Extreme Phentermine Abuse

I will try to make this as short as possible: Close to two months ago I went to see my gyno. I asked him about prescription diet pills because I knew my dad had a prescription for them and lost a lot of weight, but I also knew he abused them pretty badly, but I didn't know how bad. And to be honest, I was looking for a quick fix because I'm in a wedding in now two weeks (shallow worries of a 22 year old girl I suppose). Due to school (I'm currently a nursing student and though I can't answer my own question in the direction this is heading, I can use my knowledge enough to know it's not good) and work I didn't feel like I had time to exercise to lose the weight the right way. In all actuality, no doctor should have given me or my dad a prescription for phentermine/adipex, neither of us are overweight to begin with. Difference is, I was given a two month prescription, it seems my father has a continuous prescription or finds them else where.

Since I started taking them, I have seen nothing but negative effects besides helping wake me up on those 4 am clinical mornings. At first, I thought I would go back after the two months (which would only be like 2 weeks from now) to try to get a refill but due to all of my side effects, I'm not going to. I'm not overweight and I've always had blood pressure that was normal/closer to the low end- 108-110/70-72 with a pulse around 60. There have been occurrences lately where I can feel my heart working fast at rest and when I have gone and checked my vitals on my own, I have caught BP at 142/97 (this was at work so not resting) and 130/92(resting). Then Pulse as high as 118. I hate to admit but I did experience a minor hallucination recently. I also want to point out that I am on the 37.5 mg once a day and have not abused it once. (Oh and can I mention I've only lost 3 lbs in almost two months?)

So here is the point: I am currently on this medication and take it correctly and I see the side effects it has on me. My father abuses it extremely bad. To the point if I knew what doctor gives him his prescription, I would probably turn him in. Although, I do believe an addict is an addict and will find one way or another to get their fix in which I do know he gets them elsewhere when he runs out. I'm pretty sure he averages around 11 or so pills a day. But I know of him taking as many as 42 and I don't know if that's the new norm. He is close to 50 now and already has high blood pressure although I don't know if that is a product of other things he does. He's been an alcoholic my whole life/pretty much his whole life. Not until long before he and my mother split up did we hear about his hydrocodone addiction (which has since seemed to have been replaced with something stronger and stronger every time). And not until recently have I found out he smokes marijuana regularly as well, along with any other thing he can get his hands on when his norm isn't available. I also want to note aside from hypertension, he doesn't have any other known medical problems.

So here is my question: How long can someone taking that many phentermine pills continue taking that many before their heart goes out? I'm aware that depends on the person and other factors, but I'm wondering a ball park estimate. What about with the marijuana and alcohol figured in? Has anyone ever seen someone take this many for long? I ask because I do want to help. I've had the "You're going to die" talks with him. He cries and it gets to him but obviously not enough. I've explained the processes it is taking on his heart. I could tell he was thinking, but still not enough. I want to know how long this can go on taking so much. I'm getting ready to have a blow out on it and I want to tell him "You're going to be dead within a 'x amount of months/years' if you don't stop and get help". I've tried being nice. I've told him he is being selfish by not thinking of his kids and the fact he is gonna leave them without their father. He is a grown man. I can't make him go anywhere. I've thought about "tough love" but then get scared he'll get more depressed and take too much and that would be the way things would be left forever. I know some people's answers are methedone clinics and other medications. This can not be done here. He is an addict. He will abuse anything. I apologize for this being so long, but can someone who has dealt with an addict or helped a loved one break and addiction give me some pointers/answers? Thank you for your time.

[tryingtocope39]

To answer your question. OBVIOUSLY that amount of drugs is not healthy for anybody. OBVIOUSLY it will cut his life MUCH shorter than average. As for a specific number, I'm not sure even a doctor could say.
That being said, I am more concerned for YOU. You seem to be more concerned about your father's health than he does. no one can blame you for being worried and wanting to help. But you are young and have your own things going on, with school and all. You have to know that you cannot save anyone who doesn't honestly want to be saved. Have you looked into some alanon meetings in your community to help you find support and fellowship with others who know what you are going through? They can also help give you some insight into your fathers addiction and tools to cope as the victim of an addict. I wish you the best. Good luck.

[atthebeach]

hey hun, it is heartbreaking to watch a loved one suffer from addiction. it encompasses them, they are swallowed up in it. it also affects the whole family. it truly is sad. my husband used for 14 yrs.*thank the LORD he is now in recovery for 16 months) it was very hard on my 4 children. i  had them all in counseling. i am very proud of you that you are going to school for nursing. my two oldest 25 & 20,quit hs.they both also had used. they both eventually got their ged's. my son is 25 and has now been clean for 2 yrs and has a job now for 16 months. my daughter 20 took some college classes but still hasnt found her way yet. i am praying for them all. we are healing day by day.
you know that diet pills are speed, and that is what is causing your heart to race and the increased bp, even if you are taking them as prescribed. i would stop.
have you ever been to counseling? i think it would be a good idea.
unfortunately there really isnt anything you can do for your dad. except continue to talk to him. has he been to the doctors not to get pills but to get a physical? bloodwork? this would give him an indication of his general health and a doctor could then warn him.if he already has high bp obviously the diet pills are very dangerous. after years of abuse the liver and kidneys usually dont fair so well. my husband is 57 and has a damaged liver and kidneys. we are praying for a healing for him. the LORD can restore the years. we are hoping for that.
please take care of yourself, go to counseling, stop taking the diet pills, tell your dad you love him and are concerned for him, ask him to get a physical and bloodwork.
i will pray for you,
keep up the good work and study hard
debbie

[hthrfthr]

Unfortunately you can not help an addict until they are ready to admit they have a problem. I am an addict and have 128 days clean today. I had four years until a relapse I just came back from. Have you attended any support groups? Nar_anon? That might really benefit you. My dad drinks too much and the alanon meetings really help me. :-)

[hthrfthr]

Praying for u too!

[drakeswifey]

I know this is an old thread.. and not really what you want to hear. But with you being a nursing student, it baffles me that you don't know this. 1) Phentermine is only for those who are extremely overweight. 2) Those with substance abuse problems shouldn't be taking them. 3) They are short term only (typically up to 90 days). 4) Increased heart rate is one of the side effects, but it should only last a couple of days or a week at most. If it lasts longer, you're on too high of a dosage. 5) Phentermine isn't a miracle drug. You can't just take them and expect to drop weight. You need to eat healthy, and still exercise to burn off the fat. I've been on them almost two months, and even when I was sick they helped, but I was eating right. and when I'm not sick I'm at the gym an hour every other day.

Really, the side effects are normal - but only if you know what you're doing, taking them for the right reasons, and using them properly. Obviously neither you nor your father were doing so. The doctor that prescribed you a two month dosage at once, especially that high of one is an idiot. I started my first month on 15mg. I dropped 10-12 pounds with the food/exercise included. This is my second month and I'm now on 30mg, and doing just as good, if not better. You're only suppose to take ONE of the pills a day, and never past noon. Anything beyond this effects your sleep, and thus effects your thoughts and as you mentioned a hallucination.