Phentermine / topiramate and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• tmk...
• July 23, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "A word of caution to anyone with a history of depression or anxiety. I experienced some really scary side effects in the three weeks I tried Qsymia, including suicidal thoughts. I have a history of mild anxiety and depression, and I experienced very severe symptoms while on the drug, including panic attacks, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and extreme sadness. I'm tapering off the med now. I have a BMI of 35 and a history of PCOS, which is why my doctor prescribed it, but she should not have given me this with my history of depression without a more serious warning of the potentially scary side effects. Good luck to all of you who are trying and who it's working for."

• Gar...
• January 16, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia on 1/5/16 at the suggestion of my Dr. I did take this drug about 3 years ago with good success also. I have lost 13 lbs in 10 days. I have had a bit of a headache and a bit of trouble staying asleep, but not enough for this to be a problem. I am 49 years old, 5'2, weigh in at 206 when I started, so I am very happy with how this started out. She did start me off at the 7.5 dose this time with the discussion that if it was uncomfortable to give her a call, and we would scale back."

• JB1...
• June 12, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took the 2-week trial at the end of May and experienced some side effects. I was severely tired, had some tingling in my hands and feet, dry mouth, and pop tasted really flat (which I guess is a good thing since I no longer wanted it) and some trouble sleeping. I added in some exercise and started a low-calorie diet. I lost about 7 lbs in those two weeks. I wasn't able to go directly on to the 7.5 dosage because of some complications with my pharmacy. I was off the medication for about a week & gained my energy back & slept better. I've been back on the medication for 2 days now & have started experiencing the side effects again. Unless my results are drastically great during my 30-day rx, I don't think I can handle the side effects."

• ain...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2021

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on this med for 9 weeks, 2 weeks at 3.75 and the rest at 7.5 with no results. I am 5'7" and 176 when I started. Now I'm 179. It hasn't worked in the least! I have no symptoms like I read about. No loss of appetite, and carbonated drinks don't taste funny. My creatinine levels have gone up, and I'm having chest pains, though, and insomnia. I spoke to my Dr., and she said it's because I wasn't exercising enough, so I started walking/jogging for the past 2 weeks to see if that helped the scale budge. Nope. Any suggestions? I'm actually up since I started, and since I started walking daily and watching what I ate, still up. Help?"

• Mis...
• August 6, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This was my first attempt at a prescription for weight loss, and I took this from 9/13 to 3/14. I lost weight and my appetite, some days forgetting to eat at all. This medicine had a big effect on me that I didn't comprehend while I was on it. I held a high-level position and drove multi-states for work. Q made it increasingly tough to focus and affected my eyesight and caused some hair loss over time. I couldn't sleep, and in addition to not being able to focus, I was exhausted... Wired AND Tired every day! These things got worse over time. I had dull, almost puffy pain around my eyes every day, all day long, and my hands and feet were freezing even in hot weather. I was so off-kilter on this... although I lost weight, I felt increasingly awful."

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

Phentermine / topiramate 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."

• Ci ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "5'4 African American female - Beginning weight: 208 lbs. Weight after 2-week trial: 197. 6 days after increasing dose: 193. No exercise. Side effects: no energy, dramatic decrease in appetite, insomnia, increased heart rate, increased anxiety, and unusual anger. I'm losing weight rapidly, but is it worth it?"

• Hap...
• January 12, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia since 4/1/2015. I had tried everything to lose weight and was unable to do it. I love to cook and love to eat. We eat out a lot and have a lot of company. Up to this point, I couldn't control portions. I ate a lot. Once I started this drug at 7.5, I started losing and controlling my portions. I joined Weight Watchers, expertise do a great deal, and have lost 47 pounds. I have 3 more pounds to lose. I did see that I was losing my hair, and it thinned a great deal. I also have trouble sleeping. The good far outweighs the bad. When I had only 10 pounds to go, I started taking it every other day. This has helped me with the hair loss. I have been eating what I want, more or less."

• TD3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking this medication in September 2014. I used it for 6 months and lost 50 pounds. I had a few side effects such as constipation and loss of sleep, but both were very manageable. This medication reduced my appetite so much that at times I had to force myself to eat just to make sure I was taking in at least 1,000 calories a day as directed by my doctor. I went off the medication and gained about 10 pounds back, so now I am restarting the medicine after being off a while. It's no miracle drug, but it is a great tool."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia for 3 weeks and have lost 10 lbs so far. I am so excited! I am really not hungry. My only 2 side effects are an odd taste in my mouth similar to metallic and difficulty sleeping. Both side effects are worth the weight loss and the expense of the medication (I believe it was around $200)."

