Qsymia and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Lak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Lost 20 lbs in three months. Side effects were tingling feet, insomnia, irritability, and metallic taste of soda. Side effects were worth the weight loss that I was unable to lose otherwise. I am mid-sixties and thirty lbs overweight. My doctor gave me another three-month prescription, and I hope to reach my goal. I have more energy and am exercising for the first time in 15 years. It is expensive, but worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 26, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking 7/15, I had terrible side effects, racing heart, dizziness, insomnia, speech and memory. When I told my doctor I was coming off it, she basically told me to suck it up and push through the side effects. She also recommended that I take one pill every other day. I am glad I listened to her, I am down 53 pounds. This was all done on the 7.5 dose."

• Pho...
• April 4, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia in December 2016 and had the finger and toe numbness, trouble sleeping, and anxiety but that only lasted the first 10 days or so. In the past year, I've lost 50 lbs, and that's without a ton of changes. I noticed a huge change in my appetite. I wasn't someone that overate to begin with, which was why my weight was frustrating, but now I notice I have to make an effort to eat meals because I'm rarely hungry. I have plenty of energy to do everything I need to do. I am at my initial goal weight but now looking to go an extra 10 lbs lighter. If I add moderate exercise, the weight comes off quick which was impossible before Qsymia. I highly recommend this! It's tough the first 2 weeks but past that, it's been super easy for me."

• eea...
• May 26, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 59 years old, 5'6" tall, 326 pounds. On April 5, 2021, I received the basic dosage and initiated my 1500-calorie intake, as well as 7000 daily steps. As of May 19, 2021, my weight was 304. I'm down 22 pounds. I'm extremely happy with the results. Since chemotherapy in 2015, I have gained over 130 pounds. The Mayo Clinic recognized my health issues and quickly recommended Qsymia. My side effects are similar to other posters: constipation, numbness in hands, mild insomnia, and dry mouth. As for what I am doing to assist in my weight loss, I stopped drinking all carbonated drinks and no more sugar. I am now adding an additional 30 minutes of stationary recumbent bike exercise to the 7000 steps. I drink two 16 oz bottles of water every morning with my pill. I drink a minimum of 5 (16 oz) bottles a day. I use my watch and phone to track my exercise, and I document all meals on an app called MyFitnessPal. I take screenshots of all my exercise and food information and send it to my nutritionist in a weekly email."

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia on 02/08/2013. 237 lbs. No self-control. No motivation. Insulin-dependent diabetic, cholesterol, high blood pressure. Felt hopeless. Started Qsymia as a last resort. Dropped 14 pounds the first month. Slowly started feeling better, getting motivation, taking control. Started cardio, eating right. To date, 55 pounds gone. I FOUND ME again. It is slow, but this medicine saved my life. Side effects: dry mouth, all sweets taste horrible - which is a bonus, no appetite, can't sleep. Nothing I can't handle."

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Qsymia for almost a month now and have lost 11 lbs in 22 days. I am on a low-calorie diet. I have had several side effects like constipation, insomnia, numbness in face and legs. Any carbonated drink tastes like it's been sitting out open for a day, just flat, no fizz at all. I do feel irritable at times but most side effects I can manage, except the constipation that just plain hurts. I have an appointment on March 28th and I'll see how it goes with my progress and labs. I was at 290 lbs starting weight and I am down to 279 lbs. Seeing my belly shrink motivates me more to exercise and continue to eat healthier. It is quite expensive, but I look at it like this, I waste money on other things that don't do me any better, and this will."

• Wen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Qsymia weighing in at 265 in December. First 2 weeks I lost 9 lbs. The following two months I was losing 10 lbs a month. The next month, nothing. This month, did a lot of traveling but made an extra effort to exercise on the road. So was able to lose 4. My eating habits really haven't changed since I already eat pretty healthy, except the occasional splurge. I have added a little more exercise. I have noticed that when I'm out to dinner, I can actually just stop eating and box up my meal instead of shoving it all in. So I have more self-control. Side effects: dry mouth, insomnia. That's it. So far, I'm down 40 lbs, and before I was barely fitting in a size 20, and now I can fit in a 14. I'm very happy."

• Ike...
• June 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a Type 2 Diabetic who has lost 41 pounds in 3 months. Qsymia is extremely effective, having substantially lowered my desire for food. Side effects are dry mouth, heartburn, constipation, restless sleep, and metallic taste to food. I would readily recommend Qsymia to you for weight loss. It works!"

