About Bontril

If you’ve used Bontril, please help others by sharing your experience with side effects. 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: High blood pressure
Date: 5/3/2011
I just recently developed high blood pressure. My doctor prescribed me Benicar HCT along with Bontril. (I only have about 20-25 pounds to lose and nothing has been working). Upon researching Bontril I see that maybe it shouldn’t be taken if you have high blood pressure, but then why would he prescribe them both to me if it was unsafe. (I’d ask my doc but he left the country to go on vacation before I had the chance to!!!)

Sheri

AskDocWeb: That may be a problem. Of course the known benefits have to be weighed against the potential risks but there are many sources that say Bontril should not be used by those with high blood pressure or even a history of high blood pressure. Typically when doctors go on vacation they have another doctor handle their patients. If you can find out who that is it could give you an opportunity to get a second opinion.

Subj: Do I have to be on a diet
Date: 5/8/2011
Hi, I’ve been taking bontril for 2 weeks now. My question is: Do I have to be on a diet for the pill to work or does it work either way? How long will it take to see some results?

Y.

AskDocWeb: Yes, Bontril is designed to be used with diet, exercise, and behavior therapy for the short-term management of obesity.

Subj: I developed neurological symptoms
Date: 5/13/2011
Took Bontril and Phentermine last summer through a weight loss clinic. All was fine until it stopped suppressing my appetite, so I quit taking it. Two months later, I developed neurological symptoms with my legs. Have a hard time getting up and walking. My legs don’t want to do what I want them to and they feel stiff and heavy. It comes and goes. It is usually worse at night and some days are much worse than others. Saw a neurologist and all my tests came back negative including an EMG. Just curious if this could be some kind of withdrawal syndrome from these diet pills… I do have a family history of Parkinson’s with my father and grandfather both being affected, but I am only 40 and they were around 60 when they developed Parkinson’s…

Dana

AskDocWeb: (bontril) According to Drugs.com, the effects of Phentermine on the central nervous system include overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache; rarely psychotic episodes at recommended doses.

Subj: Itching
Date: 5/31/2011
Itching on my arms and sides. Anyone else have this condition.

Bob

AskDocWeb: Itching is not listed as a side effect of Bontril but it is one of the warning signs of an allergic reaction so check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Subj: Stomach pains and emotional
Date: 6/6/2011
I began taking Bontril a few days ago and i have had stomach pains. I have noticed when I eat the portions I eat normally i get nausea and/or vomiting. Of course I am thinkin since I just began the medicine I would give it some time to work so I will continue to try to give it at least a two week period and exchange my larger meals for more frequent small meals or healthy choices for light snacks. I have noticed my appetite is not as elevated as it was before but when I do eat I feel sick. Has anyone else felt sick while taking Bontril? I can at least get better rest with Bontril then I could when I was taking Adipex! Also is anyone experiencing being very emotional or is it that because I am in week before my period?….lol Is it ok to just cry? 🙂

Kimberly

AskDocWeb: Unusual behavior, personality changes, and stomach pains are all listed as SEVERE side effects that should be reported to your doctor right away.

Subj: Taking Bontril for 6 YEARS
Date: 6/7/2011
I have been taking Bontril for 6 YEARS. It stops my hot flashes. I have tried to go off of it and the hot flashes return and increase in intensity per day that I am not taking this medication. What long term serious side effects am I trading for no more hot flashes. Note: vital signs are stable, all lab work other than low Vit D are normal. I take no other medications.

Please don’t post my name.

AskDocWeb: Your identity is safe here. Some Bontril users report developing a physical and psychological dependence on this drug and experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing after prolonged use. When a pharmaceutical company develops a drug they decide how long it can be safely used. It appears that they are not required to disclose the reason(s) why it is not safe for long-term use.

Subj: Discontinuing Bontril after long-term use
Date: 6/22/2011
I have been on bontril (phendimetrazine) 35mg 3 times a day today for about 6 months now an before that I was on the 105 mg for about 3 n a half years, because my weight basically hadn’t changed the nurse practitioner decided out of the blue to take me off the prescription a few days ago. Now I’m having withdraw symptoms. Is it safe to just all of a sudden stop taking this med or should I have weaned off this drug? How long will these symptoms last? I feel awful. I tried to talk to the nurse and she said no your not determined enough and slammed her office door in my face.