• Taz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2018

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update on the comment below. I was diagnosed with ADHD about 12 years ago but stopped taking my medication for it many years ago because it made me feel jittery. I have noticed, since I started Qsymia, that my ADHD is under control! With no jittery feeling, and it works better than the previous meds did. This is not used as a med for ADHD, to my knowledge, but it should be investigated. Previous comment: I started Qsymia 5 days ago and am down 3 pounds. I am able to control my portions and snacking very well and am not very hungry. This is the low dose also. I had previously been on Contrave for 2 months, which made me extremely nauseous, and I gained 8 pounds on it because I wanted to eat when I was nauseated. The only side effects I notice are insomnia and restless legs at night. Unfortunately, I am unable to exercise because I broke my patella a week ago, so that may slow down my progress some. Overall, this seems like a good medication."

• bla...
• April 28, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia on Saturday, April 25th. I felt fine the first couple of days, but the last two days I've got a weird feeling in my head, and I feel a bit full, like I've eaten too much, but I haven't, leg cramps, slight tingling in my feet, and itching in my hands (none of which are pleasant). It doesn't make me not want to eat entirely, but it definitely helps me make better choices. I've had a touch of insomnia and some weird dreams, and the weird feeling in my head kind of makes me want to give up, but I hopped on the scale before I started typing this, and I've also lost 4 lbs so far (I'm 41 years old, 5'4" and started at 206). I'm going to call my doc tomorrow to be on the safe side. It appears to work, but I'm not sure I can continue on like this."

• Moo...
• March 21, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Here's the deal. Yes - I lost weight. At first, it was great! I exercise on top of it, so I noticed pretty quickly. At the same time, I was eating ... just making better choices and not so ravenous. The side effects started right away and were mild in the beginning - but then - 6 months into it - they were terrible ... I just recently stopped because I couldn't take it. My insomnia was the worst ... I would wake up @ 3:00 and not be able to fall asleep again, and the depression!!! OMG ... I didn't realize I was kind of getting more and more deep. But I was also convinced that the medicine had to be taken - I HAD to keep losing weight!! Dry mouth, heart palpitations (with chest pain) - would like this last year back!! It's not worth it!"

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2017

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took the free 2-week period and started on 3/21/17 at 283. I switched over to the 7.5 and now weigh 279 (4 lb total weight loss in 4 weeks). My RX is $144. I never had much of an appetite to start out with, and now with Qsymia, I have even less. If it wasn't for my boyfriend reminding me it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I believe I would forget to eat (which I know is not good). I have a desk job and have always had walking in my daily routine. I have not changed that routine as of yet. I hope to see significant results in the next few months. The only side effects I experienced are the craving for water and restless nights (although I never slept well to begin with). Keep you all posted."

• Dee...
• September 14, 2018

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m a 42 y/o female, 5’1” & weigh 173 lbs. The doctor had put me on this medication a few years ago when I plummeted from 180 lbs down to 143 lbs in 4 months. I was on the lowest dose & never increased as I didn’t need to. I completely changed my diet, eating habits & exercised 4-5 times a week. No side effects. However, I started the medication again this Monday 9/10 & I am completely stunned. I have side effects I had no clue were from the pills. Due to my being overweight, I was feeling depressed, but I noticed just one day after taking the pill that I was even more depressed. Crying for NO reason. Day three I noticed insomnia, leg cramping & worst of all is lack of concentration. It’s pretty frustrating, actually. I decided to skip today & start again tomorrow to see if it’ll help. Due to my previous positive experience with this medication, I am willing to give it another chance."

• Clo...
• November 9, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had horrible side effects following 14 days on the pill. It brought on anxiety and panic attacks, as well as insomnia. I did lose weight (about 10 lbs), which continued even 2 months after (now 15 lbs). Two months later, I am having horrible stomach issues (going to a specialist to rule out IBS or something else)."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2017

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost weight, but at a cost from the side effects. Took it for about 2 months, and loved how I really didn't care about what I ate (I ate mostly low carb while on it). For the first time ever, a lean chicken breast sounded as good as cake. What I didn't like was how I felt I never got deep sleep, or how I started to forget what word I was thinking of. So sadly, I had negative side effects from both medicines used to create Qsymia. After taking a break, I tried to go back on, staying on the lower dose, but I can't handle the lack of sleep. After quitting the medicine, I regained the weight. Maybe if I'd been able to tolerate it for longer, I would've learned better habits, but I found the return of the cravings hard to deal with. Not worth it."