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Qsymia is not a miracle; however, it does help with weight loss. With the proper lifestyle changes in eating habits and physical activities (while taking Qsymia), pounds and inches begin to shed away. It may not be for everyone, but this is what has worked for me. The 72-pound loss in 5 months makes me a believer. Some of the side effects took me some time to get used to. The first week or two on the medication I had insomnia and tingling in the hands and feet, but it did fade as my body adapted to the medication. The only long-lasting side effect that I notice is the metallic taste in my mouth, and lacking the ability to feel carbonation on my tongue. I do not see it as a bad thing since soda is not healthy to begin with."

• wei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began Qsymia on June 23 and have lost 11 lbs in 3 weeks. I have experienced side effects such as pins/needles in my hands and insomnia at night if I take it too late in the day, along with dry mouth. However, the medication has allowed me to reduce my appetite, not crave food, and make most foods taste bland. I have found myself on several occasions spitting food out because the taste is not there. I started at 180 and am currently at 169. I believe I could have actually done better, but I do force myself to eat some days. It is a relief to not have a bottomless pit for a stomach. I go through the website and pay approximately $98 monthly."

• Mar...
• September 23, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Qsymia is working for me! I've been on it for 3 months and did a trial for 2 weeks. My insurance covered it because my BMI was over the range, so the cost per month for me was $30. I'm almost done with my months, and I will go back to my doctor for a check-up. As of now, I have lost 18 lbs. I feel so much better. It really does boost your metabolism. You do get tingling in your hands and feet sometimes. You get a little moody, and sometimes you can't sleep. Most of all, it's helping me lose weight I haven't been able to lose in years! That's very important to me. Also, drink lots of water, no soda or alcohol. I also watched my bread and junk food. Try to cut carbs as much as you can. Try to walk around the block every night. Exercising with this really helps a lot! Good luck! ☺"

• Ima...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 34 pounds since June 10 (almost 14 weeks). On the 7.5 mg level I suffered many of the side effects. My doctor suggested I go back to the beginning dosage of 3.75 mg and I feel so much better. The mental fog, insomnia, chronic constipation, and headache are gone. I am still losing 1-2 pounds a week. My appetite is under control, and sweets hold little appeal. I still recognize an emotional longing to eat when I am stressed or in the evening when watching TV."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In my third week with Qsymia now and so far, very positive. I am 5'7' and 250 lbs. I had lost about 40 lbs on my own with diet and exercise but plateaued. This has proven to jumpstart my weight loss. I noticed on the lower dose, I was still hungry at night, but on the three days of the higher dose, it seems to be better. I eat balanced meals, but they are more like snack-sized portions. My snacking urge is completely gone. The only side effect I've noticed is some mild insomnia, but I started taking a Tylenol PM a few days ago to help with that until my body gets used to it, and it worked wonders. I can't wait to weigh in soon!"

• Red...
• February 24, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just started Qsymia on 2/20/14. It has only been 4 days, and I have dropped 5 pounds. The only side effect I've experienced is insomnia. I am happy in knowing that the more weight I lose, the longer I will be on this earth for my family."

• Wou...
• September 6, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on it for about two weeks, hoping some of the side effects would get better as I did lose my cravings to eat sugars. However, I had these foggy-type headaches a lot of the time and could not fall asleep at night anymore, which made me grumpy and irritable. Plus, I always had this weird taste in my mouth that just wouldn't go away. I just didn't think it was good for me to have these issues going on."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Qsymia 2 weeks ago today. Love it. Down 9 lbs just on the 2-week free trial. I have no taste at all for sodas (and I would drink at least 4 can drinks a day). My food intake has decreased in half. I don't feel hungry. My energy has increased. Only side effect is insomnia-hoping that will wear down in a few days. My cost with coupon is $114, and insurance will not help pay, but well worth the cost! Would recommend to anyone to try at least for free for the 2-week free trial. Love it!"

