About Bontril

If you’ve used Bontril, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Subj: Constipated
Date: 4/14/2010
So far I have been on Bontril for 3 weeks; I have lost 12 lbs!! I’m very happy with those results… It doesn’t really curb my appetite all that well though. I’m still hungry quite often…. but, since I know what the drug is supposed to do… I just choose to ignore the hunger (which is really really hard) but, since I’ve started taking this I have become very constipated. I’ve never been constipated in my life! Over the counter stuff just makes me feel like I have to go in my belly, but not much results… I don’t know what else I can do… I love Bontril and don’t want to quit taking it… any suggestions?? Thanks!

Annie

AskDocWeb: According to the National Institute of Health there are several things you can do about constipation. The first is to eat more fiber, which helps form soft, bulky stools. Fiber is found in many vegetables, fruits, and grains. Be sure to add fiber to your diet a little at a time so your body gets used to it. Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as pizza, ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or frozen dinners.

2. Drink plenty of water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups. These liquids have little effect on how stools form however, drinking enough fluids is important because dehydration can cause constipation. Try not to drink liquids that contain caffeine or alcohol if you feel thirsty or dehydrated.

3. Get enough regular exercise. This helps your digestive system stay active and healthy. Exercising 20 to 30 minutes every day may help.

4. Visit the restroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement and allow yourself enough time to relax. Sometimes people feel so hurried that they don’t pay attention to their body’s needs. If you usually have a bowel movement at a certain time of day, visit the restroom around that time. Reading a book or magazine in the restroom can help you relax. If you cannot have a bowel movement within 10 minutes, get up and return the next time you get the urge.

5. Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should. Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives. However, if you are doing all the right things and you are still constipated, your doctor may recommend a laxative for a limited time. Your doctor will tell you what type is best for you. Laxatives come in many forms including liquid, chewing gum, and pills.

Subj: Hip and joint pain
Date: 4/23/2010
My husband started taking Bontril in NOV of 08 until June of 09 and it helped him tremendously with weightloss, he started at 376 and went down to around 255. He was laid off last September from his job, as he works in a foundry and is very very active and sweats alot. After the lay off we could no longer afford the pills, and he wasn’t near as active. Now he was called back to work in Feb 2010 and started taking the Bontril again. Starting weight was 313 and his weight now is 256. Its a 57lb weightloss in 2.5 months which he is thankful for, however my worries are everytime he is on the medication he has extreme hip pain, its not listed as a side effect. He has had arthritis testing, etc we can’t find the reason behind it. Has anyone else experienced joint pain in taking this medication — or could it be a result of extreme weightloss being done quickly. We have altered out lifestyle so that the weight will stay off this time, but worried about the hip and joint pain!

Wife of Bontril Taker

AskDocWeb: There have been no reports of hip or joint pain associated with Bontril since we started tracking it over sex years ago.

Subj: High blood pressure
Date: 5/23/2010
I have used bontril SR in the past twice or 3 times the med work. But you need to excerise and eat healthy combining the two. I lost about 80+ pounds then there were days I went with out eating cuz I didn’t feel hungry. It really takes the hunger away. I had to force feed myself then I developed symptoms of hurtburn and everything I ate or drank came right out so I put under the purple pill and then I discontinued the pill, kept the weight off for couple of years then slowly gained all it back. Then went back on it again lost 40 pounds I felt addicted to the pill then I stopped cuz I got scared and had anxiety attacks so yeah. So now I have high BP after couple of years later.

Farrah

Subj: Bontril and Xenical
Date: 5/26/2010
My co-worker told me about Bontril and she said it worked for her. My doctor prescribed Xenical for me and I have been taking it since Dec. 2009. So far I lost 17 pounds. Is it safe to take Bontril and Xenical at the same time?

Shirley

AskDocWeb: We didn’t find any drug interactions listed for these two drugs but to find out if it is safe for you, you will have to consult with your healthcare provider.

Subj: Over the counter?
Date: 6/2/2010
After reading the reviews, Im extremely interested in Bontril. Is this something that you can buy over the counter?

Danielle

AskDocWeb: No, Bontril is available by prescription only.

