Seeking OTC equivalent to Phendimetrazine / Phentermine

I did the Medi Weight Loss Diet in 2008 - 2009 and lost a bunch of weight. It was FAAAANTASTIC! I don't care what anyone says, medical weight loss was the best thing I have ever done and the only thing I have ever done that actually worked for more than a week. Needless to say, I lost my job and could no longer afford the crazy amount of money the clinic charges for the program. I have gained back MORE than what I initially lost. To make matters worse, the job I have now pays less than half of what I was making then, so getting back on the diet is out of the question. After searching many healthfood stores and drug stores to for an OTC substitute for the Phendimetrizine that MediClininc was perscribing, I have not found anything that comes even close. Has ANYONE OUT THERE found a good subsitute? I miss being a size 4...

YES, I've found an excellent substitute - and it's free!!!

It's called 'making smart food choices and exercising'.

+1!

Reminds me of my favorite 30 Rock quote "What are your feelings on tooth loss?".

I wish there was a pill that works, but amphetamines aint for me! Like many wise people told me "There is no softer easier way."

/Cheers, JP

I dont know what that pharmacudical stuff is that you are talking about, but the only weight loss supplement that I have ever taken that did anything to suppress my appetite was Dexatrim Max 7.

Phentermine and Phendimetrazine are not amphetamines however, they are chemically similar and as a result cause similar side effects. They are usually only prescribed to individuals who are considered morbidly obese and meant for short term use when the benefits out weigh the risk.

There is an ingredient in some supplements, DMAA,I believe it is found in OxyElite Pro, that supposedly is similar but not as strong. However, it has been linked to the death of a few Army soldiers, is banned from use by any military personnel and is under investigation by the Department of Defense. In short, its not a very safe substance IMO.

I will say I have taken phentermine before and it is NOT worth it. That stuff made me crazy. Just like you the little bit of weight I lost taking it, I gained back and then some. IMO stuff like this (including DMAA) are not worth it. There really is not a quick fix. I have to agree with Erika2633, making smart food choices and exercise is the only way. It took me a long time to realize this but once I did it made loosing weight and keeping it off so much easier.

I apologize if some people are offended by my choice to use diet pills IN CONJUNCTION with excercise and eating correctly to help me lose weight. And I certainly did not post this question expecting to draw the ire of those who do not agree with that choice. I guess I was under the impression that this forum was a community of support and understanding vs. judgement and criticsm. That being said, I would appreciate comments from those who are truly trying to help me answer my question. If you don't agree or support my choice of weight loss method, please keep it to yourself. Thank you.

I think it is more concern than being offended. Those pills have questionable side effects and the fact that you gained all the weight back when you stopped taking them means you would have to take them the rest of your life.

Sorry you feel that way PianoNoir. Please dont let us run you off, just find different friends .

I have come and gone from this site a few times myself. This time I have been around about 9 months now, maybe more.

On this site we see lots of people come and go, and ask for all kinds of advice so maybe we take it for granted. Sometimes people come on wanting to lose huge amounts of weight in very short times, sometimes they cant give-up cupcakes, and sometimes well, they ask for things that aren't good for us.

While it may seem right to agree with everyone and blow smoke up each others butts like on facebook (that happens too much here too). Sometimes what you need to hear is not what you want to hear.

Good point fatoldlady!

/Cheers, JP

As stated by the other posts we are not offened, just scared that you feel it is the only way. Phen/Phen as they were called at the time were taken off the market for a reason: they are not good for humans. A dear friend of mine was on them, and when he was not allowed to get them any more he became so depressed that he was actually suicidal. His body reacted poorly for the lack of drug to w/cramps and stomach issues. So as you can see, these are part of the reasons we (I) am concerned once I read your post. We here to do understand and we do support; but we also show concern and express opinions on all topics good or bad.

Well said JP! This is a community discussion site, anyone should have a voice in it, especially when their opinion or information is relevent to the topic.

