 55, a breast cancer survivor of 5 years, and the Tamoxifen I'm taking for my breast cancer caused weight gain and an inability to lose... I weighed 226 pounds at 5'4... I lost 32 pounds and hit a plateau... After 6 weeks of hard trying and losing the same pound over and over, I'm starting the higher strength tomorrow to try to get to my goal weight. 2 weeks again at a higher strength, then onto even higher... I've had just dry mouth... Fizzy drinks all taste flat... And occasional twitchy legs for side effects... Hoping that's all I have on the higher dose... My insurance has approved me until November 2016... Will update."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Neo...
  • May 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Qsymia last year from May 2014 - Oct 2014 and lost 30 lbs. Had to stop taking since I ran out of money on my FSA and couldn't afford it out of pocket. I will say I had major dry mouth, which led me to drink lots of water, and of course, that's great for weight loss. Completely changed my taste buds, no longer desired sugary foods - cakes, cookies, etc., or pop (Diet Pepsi drinker). Side effect: no energy, struggled greatly on my job. I read a post someone recommending taking L-tyrosine 500 mg for energy. I did along with my daily multivitamins, and it made a world of difference! I did gain my 30 lbs back being off, but I'm back on Qsymia and ready to take it off and more this time and stick with it!"

9 / 10
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  • Pma...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Qsymia in June 2015, took it for 6 weeks, lost 25 lbs. Definitely curbed appetite, no noticeable side effects. Quite awesome, really. Increased energy, some dry mouth. Will continue on it per doctor's recommendation. :)"

9 / 10
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  • des...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 7, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried Qsymia 7.5 dosage for 43 days and lost 12 pounds, but the side effect I didn't desire any junk. I didn't take it every day as prescribed because of the side effects: insomnia, dry mouth, tingling in feet, tiredness. The worst side effects have come since I have been off the medicine for 4 days. I have pain in my genital area and constant chills. I now see that these are listed as possible side effects. I think that people should return to the post to warn of what comes after you withdraw from the medicine. Not worth the 12 pounds weight loss. Everything comes with a price."

5 / 10
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  • luv...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia for about 6 months now. I started with the first dose of 3.75 mg for the first 2 weeks and lost 9 lbs in those 2 weeks. Then my doctor put me on the 7.5 mg one pill a day every morning with or without food. I have occasional dry mouth, which is maintained by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and every now and again I experience tingling in my feet, which will go away in a minute when it does come. When I started this medicine, I was 238 lbs, now today I am 207 lbs. The doctor still wants me to lose 30 more lbs, and it seems I have hit a plateau on the Qsymia, so they want to switch me to Contrave. Has anyone switched from Qsymia to Contrave? Or even had this similar situation happen to them before?"

6 / 10
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  • Jil...
  • February 5, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia on December 1, 2015, and so far I am down 25 pounds. This medication has curbed my appetite immensely and has completely changed the way I look at food. Now I eat to live; I don't live to eat. I do have dry mouth and some occasional tingling in my feet, but nothing too bothersome. I also get some constipation, but I have GI issues from multiple autoimmune diseases, so that side effect kind of counteracts that in my favor. The only complaint is that my insurance doesn't cover it, so my current dosage runs about $130 per month; however, that's a small price to pay to lose the weight. The weight loss is strictly the change in diet so far, as I really haven't gotten back to an exercise regimen yet."

9 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia for 6 weeks. I am down 20 pounds with only one side effect - dry mouth (for which I bought some lozenges). I find a key is to keep water with you at all times. My routine is to wake up, take the pill with a glass of water, then have my coffee. Around 10 AM I have a small breakfast, then I am good until dinner. I have a small dinner (I haven't changed up what I eat, I just fill up fast and am able to walk away from the table). And that is it! I have never been one to walk past snacks and not grab something. I was always a 'finish your plate' girl. Those urges are just gone for me and I don't miss them. It is amazing. I had my check-in with my Dr yesterday, and my blood pressure is down as well. I am just stunned at how well this has worked, especially since two of my 6 weeks were when I was on vacation with a good friend who I cook with a lot. We still cooked, I was just able to refrain from eating as much. The urge to eat is gone and I am not ever hungry."

