I'm 15 and I used to abuse phentermine. My mom was taking it, and I found a medical book and I looked it up and saw that you could get high from it. Every weekend, I would take 8 out of her bottle, and eat em all up.. I couldn't sleep for days on end.. I had to sit in one spot, and I couldn't drink water even, or else I would throw it back up. Once, I got up, to walk into the living room, and my mom was standing there, I said something, then turned around and passed out. I just told her that I fell because I didn't want her to worry or find out that I had been taking her medicine. I was developing these circles under my eyes, and I couldn't stand up, without getting really lightheaded. I had to stand up half way, then sit back down, and then I could stand up so that I could get used to my heart beating. It would beat really loudly, and when I stood up, I heard very loud static like sounds, and my heart felt like it was gonna explode. My phentermine abuse went on for about 1 and a 1/2 months. All my friends became worried about me, and I was starting to become very distant. I didn't talk to anyone, and when I had tried to quit, myself, I would be very irritable and lash out. So I decided I would take one more, because I couldn't quit cold turkey, and sure enough, the cycle began all over again. I couldn't go longer than 2 days without taking some pills, and when I didn't have any, I completely panicked and I would have 3 or 4 anxiety attacks every day I went without them. Pretty soon, I only had one friend left, and I wasn't in my right mind,, I began pushing him to do pills with me. He did, and I feel so guilty about it. My drug counselor, and my psychologist, think I should go to rehab, but I don't want to go. I had to be detoxed for a week in another county and it was getting better. I was given medicine for my cravings, and anxiety, and I gained back the weight I lost. (I lost 30 lbs, in nearly 60 days) I began going to N/A and a drug counseling class, at my school, but the day before my 30th clean, I took some more. I've began the cycle all over again. A part of me knows I need help, and I need to straighten out, but the other half wants to keep acting up, and running off, and stealing to get some klonopin or adderall when I can't have my speed. I am high right now writing this.. I really wish I could get help. I try and I try, but it doesn't help. :/ I got to the point, where I was peeing blood, and I wasn't even on my period. I was constantly moving when I was off the pills, and I lie, and do a lot of bad stuff just for one pill. Before I came across the pills, I had never smoked, never drank, never snuck around, and I was a really good kid. I used to be respectful, and sweet but I completely changed the second I swallowed that pill. Now, I'm doing everything I never thought I would, I've became everything I've never wanted to be, and it is so much easier to take a pill and call it quits then to out in all this effort, but I know in the long run, it will be worth it. I just need to pull myself to the position of getting and accepting help..
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.
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. :-)
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
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.