Adipex? (phentermine)

I recently was Rx'ed Adipex (phentermine, a stimulant), traditionally strictly Rx'ed for the extremely obese for weight loss by my psychiatrist.

Backstory: A friend of mine gave me some out of the blue, and I figured I had nothing to lose. So I took it, and it was like a 180 degree flip in my state of mind. I am Dx'ed Bipolar I and have tried every medication, inpatient, and residential treatment across country even, but nothing has put even the slightest dent in my roller coaster.

But this medication has changed my life completely. I don't obsess over how to kill myself every hour of the day, I don't spend all day in bed, and I just feel different than I've ever felt before because I've had some issue of some sort my entire life. And it's not a manic 'high' good. It's a 'functioning' good feeling. I'm actually getting out and picking up hobbies, and no longer hide from my friends and sleep all day.

My question is, I know it's a long shot, but has anyone here been on it? Especially if you have Bipolar? I have done research and all the reviews talk about how stimulants of the kind are big 'no no's' when it comes to treating Bipolar, but this med might possibly save my life. My Pdoc told me, of course, that him rx'ing it to me was completely off label, but he was willing to let me try anything if it made me feel better.

I just need some advice. Anything.

Basically, are stimulants and bipolar a good mix?

Generally, stimulants and bipolar are a bad idea. They're likely to cause a switch to mania. However, I know psychiatrists who frequently prescribe stimulants in conjunction with mood stabilizers.

If it works for you, great. You might want to monitor your own behaviors for signs of mania though. (And have those close to you watch as well)

I have been on Phentermine for 1 month and as of Feb 27 I have lost 15lbs. One of things I have really come to realize is that Phen will curb your appetite but it is VITAL that you learn how to eat properly and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Not only will this speed up your weight loss whilst on Phen developing good habits is the only way to maintain your new weight once you finish.