Phentermine / topiramate and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Qsymia at the lowest dose at the beginning of 2020. I lost 50 lbs between February and July. In July, I had a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin from my abdomen. I had to stop taking Qsymia before my surgery per my surgeon, and had gained all of the weight back. I began taking the lowest dose of Qsymia again last month, and I am down 30 lbs in 30 days. This is more weight off than the last time I took this drug, but now I am exercising much more often. My starting weight was 250, and I am now 220. My advice - taper off SLOWLY. Don't quit cold turkey like I did. I am currently eating 1200-1500 calories a day, focusing mainly on protein but not cutting out foods I enjoy. Drink TONS and tons of water. I drink at least 2 L a day. This drug will make you lethargic and can lead to kidney stones if you do not hydrate properly, and most of your fat is excreted through urine - so drink water!"

• Lon...
• October 9, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm going through perimenopause at 46 and have put on 25 lbs over the past few years. No amount of diet or exercise could help me lose this extra weight. I exercise each day just to not gain any more weight. Seeing that I was struggling with this issue, my Dr. prescribed Qsymia. First few weeks, I did feel a little tired and foggy, but got through it. On 7.5 mg now and have lost 9 lbs in 19 days. My appetite has been squashed like I never expected! When I eat a meal, I cannot finish all on my plate because I feel full very quickly. I still have a half glass of red wine at night though. No desire for sweets or carbs."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Qsymia has changed my life in a way I never thought it would. Not only am I losing weight - 9 lbs and I never lose - but I am missing the one craving that I have struggled with for years - alcohol. Wine doesn't even sound or taste good to me, so I am saving those calories and have more energy and the money I am saving on food and alcohol more than covers the cost of Qsymia. I'm thirsty and was a bit tired mid-afternoon in the beginning, but now I feel great. So glad I can lose weight without food that tastes like cardboard!"

• com...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "43 yr female. 5'5" 238 lbs. Taking Qsymia since Dec 23rd. Started low dose (free ones). Down 6 lbs. Have been eating nothing but snack foods. Not really hungry, but my mind keeps telling me to snack. Extremely thirsty. Soda tastes gross. Which I expected because I used to take Topamax for migraines a few yrs ago. I drink tons of water. Little emotional. Extreme tiredness midday-early evening, then a burst of awakeness toward late night. Maybe has something to do with when I take the meds. None of the side effects are too concerning to me. Can't wait to actually start eating healthier at home so I can do some serious weight loss. The con to me is the cost."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My insurance doesn't cover Qsymia, so my doctor prescribed me phentermine and topiramate separately. My insurance doesn't cover phentermine, however, with the help of the a coupon app, I was able to pay for it out of pocket for around $15.00. I was prescribed the meds on Jan. 6, 2017, and weighed in at the doctor's office at 250. I had a follow-up appointment on March 16 and weighed in at 227. These pills make you change the way you feel about food. Your appetite is totally gone, and at times you have to force yourself to eat. The first couple of days of taking the pills, I felt foggy and tired, but now I don't really notice any major side effects. I hope to reach the 190s by the summer."

• 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."

• ks1...
• September 3, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am absolutely thrilled with the results I have had so far. Been taking Qsymia for 49 days and have lost 20 pounds. I have also been following a 1500 calorie diet and getting moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week for about 30 minutes each time. I know the medication has assisted me to stay within my daily calorie intake. I did have some side effects in the beginning that dissipated. This included lethargy and difficulty concentrating. STARTED at 238 lbs, now at 218, just 58 more pounds to go."

• Sod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I take the medications separately so my insurance will cover the Topamax. I take 37.5 of the Apidex and am on 25 mg of the Topamax. I have been on the Topamax for 9 days. I am very pleased with this medicine as I have lost four pounds so far. It makes soda taste horrible, so I have not had soda for 9 days. That is where 300-600 calories a day was coming from. If the medicine does nothing else, it is worth it to kick my soda addiction. The only other side effect I have is being tired. I still have cravings for sweets, and my appetite has been the same. I will be increasing my dosage to 50 mg in 5 days. I am hoping that will cause my cravings for sweets to cease."

• 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."

• 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."

• lib...
• February 24, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My Dr. agreed to oversee putting me on Qsymia because he watched as I devotedly pursued everything else to no avail. I have now been on this for 1 week and have dropped 3 lbs. I have 60 to go and have all the patience in the world as long as I see progress. I do get tired midday, lay down, ten minutes, get up. I do get constipated but take those probiotic gummies that seem to help. I crave sweet, but nothing really sounds good. I plan to start walking just a mile daily."

• Sev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started Qsymia 3 days ago, but Day 2 was MURDER! I literally felt like I ate something awful, my mouth was super dry, and unlike most, I was exhausted by 2 p.m. Today is a bit better, so I am hopeful my body is just adjusting. I have ZERO appetite, but I was never a big eater, just a late eater. The past 3 days I’ve been done eating at about 5:30 p.m. and haven’t thought about food for the rest of the night, which is a win for me. Praying for good results as my weight is at 334 and it’s impacting my quality of life."

