I am curious as to what would be a good diet pill for me to try. I am going to ask my doctor for one when i go see her next, and if she doesn't prescribe it to me, well, I'll just order it through an OP. I do, however, have high blood pressure, and am on meds for that, so I need that taken in consideration. I need to lose 25 lbs that I gained in about 5 weeks about a month or so ago and just cannot seem to lose. BTW, I have never rapidly gained weight before, or never even fluctuated in weight ever besides during pregnancy, so this is really depressing. Pease help me out with any experiences or suggestions that you may have comcerning a good diet aid.

PR, you're going to hate me, but IMHO, I don't think there is such a thing as a 'good' diet pill, especially if you are on blood pressure meds. As we've all heard a million times, the best 'diet pill' is a good balanced diet, tons of water and exercise, just a short walk a few times a week, if that's all you can get in. Maybe you could try some ginseng for energy to help you deplete some calories? Once again this is only my opinion and I'm sure you'll get some good advice from others here also.

Please don't be mad at me, just posting this because I care.

I agree with Jordan530 - only because we don't want to see anything bad happen to you. I completely understand your frustration though. If you're on propanolol for HBP, that could be the cause of your weight gain. I don't know very much about BP meds (other than propanolol) but you & your doctor might want to check and see if there's an acceptable alternative that doesn't cause weight gain.

In addition, many doctors put HBP patients on diuretics (most commonly dyazide) in conjunction with BP meds...dyazide can help with weight loss, particularly if its caused by fluid retention. Just make sure to drink at least 64 oz. of water per day.

Good luck & take care.

I agree with the sharp ladies above about the diet pills. I know I've raved about the Atkins Diet on here before, my hubby lost 50 pounds and was able to completely stop his BP medication and his cholesterol went into normal levels. Also, my best friend started the diet (she has 100 pounds to lose) she's lost 30 so far and her BP and cholesterol also went to normal levels. It's worth checking out! If Atkins sounds too strict, even Sugar Busters is a good diet. Basically, you stop eating white bread, pasta, potatoes, all white sugar, etc. Best of luck!

Can't help but agree with the other posters here, toots. While it's a struggle to lose weight, there is no magic diet pill that'll make it go away. The best method for shedding a few pounds is to decrease your intake and increase your workout. When I decide to shed a few pounds, I marry the gym and if I'm really hungry, I'll always eat a bowl of veggies with "I can't believe it's not butter" spray on them for flavor and Mrs. Dash garlic and herb for seasoning. The thing is, it takes your brain 20 minutes to register that you're not hungry anymore and filling up on fruit or veggies before heading for the main course will keep those unwanted calories at bay! Also, like Legit stated, I try for the most part to stay away from carbs, too. I know it's hard, but it's a heck of a lot healthier than putting yourself and your health at risk by taking a diet pill that increases your blood pressure when you already suffer from Hypertension. Good luck!!

I have to agree as well. I've done the whole phentermine thing. It's just a yo-yo. It did help me get started, but to keep it off you've got to do it the old fashion way. I know that's not what you want to hear. And with the BP thing, you just do not want to mess around with that. Besides the meds make you sweat like crazy and I felt a total loss of concentration. For the first couple of weeks, I didn't think I was going to be able to continue. I did take them for a while but then gave it up. Good exercise doesn't even have to cost you a dime. I hated going to the gym and it was a big waste of money and time. When you have a few minutes at home, just go for a rapid walk, do some sit-ups for your tummy (without too much strain on your back, of course). You don't have to sit all the way up, just lift until you feel the pressure on those abs. I wish you the very best of luck. I know it's no fun at all!

I have to also agree with the above posters. There is no "Good Diet Pill". They also can be very dangerous.

Here is a site you can check out. I use myself. The Diet Site

Large variety of diets from cardiac to over weight.

Hope this helps.
Bhamdave

However, if Phentermine is too risky because of the high blood pressure, then there are other meds that do not work the same way. For the life of me I can not think of the name of them right now (possibly Meridia??) but these kinds of meds work when you eat any sort of fat, you kinda have to run to the toilet as the food goes right through you.