10 / 10
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  • Han...
  • August 6, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Male, age 65. Starting weight: 255 lbs. Now 211 lbs. Before taking Qsymia, I was and continue to take other drugs including 1) BP lowering, 2) cholesterol lowering statin, 3) Paxil for anxiety. Before taking Qsymia, I was and continue to eat Jenny Craig, which ships their food to my door. I have lost weight before but always returned to the weight prior. I have been on Qsymia about a year and a half. This drug definitely works! Although my doctor urges me to exercise, I do not. For the first few months, I experienced dry mouth, but that has gone away. I did get down to 200 lbs, but have been slowly increasing. I think the effect of the drug might have worn away a bit as I still like a high-calorie snack at night. After a $75 rebate, cost is $131/mo."

8 / 10
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  • Rac...
  • December 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Qsymia a couple of years ago with a brief hiatus in between. I started at 206 and got down to 158 with very little exercise but a change in eating habits. According to my friends, I was eating very little, with maybe 1100 calories a day or less. I easily overlooked the side effects of tingling in the feet, dry mouth, and irritability. The worst has been the memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and lack of words. I couldn't remember commonly used words, like my brain just stopped working. This scared me enough to stop taking it. I've been off now for over a year and still have these neurological problems after once having a near photographic memory. I've also gained all of my weight back, and looking back, I would have never started it."

5 / 10
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  • CJ_...
  • June 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Stats: 29, 6'2", black male. I started on March 23rd, 2018. Started with the starter dosage for 2 weeks, then moved over to the regular dosage of 7.5 mg - 46 mg. My starting weight was 248 lb, I am currently 222 lb. I thought my goal was 220 lb, but I think I am going to keep going until I get to 200 lb and revisit from there. I have NOT started exercising yet. I have only drastically changed my diet. I do more walking versus driving, so I am sure that helps. I need to get in the gym and start toning up. I do not have any cravings anymore. I smoke a lot (weed), so that has always been a struggle of mine. Sometimes I even have to remind myself to eat. I did have dry mouth at first, but that is gone now. My insurance covered this until 4/1. But then my pharmacy did some sort of pre-authorization, and I am still only paying my co-pay (with the coupon applied as well, I think). So that works for me. But honestly, after my first month results, I was totally fine with paying out of pocket for this."

10 / 10
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  • 25a...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor was pretty hesitant to try me on this but was quick to mention weight loss surgery. I'm 25, 5'8" with a starting weight of 250 (June 8th). I began the low dose of the trial on June 13th and weighed yesterday at 241.5 (8.5 lbs!). Soda tastes flat and so does alcohol. Huge bonus since soda was my vice. Drinking lots of water due to dry mouth. I have felt a little tired, but it's tolerable. My hands and face feel tingly today. Hopefully that passes because that is pretty annoying. I had a slight headache the first two days, but that went away with Aleve. I see my doctor on the 26th for a 30-day fill. Hopefully, the weight loss continues. I don't plan on taking it for more than a couple of months. Will update."

8 / 10
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  • kok...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Qsymia, the starter dose, for 6 days now. The first 3 days I immediately experienced blurry vision, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, and head fogginess like I was in outer space, but it wasn't horrible. It's worth it if you want to lose weight. I didn't lose my appetite completely, but I definitely don't crave junk and fast food like I used to, and I'm not hungry all the time. I feel full a lot. After the 3rd day, all those bad symptoms went away, I'm guessing my body adjusted to the meds. I haven't really been eating the healthiest since I started and only worked out twice, and I lost 2 pounds so far. I will return with another review when I finish with the starter dose."

6 / 10
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  • Lyn...
  • May 29, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So far, so good. Medication does cause dry mouth to some extent. At first, I was nervous about the phentermine, but I did not have any problems with it. No jitter or heart racing. Sleepy at first until your body adjusts to it. Just finished the start dose and now on the 7.5 dose. The only thing I have a small issue with is some minor tingling in my toes at times. Did not notice this until I started taking the Qsymia. Will discuss with my physician."

9 / 10
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  • ami...
  • January 19, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Qsymia for the 14-day free trial, and I haven't lost even one pound, even though I exercise for 30 minutes every day, 5 days a week, and drink lots of water. I have been having those side effects, like dry mouth and tingling in my fingers, but I've also felt very tired. I don't know if I should try the higher dose for a month or just change to Belviq."

