[2summers]

I told a friend of mine how I lost 15 lbs on phentermine ( she wants to lose about 50 lbs). She researched it and said that she read from several sources that it can cause skin disorders if taken for more than 6 weeks. She already has some skin allergies and is concerned and can't figure out exactly what kind of skin disorder they're talking about. I've never heard of this side effect.

Does anyone know anything about this?

[susanpesek]

Skin disorders can indicate abuse of phentermine ( or any amphetamine type drug) dependence. Skin disorders, including infections and lesions from “picking” are common.

There are probably others who have experienced this even without abuse of it and I hope they'll chime in~


Do you think that might be an issue?

[2summers]

Thanks, Susan.

You mean the phen would make someone so antsy that they would start picking at their skin????

How would she get an infection? By taking too much or taking it too long? And what would actually cause the infection?

I took phentermine a few times a week (not daily) for about 4 months and didn't have any of those problems. I'm really surprised to hear about this. Since posting the above reply, I looked up phentermine in this " pocket PDR " I have and it also mentioned the skin disorder but didn't specify.

Who knew?

[susanpesek]

I never had any, either, and was on it 3- 4 months in 2006. I think Ian's post from 2006 says it better:
Phentermine Side Effects

We all know that every medication has some kind of side effect,
whether easily noticable or more long-term. Lucky for us, Phentermine
has not shown any signs of long-term side effects other than a small
percentage of people becoming dependent on it.

I believe the reason for dependence is that they lead unhealthy lives
that leave them drained of energy all the time, so they cannot stand
it when they stop taking Phentermine and they don't even feel like
getting out of bed in the morning.

As with any medication that you’ve become even slightly addicted to,
you could experience unpleasant side effects when withdrawing yourself
from Phentermine use during at least several weeks. Before you stop
taking your Phentermine prescription, please have a talk with your
physician/doctor to see what the plan should be for gradual withdrawal.

If you try to eat healthy foods and do cardiovascular exercise as well
as drink 8-10 8oz glasses of water a day, dependence should be
a non-issue.

Anyway, enough on rare dependence and on to actual phentermine
side effects that you might experience during the first 1-2 weeks
of taking Phentermine tablets or capsules.

When you’re taking Phentermine, you should go to the emergency room
if you experience any of the side effects listed below:

I) Allergic Reaction:

• a. difficulty breathing
  b. partial closing of the throat
  c. lips, face, or tongue swell
  d. hives (rash of red blotches)
  e. abnormal heartbeat
  f. extremely high blood pressure
  g. extremely painful headache
  h. abnormally blurry vision
  i. hallucination
  j. strange behavior
  k. confusion

If you notice any of these less dangerous side effects
of Phentermine, it is still alright to keep using your
Phentermine prescription. However, you must make sure
to let your doctor know about them:

II) Less serious possible side effects of Phentermine:

• a. restlessness
  b. shaking/tremors
  c. nervousness
  d. unusual levels of stress/anxiety
  e. mild headache
  f. dizziness
  g. insomnia (trouble getting to sleep)
  h. dry mouth
  i. bad taste in your mouth
  j. constipation
  k. diarrhea
  l. impotence
  m. changes in sex drive (usually an increase)
  n. pain running down left or right side (only 1 case on this site)

In addition to the notes above, you should keep in mind that other
side effects of Phentermine could occur, which have not been listed
on this site. If you notice anything strange happening, please alert
your doctor.

[2summers]

Susan, you've done it again! I'll print this out - thanks!