Dexatrim was the brand name for phenylpropanolamine, a decongestant that worked by constricting blood vessels in the body. In 2001, the formulation containing phenylpropanolamine was pulled from the shelves, because it was strongly linked to increased stroke risk and psychiatric disorders. The manufacturer released five new weight-loss formulations as dietary supplements. The supplements contain vitamins, minerals and other chemicals -- some of which exceed the recommended daily doses, as noted on the labels. These excess doses may produce side effects and interactions with other medications.
Nausea and Stomach Upset
Dexatrim contains several supplements that may cause nausea and stomach upset. These supplements are thiamine, caffeine and niacin. According to the manufacturer, both niacin and thiamine are at approximately 1000 percent of the recommended daily allowance, or RDA, depending upon the formulation. No RDA for caffeine exists, because it has no dietary benefits. Nausea, vomiting and stomach upset are reported as side effects of supplements when dosed higher than 100 percent of the RDA, according to MedlinePlus, the University of Maryland Medical Center and Drugs.com.
Diarrhea
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is provided at 250 percent of the RDA. According to MedlinePlus, these amounts may lead to diarrhea. The recommended amount for pantothenic acid is 5 mg per day as a supplement, and Dexatrim provides 25 mg per day.
Insulin Inhibition
Chromium is an essential mineral found in low concentrations in your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, as many as 90 percent of Americans eat diets low in chromium, but few are deficient in this mineral. Good sources are whole-grain breads, cereals, lean meat and cheeses. Dexatrim provides 167 percent of the RDA. High doses of chromium lead to an ineffective use of insulin in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For people suffering from diabetes, this may prove to be dangerous.
Flushing
Packed into each dose of Dexatrim is 100 percent of the RDA of niacin. However, according to Drugs.com, this may cause the common side effect of flushing and feelings of warmth over your skin. Your skin may also temporarily get red, itchy and tingly over your entire body.
Insomnia
When combined with caffeine, Asian ginseng root may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Standard dosing for Asian ginseng is 200 mg one to three times daily. Dexatrim reports that supplements contain between 100 and 250 mg of Asian ginseng, depending upon the formulation taken. Individuals may take between one and three pills daily, again depending on the formulation chosen. While the amount of the Asian ginseng falls within the allowed range, it is combined with caffeine, which potentiates the properties of the ginseng and may lead to insomnia.
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