Subj: More energy didn’t last
Date: 6/7/2010
I started bontril a little over a week ago. I noticed my first couple days I had more energy than I normally did. after that, my energy level is back to what it was before being on the pill. has anyone else experienced that? or is this a sign the pill will not work?

Mandy

AskDocWeb: Others have reported that energy boost when first starting Bontril but as the body adjusts to the drug, the energy level soon returns to normal. Losing that energy boost is not a sign that the pill has stopped working. Hang in there and keep your goal in mind.

Subj: Menstruation lost due to meds or baby?
Date: 6/17/2010
I started Bontril on June 15, 2010. My period was due June 14, 2010. I have been feeling a little nauseous and dizzy, lil headache is common 4 me n back pain. it doesnt feel like my period is about to come on. But does the med’s affect it. The doctors I’m working with said it does not but I’m not sure. I get negative pregnancy test results but still no period. I cant fully say there is no chance I am pregnant thou. im confused and need help? Menstration lost due to meds or baby in oven.

Kim

AskDocWeb: While a change in menstrual cycle is not one of the listed side effects of Bontril a few women have reported a difference so it may be one of the very rare side effects. Of course there is also the possibility that something else is going on. Hopefully you can report back to let everyone know how this comes out.

Subj: Tastes like dish soap
Date: 6/30/2010
I just started taking Bontril 2 Days ago. I do not take it but once a day. I am on Lexapro, Gabapentin (for neuropothy) & blood pressure meds cuz its a little high. So which one of these meds is making everything taste like dish soap?

Lorie

AskDocWeb: Most likely it is the Lexapro. That is just one of the Drugs that Change Taste.

Subj: Headaches
Date: 7/3/2010
I have been using (Bontril) for 4 weeks, lost 20 lbs., increased energy and totally surpressed my appetite. In the very beginnning I did get headaches but within a few days they go away. I noticed when I took 1st thing in AM before eating they tend to work better and give me more of a boost but you need to exercise or house clean, something. I’m pregnant now so I have to quit, but they definitely work when taken the right way with diet and exercise.

Not hungry at all

Subj: Bontril and drinking
Date: 8/5/2010
Does bontril have a contradiction to red wine? I had one glass last night and found myself very easily agitated.

D
AskDocWeb: Alcohol can increase the unwanted side effects of Bontril, especially dizziness. Most sources say to limit or avoid the use of alcohol while using this drug.

Subj: Tongue tingling and slurred speech
Date: 8/14/2010
I have been taking Bontril for six months. The first three months I had no side effects. Month 7 I noticed my tongue tingling and slurred speech. I stopped taking Bontril and two weeks later the slurring stopped. I started taking it again and within a month, the slurring came back. I have now been off of it for two full weeks, but the slurring is still there. Help?

Liz
AskDocWeb: Slurred speech is not listed as a possible side effect of Bontril but it is a concern. Because slurred speech is also a symptom of a stroke it should be reported to your doctor.

Subj: Bontril with zoloft?
Date: 8/16/2010
Will bontril be effective while using zoloft?

Jo Ann
AskDocWeb: That combination is generally avoided because of the additive risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, blood pressure lability, diaphoresis, shivering, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, rigidity, tremor, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Subj: Vaginal dryness?
Date: 8/19/2010
I was just wondering if anyone has experienced vaginal dryness with Bontril? I have been on it for some time but recently my dose has been increased to the max dose but now I am experiencing vaginal dryness.

Jennifer
AskDocWeb: No one has reported vaginal dryness as a possible side effect of Bontril but now that you’ve mentioned it, anyone?

Subj: Stomach cramps and diarrhea
Date: 8/22/2010
I have been taking diet pills for 1 1/2 months now. I started with adipex, but didn’t feel like it worked very good on me. So I’m taking Bontril now, and it’s working. The only thing is, both the adipex and Bontril make me either constipated, or horrible diarrhea. I never get diarrhea, but this pain is awful, horrid stomach cramps & bad diarrhea. No over the counter medicine(pepto etc) work. Should I be worried, or will this go away? What can I do to help with the diarrhea.

Jessica
AskDocWeb: As mentioned above, those symptoms may be signs of serotonin syndrome. The patient information for Bontril says to report these symptoms to your doctor. Read more feedback about Bontril.
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