• Dis...
• August 13, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Do not waste your money or further your health. Side effects on this drug, it does not work. Makes you very exhausted and tired. I had numbness/tingling in the hands, arms, feet; twitching in my eyes; dizziness; trouble sleeping; dry mouth; confusion; cloudiness; and extensive heartburn."

• rk2...
• May 28, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Starting weight was 173 (5'5), combined Qsymia program with up to 1000 calories per day (no exercise) - recording with my fitness pal app definitely helps! I lost 18 lbs altogether in 6 months, where the majority was lost in the first 3 months, maintained during the rest with pills on/off. One thing I did not like about the medicine (especially in the first couple of months) is the side effects: dry mouth, anxiety attacks (which I never experienced before), and insomnia, but it subsided after a while. Regarding pricing, some insurance companies will allow for pre-authorization if you get your doctor to reason with them that it is necessary for you; this way, with a coupon you can pay as low as $35/month supply. Not a bad program overall."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m not the type to usually leave a review, but I hope this can help somebody. I started taking this pill combo, and it worked great, honestly. I lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks. With that being said, it made me never hungry, which seems great, right? In theory, yes, in the long run, no. This pill can cause serious eating disorders if you do not balance yourself. If you have any history of depression/anxiety, please do not take this. After about week 3, my anxiety was at an all-time high, my depression was so bad I was crying over nothing, I couldn’t sleep at night, and I wasn’t myself. But I thought weight loss was worth it. My final day taking it, I had a panic attack that lasted about 4 hours, I thought I had to be taken to the hospital. I had terrible insomnia that night also, and nothing would calm me. I wish I could keep taking this pill for the doc's recommendation of 6 months, but my mental health was more important to me. Please be cautious."

• Kar...
• November 7, 2016

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I experienced side effects with this medication: blisters inside my mouth, insomnia, nasty salty taste in my mouth. I also did not have any significant weight loss. I did not notice it curbing my appetite, but I didn't increase it either."

• Syx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2022

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Qsymia for about a year now and have mixed feelings about it. It definitely worked for me as I was able to lose 100 pounds so far, but the side effects are pretty bad. As others have mentioned, I experienced tingling hands and feet, insomnia, was VERY lightheaded, and it definitely made my depression worse. If you have depression and/or suicidal thoughts, I think this is a dangerous medication to take because, from my experience, it will make those thoughts 10X worse. Also, I experienced a lot of head rushes and dizziness when standing and chest pain. I looked past the side effects of the medication because of the results I was seeing and it is continuing to work."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking a combination of the two-ingredient drugs in Qsymia for 69 days (to be exact). Started at 336.4. Am now at 307.6 and steadily declining! Have faithfully and completely changed my diet. I use MyFitnessPal daily. I cut out breads, my love, about 90% and most sugars, and I attribute that ability to do so to the medicine. It helped cut the cravings, so now I can't even fathom eating any. I tried drinking a soda the other day, and it tasted like carbonated metal water. Yuck! The only side effect I have is dry mouth, so I keep a steady supply of Life Savers around and pack water like a camel in the Sahara Desert! The first few weeks were tough, though. Some face tingling. Difficulty sleeping. Lots of urination. Don't give up!"

• Cys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2022

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a bad experience with this drug. While taking it, everything seemed relatively normal until I couldn’t concentrate or sleep. I felt like I had ADHD, always starting something new before finishing what I was working on. I started having a hard time sleeping and needed less sleep. I became incredibly constipated despite eating a fiber-full diet. I never felt the appetite or craving suppressants that this pill was supposed to help with. I had an even worse time coming off this pill. I was wiped of all energy, my brain was foggy, I started my period despite using my 3-month birth control, and it was the most painful period I have had in 15 years. I also wish my doctor explained that if this drug worked, I would have to be on it for life."

• Sag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2015

Phentermine / topiramate for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first week seemed fine enough at first: tingling in feet and hands, dry mouth, and diet soda tasted awful, so I stopped drinking it. After one week, I noticed the sluggishness when forming a thought, the forgetting things moments after the thought entered my brain, and tingling in my face. I also had some issues sleeping. Talked with my doc, and she confirmed all of this was normal due to the Topamax, and it was up to me to continue. I had already purchased the month's dose at the time I got my free dose, so I decided to stick it out and try it. The first day of the doubled dose was absolutely awful. I felt anxious, and my face was numb and tingly from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., no exaggeration. I immediately stopped. Lost 12 lbs but not worth it."