Dexatrim is a group of over-the-counter weight-loss supplements that contain high amounts of several vitamins and minerals as well as a special herbal blend of several ingredients promoted to stimulate weight loss. Dietary supplements and their claims are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, so speak with a doctor before using Dexatrim to prevent complications.
Side Effects and Warnings
Dexatrim products contain high amounts of certain vitamins -- as much as 1,000 percent daily value per serving -- and consuming products with high vitamin content may temporarily cause stomach upset or urinary color changes, according to Dexatrim.com. Individuals experiencing a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache or shortness of breath should stop taking Dexatrim and consult a physician. Also, Dexatrim product labels warn against use by pregnant and nursing mothers as well as individuals with a history of heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma or high blood pressure.
Caffeine
All Dexatrim products contain caffeine, which can range from 25mg to 200mg per serving, according to Dexatrim.com. Moderate caffeine consumption of less than 300mg per day is considered safe, and several servings of Dexatrim can quickly exceed this amount. Heavy caffeine consumption can lead to insomnia, irritability, nervousness, gastrointestinal problems and fast or irregular heartbeats, according to MayoClinic.com. Caffeine may also be habit-forming, and abruptly decreasing caffeine consumption can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue and nervousness.
Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine, or PPA, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women -- men may also be at risk -- based on a study conducted by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine and published in the December 2000 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Hemorrhagic stroke is a serious condition in which weakened blood vessels in the brain burst, resulting in bleeding in the brain and surrounding cranial tissue. In light of the study results, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory concerning PPA and asked that all companies that make or market PPA-containing products to voluntarily remove the product from the market. Dexatrim containing phenylpropanolamine is no longer marketed in the United States but still may be available in other countries, and the FDA recommends that consumers not use products containing PPA.
References
- Drugs.com: Dexatrim
- New England Journal of Medicine: Phenylpropanolamine and the Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Dexatrim.com: Dexatrim Max Complex 7
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers -- Safety of Phenylpropanolamine
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Information Page
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