They work the same as the Olestra in the fat free chips and things. It is pretty gross but I think that it is an alternative to "just watching what you eat" because as many of us know that can sometimes be just too difficult! I for one have gained 30 pounds this year because of my back pain. Ever since my back surgery I have had a hard time working out, so I did not really increase my food intake, I just could not burn it off. It sucks and because I still hurt so bad, I am not sure when I will be able to lose it!!

I still don't think I would take the meds I discussed. Only because I once tried the Olestra Doritos and I swear to G_D I have never had such bad stomach cramps not to mention how nasty the toilet looked after I got through with it. HA. Gross, I know ....sorry!

Anyway, just a thought. Good luck!

O.K.
I have to get ready to go somewhere and look pretty today, and I am so happy to be able to get back on my computer and the board, that I am unable to tear myself away when there is so much stuff to read that I missed.
This makes it all your guys'es fault! I'm just keeeeeddding!! (SNL)

I know it is not the safest long-term diet, but I swear by an oldie:

The Beverly Hills Diet

Remember it?
1st day nothing but pineapple, 2nd nothing but strawberries, third only watermelon, etc. (you gotta read the book: maybe you can access it somewheres; I'll look) anyway, those first three days will drop 5 pounds right off you (swear) and sometimes thats what one needs to want to pursue losing weight!
Big note here: I am not a doctor! Some people had problems abusing this diet. Postassium challenged individuals should be really taking supplements. Do not blithely jump into it.
But it does work, helps clear out the system and one does feel glamourous! And no pills!
Hope this helps!

I bought two fresh pineapples and am starting it tomorrow! I will let you all know all it goes this time!

If you are really adament about losing that weight and are willing to be risky, taking Cytomel(T3 hormone) and Clenbuterol (works like your body's flight or fight mechanism) together will shed pounds. Bodybuilders use them before competitions. There is always a risk in cranking up your thyroid however, but it WILL speed up your metabolism.

Another EXCELLENT site to check out is www.aboutsupplements.com.

Exercise, Exercise....walking, jogging, mowing the lawn....anything.....just exercise

I suppose that you guys are right. It makes it pretty hard because, all-in-all, I am realitively active as it is. Being an night-time server, and a young mom to 3 kids under 10, I have to be. Condidering that I gained this weight all in the past few months, well in 5 weeks to be exact, it just pisses me off. Oh well--geuss I'd better schedule some free time

When you see your doc, I'd say ask for some pretty serious lab work. Your sudden weight gain concerns me as I know it does you, you doctor and all of us here. And, you say your depressed? Due to the weight gain? something else that may have contributed to the extra pounds - from extra calories not balanced by exercise?
I assure you that exercise alone (till you sweat profusely for at least 20 minutes per day) will take pounds off; and, increase your natural anti-depressants (endorphins - yes, yes, yes - your endogenous opiates *are* anti-depressants. Science knows that opiates change the reuptake of serotonin and similar mood altering endogeneous chemicals. Plus you'll be *very pleased* with yourself for accomplishing the exercise program you before now could never really "get off the ground." There's no easy way, and looking for one , as many will agree, is *the problem.*
Since you are going to get treatment or do it yourself, as you admit, perhaps Prozac or Ultram might help curb your appetitite, and, put you in a better frame of mind/attitude for launching that much-need exercise regime. Ultram is a perfectly fine anti-depressant. Tell us what you're already taking besides BP meds? And then maybe we can help much more
But IMO first talk to Doc, 2. get blood work to rule out underlying problem 3. Discuss the best medication , and, consider psychotherapy (counseling) as an adjunct to your medication; eliminate as much negative self-talk as is practical for you. At least identify the nature, frequency and duration of self-talk - which is of course usually negative unless you've already solved such a problem.
What did you do or not do during the time you gained weight? What had happened, if anything, before the time at which you believe the weight starting going up?
It's a must to consider all the antecedents, behaviors, and
consequences of your actions (those nifty ABC's of understanding ones' behavior, or 'nature' if you prefer).
Don't say you need to loose 25 lbs. That's physically impossible, but you can loose say a pound per week? That may be a reasonable objective, the goal being to get your weight at "x" lbs. But I can't help thinking that the underlying cause is what needs to be examined and remediated. Given the history of high BP, I can't help much and the ideas I presented may not be medically sound, but do discuss (and independently research) the types of meds that you can take which are not contraindicated with your BP meds. Consider a second opinion. And, even if your blood work looks normal, they may not have looked at your hormones; I would definitely get that checked, especially with regard to your age.

