Risks of Xenadrine

Although Xendarine weight-loss supplements might be available without a prescription, that doesn't mean Xenadrine doesn't pose certain dangers to your health. Claims such as "all-natural" and "ephedra-free," which are often found on the bottles of weight-loss supplements like Xenadrine, can mislead consumers into thinking that the pills come without health risks. However, for some, the benefits might outweigh the risks.

Ephedra

• The effects of ephedra, a naturally occurring substance found in the Ma Huang plant, are found in some types of Xenadrine, including the popular Xenadrine-RFA. Ephedra, which has been linked to increased blood pressure, heart rate and even heart attack, is in many weight loss pills because it can increase the metabolism in some people.

  Ephedra can increase heart rate and blood pressure and might be dangerous to people who already have high blood pressure. Although rare, heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of ephedra.

Bitter Orange

• Bitter orange is a naturally occurring herb. Like ephedra, it causes increased heart rate and blood pressure.

  When the federal government put strict regulations on the addition of ephedra to supplements in 2004, many weight-loss supplement companies switched to bitter orange, as it produced many of the same effects as ephedra.

  Although bitter orange won't cause heart attacks or other serious events in most people, those who have high blood pressure are at specific risk for developing heart attacks that could be exacerbated by the effects of bitter orange.

Caffeine

• Xenadrine contains a hefty dose of caffeine: up to 250 milligrams per pill in some varieties. Like ephedra and bitter orange, caffeine is a nervous-system stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

  Stacked next to ephedra and bitter orange, the metabolic boost could be dangerous to some Xenadrine users. Although caffeine is generally not harmful in small doses, adding it to already-potent stimulants can add an extra degree of danger.

Tyrosine

• While the chemical tyrosine is not dangerous, it does have a direct effect on the production of melanin, a chemical within the body that controls skin pigmentation. Tyrosine is an ingredient in some formulations of Xenadrine.

  Some users of Xenadrine experience small, dark circles on their skin. The blotches often appear with the onset of Xenadrine usage and disappear when Xenadrine is discontinued. These have not been found to be harmful, but they can be unsightly.

Side Effects

• There are several side effects associated with Xenadrine usage. Among these are anxiety, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, shaking, numbness, nausea, abdominal cramping, feeling a strong and fast heartbeat, sweating, extreme thirst and feeling faint. If any of these becomes bothersome while taking Xenadrine, stop taking it immediately.

Warning

• If, while taking Xenadrine, you feel chest pain that might radiate down the right arm, lose consciousness or have trouble breathing, call 911 or have a family member or friend take you to the nearest emergency room.