Samantha

AskDocWeb: Sorry to hear about such poor treatment from your healthcare provider. Some Bontril users report developing a physical and psychological dependence on this drug and experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing after prolonged use. That is why some doctors gradually wean their patients off the medicine – so that they don’t experience the rebound and withdrawal effects. The body clears most of it out of the system in a few days and withdrawal symptoms usually don’t last more than a few more days after that. It takes awhile for the body to adjust after discontinuing the long-term use of a stimulant.

Subj: Long-term use of Bontril
Date: 6/22/2011
I had been taking Bontril for about five years always switching doctors because they only prescribe it for three months at a time. I felt great I had a lot of energy and lost about 50lbs. I had to get off of it and within a year gained it all back. My question is this how is it possible for you to get a prescription for such a long period of time.

Karla

AskDocWeb: Sorry to disappoint you Karla but telling you that would support drug abuse and that is something we do NOT do.

Subj: Major increase in sweating
Date: 6/27/2011
I just started taking Bontril about 2 weeks ago and I really like the new found energy and appetite suppression. I have noticed a major increase in sweating this week which is new to me and kind of uncomfortable. I’d compare it to sitting in a sauna. Is this a known side effect of taking Bontril? Is there anything I can do to help the sweating subside or should I just sweat it out?

I have also been reading about people taking Calcium Pyruvate along with the Bontril because they work well together. Is this true? and if so how many of what mg should I be taking per day?

Rachel

AskDocWeb: Sweating is listed as one of the possible side effects of Bontril that should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Other symptoms that should be immediately reported include:

• changes in sex drive
• dizziness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• frequent urination or trouble urinating
• hallucinations
• seizures
• severe headache
• stomach pain
• sweating
• tremor
• unusual behavior or personality changes

Note: A severe allergic reaction may result from using any medication. If you experience rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or tongue, seek immediate medical attention.

The body produces pyruvate naturally when it breaks down glucose (sugar). However, taking a Pyruvate supplement for weight loss is still controversial. Although it seems to be safe when taken by mouth short-term (up to six weeks), currently there is insufficient evidence to support the weight loss claims. Proponents of Pyruvate say that it may contribute to weight loss by increasing the breakdown of fat. So far the results from studies disagree about its effectiveness when used for weight loss. Note that side effects may occur when large amounts of Pyruvate are taken: stomach upset, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Subj: Bad headaches
Date: 9/24/2011
I had my Daughter 2 months ago & I’m having problems loosing the baby weight so my Dr put me on Bontril. I’ve only been on it for 3 days & the first day I was a little hyper & jittery but nothing too bad. The only complaint is I’m having really bad head aches- but I can sleep just fine & I eat the same & stop when I’m full with no desire to keep eating or snack. I already see a difference in the way my clothes fit & the energy is nice especially with a new born around! I like it so far but I think I’m gunna take a womens multi-vitamin with it, from what I’ve read it seemed to help with the head aches –

Elise

Subj: Sudden premature ejaculation
Date: 9/28/2011
Dr told me that my sudden premature ejaculation could be caused from my bontril use. Any truth to this?

Mike

AskDocWeb: It appears that there could indeed be a possible connection. Sexual side effects such as changes in libido, including impotence have been documented as side effects of Bontril. These are listed as adverse reactions that should be reported to the prescribing doctor.

Subj: Still struggling with hunger
Date: 9/30/2011
I started taking bontril and the first week I wasn’t hungry at all. After that I still got hungry. I did loose 10 pounds my first month. I went to the doc got my refill and for a few days it worked and lost 4 more pounds now I am stuck again still struggling with hunger. Is it me or what?

April

AskDocWeb: Hi April, you have likely hear that saying, “Your results may vary.” Well that is especially true when it comes to using medication for weight loss. Have you read the Conquer Cravings page or find something helpful there?

Subj: I scared myself
Date: 10/4/2011
I have used this product in the past and have been very happy with the results. It did cause mood swings, insomnia in the first few days. Recently I have used it again, less side effects, less mood swings, some insomnia in the beginning. I caution you to consume alcohol with this product, very dangerous. After 2 drinks lost all control of my legs, couldnt pick up my head, and was out of it. I scared myself so much that I flushed the pills. I still feel its a good product but you just need to use your better judgement when taking it. Good luck!

Mary

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