Re: Withdrawing from Phentermine

[Guest guest]

Dear Barbara, I took Concerta, a long lasting version of Ritalin, for one month. It is in the anphetamine family. My doctor told me to go off cold turkey which I did...I suffered from dibilitating suicidal thoughts for about three days. My neurologist later told me that it is unsafe to go off of it quickly and that I should have tapered. I don't know much about amphetamines, but it seems that it is always wise to cut down on an addictive substance slowly if you are able. I think when someone is using a drug recreationally and becomes an addict there may be different attitudes about going cold turkey, but I don't know if that is always wise either. There are people who use benzos like an addict and they are told to go cold turkey and it's not a good thing. Even addicts should be taken off slowly in that case. I'm guessing it's the same with what you're on. I'm just telling you my experience and there may be other opinions on this list. would probably know best. In any case, good luck. Barbara wrote: I am attempting to withdraw from phentermine, which is a type of amphetamine. I don't see any info in the files on that. I have read and understand the directions for titrating, but I'm not sure how long to stay on each dose reduction. Does anyone know? Also, I read on an internet site that

there is no advantage in weaning off amphetamines. Is this just another example of ignorance and bad attitude? In fact almost all the websites I looked on, including reputable ones treated amphetamine addiction as drug abuse. This really makes me mad, as I have actually been taking less phentermine than prescribed by my doctor. Thanks Barbara __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks for answering and sharing your experience with me. It helps. I have also had experience with Ritalin and Dexedrine (for ADD). I just sent an email to .

I have been on Phentermine (which is a form of amphetamine, used as an appetitive suppressant, although it is not on the restricted list) for almost four months now, under a doctor's order.

I tried, after only a month to decrease my dose (by a third), because it was making me edgy and irritable and I was barely sleeping. After a couple of days off it, I got even more irritable and very, very depressed almost to point of suicidal - which I have not been for years. I was very angry and abusive.

I went right back on my previous dose of phentermine after that, because I felt I was becoming a danger to myself and others. I live alone, so it is a very scary prospect for me.

I have fought depression since I was a child and I have was diagnosed several years ago with bipolar disorder. Even though I am back on my regular dose of phentermine, I am very depressed and anxious again. I just screamed at my brother last night and then I became suicidal. It seems that I already need more just to feel normal. Obviously, I was an idiot to ever even start this stupid drug. I am mostly just trying not to beat myself up too badly. I know it won't help, and the drug is beating me up enough already.

What a mess!

Thanks

Barbara Jean

Re: Withdrawing from Phentermine

Dear Barbara,

I took Concerta, a long lasting version of Ritalin, for one month. It is in the anphetamine family. My doctor told me to go off cold turkey which I did...I suffered from dibilitating suicidal thoughts for about three days.

My neurologist later told me that it is unsafe to go off of it quickly and that I should have tapered.