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Side Effects of Xenadrine

Xenadrine is a weight-loss supplement that is available over-the-counter, known to increase your metabolism to burn calories. The initial formulation of Xenadrine included the ingredient ephedrine. However, in 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine, as ephedrine was found to be linked to heart attacks and strokes. As such, Xenadrine no longer contains ephedrine. Still, the newer formulations of Xenadrine have side effects to consider.

  1. Skin Health

    • Xenadrine contains a chemical called tyrosine, which is commonly used a mood booster in many over-the-counter supplements. Tyrosine has been found to alter the amount of melanin in the body. Melanin is a natural chemical manufactured by the body that determines skin color. The alteration of melanin levels in the body by tyrosine has been found to cause spotting of the skin and may cause your skin to become discolored.

    Dehydration

    • Xenadrine can cause dehydration. This occurs because it is known to speed up the function of the circulatory and respiratory systems in the body, which causes an increase in body heat. If you take Xenadrine, you should increase your fluid intake to help counteract the dehydration caused by the supplement. Lack of hydration may also lead to cramping of the muscles, which can often be painful.

    Heart Rate

    • Stimulants that are present in Xenadrine, such as caffeine, cause the heart to function at an increased rate. Taking a high dose of Xenadrine may cause you to become agitated and anxious. Visible signs of these side effects may be present in the form of perspiration and muscle twitching. The visible signs will be become less obvious a few hours after you take Xenadrine.

    Circulatory Issues

    • The increased stress that Xenadrine places on the body may cause the some people to develop circulatory issues. When the circulatory system experiences a rapid increase in stimulation, you can develop headaches, dizziness and a light-headed feeling. In very pronounced instances of over stimulation of the circulatory system, your extremities, such as your hands and feet, can get numb.

    Considerations

    • If you decide to take a weight-loss supplement such as Xenadrine, you should consider consulting your doctor first. If you have a medical history of heart issues, you should be especially cautious with Xenadrine. Weight-loss supplements require a healthy diet in addition to exercise to be effective. If you don't make the necessary changes in your diet and exercise routine while taking any weight-loss supplement, the supplement may not have the desired effects.

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