Thanks for your reply Leens
I have recently started taking phentermine again. I used it in 2000 to help lose weight and it was really great. I lost aprox 10 kg in 12 weeks. However during that time a relative passed away which made the side affects worse than usual. I also did some research at the library and found some disturbing case studies relating to phen/fen. These case studies also changed my outlook on the drug and I thought they were causing my depression at the time. At the time I thought the two were exactly the same (phen/fen -vs.-phentermine). I now know that the case studies based in the States were in relation to phen/fen and not what I was taking as their chemical structure is different thus producing different side affects.
I don't think that they perscribe phen/fen in Australia, only phentermine (duromine). Even so, I have only ever been given a pescription by one female doctor who confided she took it from time to time. All the other doctors I went to before and after (all male) would not give it to me. The first doctor had me in tears and told me to go to weight watchers. (Which I have tried, but personally find calorie & fat counting easier than points).
After recovering from my grieving period (which if anyone knows has no time limit), I decided to try duromine again. This time the doctor (male) said no and to try meditation and acupunture. I think he thought I was an addict.
In fact most doctors assume you are a drug addict if you ask about duromine. This is a terrible stereo type, and disappointing that a lot of people have ruined it by setting a precedent for those who would like incorporate it into their diet short-term for it's proper use.
If anyone else has info or personal experiences, I would be glad to hear them as I am still a little spooked about the case studies I read a couple of years ago and the circumstances I was under the last time I was taking them.
Cheers