PN, considering you chose a community forum instead of your personal journal, a forum which may be around for a long time and be read by other readers seeking the same information you desire, it is probably best that both sides of the story be out there. Anyone with experience with these drugs would be remiss in not stating so here, for full disclosure to others.

On the pro side such drugs have helpful but temporary effects, on the con side, the vast majority of people will gain all the weight back starting almost immediately once they discontinue the drugs since they didn't train themselves to change their diets, and the drugs have serious side effects.

I've tried many prescription and (legal) non-prescription appetite suppresants over the years--including amphetamines and their less effective cousins like Phentermine. Phentermine is only effective for about 3 months. After that they do make you crazy, causing serious psychological symptoms in some, including uncontrollable rage--I know this, it happened to me. Not to mention they cause high blood pressure, a rapid pulse, palpitations, tension and headaches. Many clinics require a one month gap after every 3 months in order to prevent some of the worst side effects.

Such drugs should never be taken without supervision--which is why you can't find a product OTC that really compares.

There is a name for the combining of OTC drugs that will produce a similar effect--it's called methamphetamine, and it's very illegal.

I pay 75.00 a month for the vitamin b12 shot and 1 month supply of phentermine but that is in chicago...it's called a better weigh inc. they have a website you could goto. I have heard of a medi weight loss but i feel they use the same pills as what I am taking but cheaper plus, they have hcg and plus this place is legit because they take health insurance anthem.

Piano Noir..What is wrong with people these days? You ask a simple question and you get condescending replies. (I hope I can say something that is a little more encouraging here). I have suffered from depression my entire life and I've taken different antidepressants and I have taken Phentermine, too. Phentermine not only helped with weight loss, but it has been the best medication for me for my depression, too. Unfortunately, you can't take Phentermine long term and you have to be really careful about taking Phentermine with other antidepressants. Phentermine was thought to increase epinephrine and dopamine, but they also found that it increases serotonin, too. If you take this with another medication that increases serotonin you can have a build up serotonin and it can cause life-threatening toxicity in your body. I have been on the search for a medication similar to Phentermine, too. I'm not searching for this medication for weight loss, just the affect it has on me with regard to depression. I have been successful with losing 40 pounds over the last year with a program that I weighed in weekly and exercise. I didn't take any medication. (I'm certainly better at losing weight when I'm accountable to someone). Our community has a free support group that is called "Take Off Pounds Sensibly" -It is similar to Weight Watchers but it is free. This may be helpful to you. The other medication that you might want to ask your doctor about is Welbutrin. I started Welbutrin a few months ago for depression. It has a side effect of weight loss in some people. I found that it does help increase my energy level. (For me it isn't as effective as Phentermine, but it does help some.)Be very careful if you start this medication. It has a side effect of decreasing the seizure threshold in some people. Take it exactly as prescribed. What the CONDESENDING people on this form have to realize is that obesity is an epidemic in our society. They're so many physical, mental, and biological components to this disease. Researchers are just starting to realize it is more than just dieting and exercise. Try and remember that are bodies are programmed to hold on to weight and we are fighting an up hill battle every time we loss weight and try and keep it off. PLEASE BE SUPPORTIVE AND STOP PATRONIZING PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR HELP!! Good luck Piano Noir..If I find anything that is as helpful as Phentermine, I'll let you know. Hang in there

I'm assuming you're referring to my reply as the 'condescending' one. Why does simple honesty have to be considered condescending? I think that making healthy food choices and exercise IS a much better equivalent to medication/OTC drugs. What's condescending about that?

Exercise has been proven to ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety (just ask the Mayo clinic)

I am absolutely not a patronizing and condescending person, and I will be very supportive to those that are battling obesity/extra weight in the struggle to be a healthier person. However, PN's last statement in the original post was one of "missing being a size 4," not one of battling depression/obesity - to me it seemed like just another post looking for immediate gratification without any of the work.

^like.