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using the product for 2 1/2 months. I weighed 267, and now I weigh 242, losing a total of 25 lbs so far. This product helped to lower my blood pressure and give me a boost. Some side effects were insomnia the first week, but that went away, and dry mouth. My doctor advised me to reduce my calorie intake to 1200 (don't stay consistently below, or your hair will fall out) and exercise 5 days a week... I hope to lose at least 67 lbs total."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Time for another update. It has been 7 months, and I have had great results. Down 37 lbs. Slow but steady. From 251 lbs. down to 214. From size 18W to almost a regular old 16, no more women plus size for me. Also wearing XL shirts now, not plus sizes, and I was wearing a 42F bra, which I need to start wearing a 38F. My Dr. was so pleased when she saw me this month after 7 months of not having seen me. She actually only wants me to lose 30 more. I was on the higher dose 11 for 2 months but didn't like the tingling, insomnia, and constipation, so I had her put me back on the 7.5 strength. I do say walking is huge in losing it in the pant sizes. Feeling great and encouraged, and looking hot at 56 years old."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "47 yo female. Didn’t see much of a change in appetite the first two weeks on the 3.75 mg dose...only lost about a lb, but did notice a few symptoms...metallic taste, slight dry mouth, and pop tastes very flat. Also experienced a little moodiness and lack of energy. However, I started to see immediate results on the 7.5 dose. After only a few days, I’m down 6 lbs. I have very little appetite whatsoever, and struggling to eat enough calories. Symptoms are the same, though all mild, but also having some trouble sleeping through the night. Hoping those will subside after a while. Happy with my results thus far."

• gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on the 2-week trial. On the 9th day, I started having insomnia. My doctor decided to keep me on the 3.75 for another 2 weeks to see if it went away, but it has not. I only get 3-4 hours of sleep a night, and I take it around 8 am. I feel the medication really helps with weight loss, I have lost 5 lbs in 17 days, but I am getting too exhausted to keep taking it. I will try Belviq."

• men...
• March 6, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started my journey at 236, and today I am at the beginning of my third week. I have lost 8 lbs so far. I am excited to see what the switch in doses has in store. I have found that I have a little bit of insomnia every so often and that Coke Zero does taste differently. I find myself only wanting to eat when hungry, not all day long like I was before."

• NYC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medication a month ago. The first few days, the side effects were pretty bad, so I stayed in bed. It was mostly nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, and then insomnia. After a few days, almost all of those subsided except for the fatigue and insomnia. Now it's been about a month, and I mostly just suffer from some brain fog and some fatigue, not nearly as bad, but my appetite is basically gone. I really don't even enjoy food that much anymore and sometimes skip a meal or have to force myself to eat, whereas before I couldn't stop eating. I have a horrible food addiction, so this has really helped. I lost about 20 lbs my first month. Very happy with this medication, and I feel it has saved my life as I am pre-diabetic."

• IWT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I posted previously after 2 days on the component drugs that make up Qsymia. I am 61 and had reported no side effects. It has now been 6 weeks. I have had side effects, but only minor - some dry mouth, difficulty sleeping if I don't have a glass of wine before bed ;), some numbness a few times in my face, and that's it. I'm down 14 pounds. I have made a very conscious effort to take off weight and sometimes question whether the Rx works, but I do know that I simply have no cravings. I have no pull to buy junk food. I have gone to a whole food diet, have had no sugar for 6 weeks, low carbs, just added a workout program 2 weeks ago, and continue to drink 100 oz of water daily. Because it has been fairly easy, I do credit the drug."

• som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am starting my second trial week on Qsymia. I have lost 3 pounds this week...was hoping for more, but I'll take it. My only complaints are feeling extremely tired. I am just wiped out. I am having trouble sleeping at night, but the pills alone just make me feel completely exhausted. I don't feel overly thirsty, and the first few days I felt very hungry, however, my appetite has decreased over the course of the week. If only the exhaustion would go away...that is my main concern."

• DJA...
• September 22, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took the starter dose once, and the doctor took too long to prescribe my reg dose, so I had to redo it again. But the first time I took it, I didn't notice any changes besides numbness in my fingers and toes. The second time I took the starter dose, it helped with my anxiety, and I had regular bowel motion, which was great since my bowel motion is abnormal. My appetite decreased a bit as well, no weight loss, though. Then I got on the regular dose, and my anxiety has worsened, I don't have an appetite or cravings, which causes me to miss meals, and I get headaches. I have a cotton/dry mouth, a metal taste in my mouth, insomnia, and back pain. It's been a week and a half, I've lost 6 lbs with regular exercise, not sure if I should wait it out or go on the starter dose again."