• Jac...
• June 13, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Start 05/23/13 - 234 lbs down to 222 lbs 06/12/13. 1200 calories a day and cardio 4 x a week and light weights. Female, age 46 - insulin resistance - Metformin, hypothyroidism - Synthroid, and rheumatoid arthritis - Methotrexate - hoping to get down to 175 lbs or lower to get off all this crap...maybe not the rheumatoid arthritis meds. First headache today and a little tired. Trial medicines...blew through those. Expensive medicines, but works."

• JB1...
• June 12, 2015

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."

• Neo...
• May 29, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Qsymia last year from May 2014 - Oct 2014 and lost 30 lbs. Had to stop taking since I ran out of money on my FSA and couldn't afford it out of pocket. I will say I had major dry mouth, which led me to drink lots of water, and of course, that's great for weight loss. Completely changed my taste buds, no longer desired sugary foods - cakes, cookies, etc., or pop (Diet Pepsi drinker). Side effect: no energy, struggled greatly on my job. I read a post someone recommending taking L-tyrosine 500 mg for energy. I did along with my daily multivitamins, and it made a world of difference! I did gain my 30 lbs back being off, but I'm back on Qsymia and ready to take it off and more this time and stick with it!"

• Cee...
• August 21, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Qsymia for 5 months, and I have gone from 198 to 173. My high blood pressure is under control. The side effect I have experienced is tiredness, but that's about it. With any medication that is controlling so much of what we need to survive, there will be some side effects. So if you are eating the foods you need to help with these side effects (healthier options), it is great. I will continue on this medication for another 3 months and decide what to do then. I recommend this medication."

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

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."

• Ann...
• November 16, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been prescribed Qsymia due to weight gain from hypothyroidism. I started with Phentermine, and nothing happened. I’m now on Qsymia, and again nothing. It actually makes me so tired. I have always reacted differently to medications in the past, and I’m wondering if anyone else has this problem and what works for you. Thank you."

• McC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication is dangerous. I started out on the normal dosage that the doctors left me on it for 2 years, and I only lost 10 lbs. I gained it back because I stayed constipated. I worked out and starved myself and still didn’t lose any weight. After two years on the normal dose, I was bumped up to 8.5 mg and had no weight loss, but did get stomach pain from constipation, forgetfulness, exhaustion, and weakness. I was bumped up to 11 mg despite my not wanting to. Still, no weight loss, still experienced stomach pain from constipation, forgetfulness, exhaustion, weakness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, light-headedness, dizziness, tremors, numbness and tingling in the back of my head, the bottom of my feet, weakness in hands, and my vision worsened. All symptoms went away within 3 weeks of discontinuing the medication."

• 25a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor was pretty hesitant to try me on this but was quick to mention weight loss surgery. I'm 25, 5'8" with a starting weight of 250 (June 8th). I began the low dose of the trial on June 13th and weighed yesterday at 241.5 (8.5 lbs!). Soda tastes flat and so does alcohol. Huge bonus since soda was my vice. Drinking lots of water due to dry mouth. I have felt a little tired, but it's tolerable. My hands and face feel tingly today. Hopefully that passes because that is pretty annoying. I had a slight headache the first two days, but that went away with Aleve. I see my doctor on the 26th for a 30-day fill. Hopefully, the weight loss continues. I don't plan on taking it for more than a couple of months. Will update."

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

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?"

• Wei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried this med, and I can't say I had a good experience. I guess it did suppress appetite, but it also made me feel really down and tired. I wasn't even able to work out when I was on this med. I took it for 3 days and could not tolerate it any longer. My doctor switched me to Belviq, and I love it, it's wonderful."

• ami...
• January 19, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Qsymia for the 14-day free trial, and I haven't lost even one pound, even though I exercise for 30 minutes every day, 5 days a week, and drink lots of water. I have been having those side effects, like dry mouth and tingling in my fingers, but I've also felt very tired. I don't know if I should try the higher dose for a month or just change to Belviq."

• Sac...
• February 5, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor split the two medications up since my insurance would not cover Qsymia. I took it for eight days and decided I needed to stop. I lost a few pounds, but it wasn't because of appetite loss. I was hungry all day. I made myself choose to eat correctly. On top of this, I had HORRIBLE side effects. It started on day one. I didn't feel well, extremely tired, and could not get my thoughts together. This continued each day along with dry mouth and dry, itchy eyes. My vision was weird, and my eyes seemed to be extremely light sensitive. My coworkers made comments to me every day regarding my eyes and why I kept making mistakes. My brain was not functional. I stopped taking topiramate and felt better the first day without it. Had to have eyes checked."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today was my first day on Qsymia. I experienced no appetite, but extreme fatigue. I have slept most of the day. I have a headache and my eyes feel very heavy. My stomach hurt earlier, but is okay now. I'm still very tired, and my eyes still feel very heavy. NOT giving up, just getting started. I'm excited and willing to give this a chance."