4 / 10
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  • Sac...
  • February 5, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor split the two medications up since my insurance would not cover Qsymia. I took it for eight days and decided I needed to stop. I lost a few pounds, but it wasn't because of appetite loss. I was hungry all day. I made myself choose to eat correctly. On top of this, I had HORRIBLE side effects. It started on day one. I didn't feel well, extremely tired, and could not get my thoughts together. This continued each day along with dry mouth and dry, itchy eyes. My vision was weird, and my eyes seemed to be extremely light sensitive. My coworkers made comments to me every day regarding my eyes and why I kept making mistakes. My brain was not functional. I stopped taking topiramate and felt better the first day without it. Had to have eyes checked."

1 / 10
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  • tt5...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started the trial two-week period and have lost 9.5 pounds the first week. I know it's a lot of water weight, but I feel less hungry, and it takes less food to make me full. Medication is working great. No side effects besides dry mouth."

10 / 10
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  • Wan...
  • May 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor prescribed Topiramate 50 mg twice a day, and I started taking it 11/29/18. I am a 50-year-old female, 5'5'', starting weight 269 lb. Within days, I had tingling in my hands, feet, and face. I had a memory fog where I had trouble finding my words and just seemed disconnected. After another week, I noticed I didn't have cravings, my appetite was less, and I had a dry mouth, which helped me drink the 64 ounces of water daily. After one month on this medicine, I only lost 1.6 lbs. Next visit to the doctor on 1/15/19, he added in Phentermine 15 mg. Weight seemed to come off a little faster, and by 3/08/19, I hit my lowest weight of 256.2 lb, and that is where I stalled. After a month at this weight, I decided to go off the medicine as I didn't feel the results I received outweighed the side effects I had. Today is 5/27/19, and I did gain 3-4 lbs. back since going off the medicine. Medicine just did not work for me."

2 / 10
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  • Twi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "36 yr/5.5 ft. Starting weight 178 (goal 145). It's been one month exactly, and I am 10 lbs down. I know that's good, but I expected more. I still have not changed my diet nor added any exercise. So! I guess that is good! The only thing I notice is dry mouth, and that just makes me drink more water. So, I don't really mind that. I definitely do not eat as much as I used to. If I have pizza - it's 2 slices instead of 3 or 4! It's all I can handle. So I've got a ways to go!"

8 / 10
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  • seb...
  • March 3, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just stopped taking Qsymia after being on it for 15 months. I have lost 71 pounds, and I am wearing size 10 jeans! I never thought I would see that day again after five kids. I had very few side effects, like dry mouth and some toe tingles and occasional numbness in my fingers and toes that would come and go. Those were mostly in the beginning of taking it. I would recommend this medication for weight loss! Now I am eating small portions because my stomach has shrunk and am able to exercise three to four times a week, and I plan to continue all of these things. This is the only weight loss drug I have ever taken, but I am sure glad I did after struggling for five years with no success on my own."

10 / 10
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  • Boy...
  • April 15, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia 3 days ago, and I am down 3.2 lbs. The only side effect I have is dry mouth, which is great because it makes me drink water all day long. I am not exercising, just using my fitness pal and following a 1200-calorie diet."

10 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on the meds for a week. I have had success so far and no side effects except for a little dry mouth, which is good because it gets you to drink more water. It has suppressed my appetite to help me limit my portion control."

9 / 10
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  • Th3...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 28-year-old female. 5'8''. I started Qsymia three weeks ago at 353 lbs. Today, I am at 344.9. This is with little to no change in my diet. I'd say the 'little' change I spoke of was that I drink a lot of water now. I did notice dry mouth, occasional tingling, and a suppressed appetite. Now that I know what the drug can do mostly on its own, I'm curious to see what it will do if I make the necessary changes."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 19, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "5'2", 160 lb, 48 y/o female - 14-day trial then moved to 7.5 mg - 30 days and so far lost 7 lbs. - overall good experience. At first had a little bit of an anxiety attack - skipped one pill and then decided that it was me being me and decided to resume taking the pills and so far so good. I had a bit of the tingling, dry mouth, but I also experienced unusual frequency urination, which for what I read is tied to the Topamax. I have a doctor's appointment and I will ask about it, it almost feels like a UTI, but I'm certain it's not an infection. I exercise 5 times a week. I've always watched my diet, but I always had issues maintaining a healthy weight (I'm one of those unlucky souls) and had a huge fibroid which was embolized last year but throwing my hormones out of whack, plus I'm probably peri-menopausal causing me 15 lbs weight gain. I plan to stop at 145 lb, however, my ideal would be 135.. thanks."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.