Looking to pill(s) for an answer?? This is by far the easy way out, but not without some costs to your body, mind, and spirit; and don't forget you are 3 things
(body,mind and spirit --if that perspective hopes - I hope it does!!).
Since pills are the easy way out, you owe it to your body, mind and spirit to supplement the pills with other things like exerices and/or counseling; if for nothing else then just to examine your lifestyle and what is going on now versus before the weight gain, etc., etc. Find a buddy. It's easier that way - like ya know find a sparring partner, put on the gloves for your hands and feet and start punching and kicking Best if kept off the board. You'll likely figure out something very exact as to the cause of your problem, then beat the pulp out of your problem (symbolically at least!).
In a word or two: get serious; get mad, then glad.
Be Happy
Good luck at the Doctor

MT aka Foxfire48

OK, here goes, I just turned 27. I take Zoloft, Robaxin, Propanolol, Norvasc, Nortriptyline, Hydrocodone 10mg, Topomax, Indocin (PRN), Trazadone(PRN). I just had an all over physical and all my blood work came back great. My doctor is thinking of switching my Propanolol back to HCTZ at my next visit if that even makes a difference. I wonder if any of these meds are causing weight gain. I just stopped taking Neurontin after taking it for about 2 year. That was replaced with the Topomax. The Propanolol, Norvasc, and Nortriptyline are all fairly new, having replaced other meds.

That's a lot of meds Private Realm. I more fully appreciate your original post. Given the number of meds and types of meds you are taking I certainly can't recommend anything. Sound like you must have a decent doctor.
I take a lot of meds also, but not so many that are so sedating. It seems that the question of a diet pill is best left to your doctor or maybe an OP, though I've not personally heard of them prescribing them - I'm pretty sure they would given proper documentation. IMO a diet pill may make things worse - just drag you down in the long-run.
Didrex and Phentermine are some popular diet pills which are available on every corner on the internet. Best of Luck

MT aka Foxfire48

I am in a similar situation as you and recently tried phentermine. It makes me extremely shaky, sick to my stomache, I cannot sleep at all, and when about 6 hours after taking it I am in the worste mood of my life. A friend of mine has been on the med. for about 3 months and has lost about 40 pounds, which is great for her, but I don't think I can continue using it. It doesn't have this same effect on her. I am no expert on medication, but know diet pills are not neccesarily "good" for your body so I think I will have to go a different route. If you have any luck please let me know!!!

Good luck!

Private Realm, please do more research before ordering phentermine or any other diet pill!! My cousin has a heart condition from diet pills. Albeit, she was taking phen-fen. Just in case you don't realize, phentermine is the phen portion of the phen-fen. We have a family friend that lost her life due to diet pills. She was at dinner and literally fell off her chair, she was dead before she hit the floor (a heart valve had ruptured).

Ok, I can say that weight loss meds can be beneficial IF YOU DON'T HAVE other pre-existing conditions and you are not taking any other meds.

Did you know that you shouldn't take any of these weight loss meds with anti-depressants? Taking phentermine or even meridia with an anti-depressant can cause serotonin syndrome (rare but very serious). Also, all of these meds increase your blood pressure, can be dangerous even if you are on a HBP med.

Personally, I have a heart condition and also have 25 lbs to take off. I decided to order phentermine from an OP because my doc wouldn't prescribe it because of the heart med, calcium-channel blocker, zoloft, etc.

I went ahead and ordered it and cut my zoloft intake by half (just to prevent serotonin syndrome). Well, in the end, I only lasted a week. I had diarrhea, felt jittery, was very irritable, my blood pressure sky rocketed (even though I'm on a calcium channel blocker), and my heart was doing funky things.

In the end, I wasted $108.00 bucks. Just please be careful. I dont' mean to be so blunt but just don't want anything bad to happen.

BTW, there is a great site called drugs.com. Here you can enter all the meds you're currently on and it will list the interactions. You may want to enter all your current meds, in addition to the diet med you're considering--just to see the interactions.

