Ionamin?

[Darsa]

Hiya

So I saw my doctor yesterday, explained that I want to lose enough weight to be able to donate part of my liver to my mom in the spring, and she "revamped" my exercise routine. Which I did today and WOW did I sweat!

Anyway, along with the revamp (and assuring me that all of my numbers look "great", with the exception of my weight) she also suggested that I try taking Ionamin as a "boost" to my diet/exercise routine. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this drug that they'd be willing to share? I googled the medical info regarding it, and there were two reviews that sounded more like a sales pitch than anything. Sooo, anyone out there willing to talk about their actual experience with this stuff, good or bad?

One of the main reasons I'm asking is because my insurance co won't cover it and it's expensive! My parents have offered to cover half of it if I decide to take it. My pharmacy doesn't even have it in stock and will have to order it for me...

Thanks! :

 

[ElizK]

I searched for it, and it looks like it's just a name brand of phentermine. If you can go generic it'll be about $40, give or take.

I used phentermine for a little while - like 3 days, and then a couple of other days to see if I could tolerate it better. If I could have stayed on it it would have worked great, but it gave me chest pain. It also kept me awake. I had lots of energy, though, and it gave me a sense of being able to accomplish anything . I could see how it would be addicting.

I would be very interested in the fitness plan your doctor put you on, if you don't mind sharing.

 

[Darsa]

It wasn't really a "plan" so much as suggestions on what to change regarding what I was currently doing at the gym. I was using the elliptical (on 10 out of 20 levels) for 15-20 mins, then doing some targeted weights for toning, then going to the treadmill for another 10-15. I wish I had more time, but the only time I'm able to get there during the week is at my lunch hour, and appx 15-20 mins are taken up just getting to/from and dressing. Weekends I spend more time there, basically the same cardio but the full complement of weights.

My doctor suggests that I forego the weights at this point and use the time I have for cardio; getting to the "huffing and puffing" stage and maintaining that for appx 30 mins. Harder than I thought, mostly because I'm impatient and get bored easily but my goodness I certainly sweat a lot more and it really seems to *feel* more effective. Oh, and this is on the elliptical rather than the treadmill; my heels are getting better but I don't want to push it on the treadmill.

 

[ElizK]

I know what you mean about the treadmill and heels. I had to stop using the treadmill all together. I have an eliptical, but it makes me motion sick, if that makes sense. I have some good workout tapes, but I'm finding myself to be unmotivated. Sigh.

You have a better reason to keep at it -- your mom. I know you can do it!

 

[Darsa]

Oboy; I just got a call from the pharmacist, who informed me that they tried to fill the prescription only to find out that it's no longer manufactured under the name Ionamin. There are other conglomerations of the drug that can be obtained, apparently; I had to call my doctor and let her know (via voice mail) that she'll need to think of something else.

 

[Acklander]

I think it's the same as Phenterimine. I've taken that with great results. The weight comes off fast, because I'm not focusing on food. Also, I ended up with a weird craving for oranges. side effects that I had were increased thirst (so would always have a water bottle with me) and insomnia. Good Luck!!!

 

[Darsa]

Update:

Yep, went to fill the RX for Ionamin and found that they don't make it anymore. According to the pharmacist they took out some component of it (that was apprently causing nausea and other stomach issues) and renamed is Phentermine. So that's what I've started taking as of Saturday.

So far the only side effects I've encountered are the thirst fer sher whoo!! and I'm also a lot WARMER than I've ever been, and sweating quite a lot. I'm okay with that tho, if those are the only side effects I'm perfectly okay with that. I've been keeping a journal of my heart rate and BP, along with side effects I feel and food intake, and so far all is good.

I did a lot of research on this drug and was surprised at the high number of positives in regards to this. It's nothing more than a "kick-start" for me; I'll only be taking it for 8 weeks. My doctor gave me all kinds of information on this prescription along with the reassurance that she only prescribes this kind of thing to very healthy people (other than weight).

Anyway! What I came here to say was, I took one in the morning on Saturday, went to the gym and weighed myself, had my normal day. Sunday I went back to the gym, weighed myself in the same type clothing on the same scale, and it said I lost THREE POUNDS. In one day. I just said "...oh my God." quietly. I imagine it was probably water-weight, but just seeing that was IMMENSELY uplifting!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Be careful taking anything that makes you that thirsty. Im no means an expert on weight loss or anything but Id also wouldn't weigh yourself everyday. It just makes things worse I think.

The first week or so all the weight you lose will be water weight for the most part especially taking a people to make it come off faster. Also, you are doing weight training with free weights or whatever? Remember that muscle weighs more. You can become toned or even lose the weight without going down in the scale that much.

Make sure you are eating breakfast that has some kind of protein. Most mornings I have a slice of bread with natural peanut butter and an apple sauce with no sugar.

Lastly, and this is the hard thing for women, is that worrying/stressing will make the weight stay even while you are working trying to get it off. I know you have an outstanding reason to lose the weight but try to focus on getting yourself healthy and not just because trying to help your mom. Don't stress yourself with the numbers game of the scale. Please be careful taking the pills. I'm not a big fan of anything that makes you extra thirsty as most people don't get enough water as it is. Good luck to you.

 

[Darsa]

I gotta tell ya Tina, I was really really anxious about the idea of taking a prescription to do this... I've never been a fan of having to take ANY kind of medication, so this goes completely against the grain.

I agonized and agonized Saturday morning about when I should take it, how soon I should eat after, if I should go to the gym right after taking it... I ended up waiting to make sure that it didn't affect my driving ability. I was, frankly, quite surprised at the LACK of side effects given others' testimony. I talked to my DM about it and she said that she's always been one of those people who's never had anything in the way of side-effects, so she wasn't terribly surprised. I was actually a bit disappointed in the lack of "energy buzz" that some people got; I could have used that!

I thank you very very much for your insight and concern; this is the kind of thing I think I need at this point. I'm going to continue to document every little thing I do/eat/feel until this is all over. And at the first sign of anything that causes concern I'll be on the phone to my doctor!