Well, my doctor and I looked at the meds I took, and at the research that I had done on them. Many of them performed the same functions. She took me off of the Propanolol, Trazadone, and Nortriptyline, as they are all linked to sudden rapid weight gain!!!! And the other medications cover their functions and do not promote weight gain at all. I do believe we may have found our culprit. I think I was simply being over medicated.

I was about to tell you before your last post that with all the medications that you take, that could be the problem. With high blood pressure def don't take diet pills. They are a temperary solution anyway. As soon as you quit taking them the weight comes on. I know I have yo yoed as far as weight goes for a long time. I have went the whole gambit, diet pills, eating disorders which I won't get into, extreme exercising. What I think helps is life style changes, a balance of diet and exercise if you can find the willpower something I will admit I lack. Good luck to you!

Kerri-Anne,
I am taking a diet pill. I have tried every other alternative, and nothing at all has even touched my weight.
You see, I have been on methadone for over 4 yrs and because of that, I cannot lose weight. Methadone slows down a person's metabolism to the point where weight loss is almost non-existent. Also, ever since I began my MMTP (methadone Maintenance Treatment Program--due to pain pils because of major sugery and other physical issues...) I put on over 100 pounds, which is extremely common among methadone pts.
So, I told my doctor how miserable I am, and all the honest and horribly depressing details surrounding the fact that I cannot lose weight.
So, she prescribed Ionamin which is a brand name in Canada for Phentermine. It is outstanding I have absoloutely NO appetite. Not even a little bit. I literally have to force myself to eat some food during the day for nutrition's sake!!!
I take a 30mg tablet every morning, and wow, not one tiny bit of hunger all day, and into the night. Maybe when I am asleep I get hungry?!
In my case, I had to out-weigh what alternative was better for me: the health risks associated with being fat, or the problems (if any) with taking this diet pill (Phentermine) for a few or more months??? Obviously, I choose the latter, as did my doctor.
So, if you decide to get one, in the US, what I am taking is called Adipex, but Phentermine is the generic for all the brand names associated with Adipex.
Meridia is not very strong, at least not strong enough to take away your appetite all day and night. Either are most of the others.
The only thing to be careful about when taking Phentermine, is that it has the potential for abuse and dependance...because of the energy it provides..I suppose??
If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me, and I'll help as much as I can!!
Good Luck with whatever choice you make Kerri-Anne!
Take Care,
kate
P.S. basically, you are going to need to out-weigh the options, which is better for you, the health risks of being overweight? Or the small problems of taking a diet pill for a short period of time?

The only med that is safe if you have high BP is a non-stimulant one. The only effective one I know of is xenical by roche. It blocks your body from absorbing the fat in the food. It actually works pretty well exept you have to Best if kept off the board after every meal.

Well it's not marketed for this but Wellbutrin made me loose 10 pounds. (Hmmm, that sounds peculiar though doesn't it? - like the pills aggressively jumped out of the bottle, systematically kicked my asss and forced me to loose some weight "DROP AND GIVE ME 20 WOMAN!" ... wouldn't that be a successful pill!) OK, sorry 'bout that, back to reality here....
It was great at staving off appetite and gave me a decent amount of energy. The feeling has since decreased some but it's still "there" and I've yet to gain back any of that weight.

Cutting out excess carbohydrates helps a lot, Atkins scares me a little bit (what a nazi diet, CRICKEY!) but it's apparently not *too* difficult and effective.

Diet pills in general however (finally getting to the real question here) are not suprisingly considered bad news, (I won't reiterate what others articulated much better than I could) but they serve a purpose for sure if you are willing. FYI though, in my humble opinion, Meridia is very over-rated and very costly. I've heard this more than a few times. (no personal experience though, sorry)

One of the most trite (and placating, even absurd sounding) things I ever heard about dieting was "Go with your hunger and not your appetite" it sounds crazy but for some reason every time I wanted to eat compulsively, that line stuck in my mind and I'd put down the Mr. Goodbar (or what have you) I've never suffered much with my weight but that did help me for whatever reason, thought it would be worth mentioning.

I would try to determine why you suddenly gained weight too.

I too had high BP, took a med to lower my BP, and was RX'd phentermine, and lost weight. As my weight went down so did my BP. I no longer need medication to control it.