Xenadrine, manufactured by Cytodyne, is an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement that claims to boost metabolism and help burn fat. According to Xenadrine-efx-rfa.com facts, the original formula, FRA-1, contained ephedrine in the form of ma huang; specifically, the ingredients include 85mg Ma Huang (20mg Ephedrine) and 335mg guarana extract (200mg caffeine) among other ingredients. The inclusion of ephedrine resulted in it being banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 because ephedrine was associated with cardiac arrest and death in several court cases. Current formulations of Xenadrine are sold as ephedra-free and do not contain the controversial substance.
Cardiovascular
Lethal cardiovascular effects are associated with this product that include heart attack and death as documented by the FDA, irregular and rapid heartbeat, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Individuals with a medical history of heart disease definitely should not take this product.
Central Nervous System
Ephedrine is a central nervous system stimulant, thus nervous system effects beyond headache reports are expected. This substance is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents, that is, stroke, and seizures. Forms of neuropathy (nerve cell damage), and tremors have also been reported as well as memory loss.
Other
Other side effects have been associated with taking this product that include the following: restlessness as well as sleeping problems, fatigue, and dizziness. Muscle damage (myopathy) also has been reported. Obviously, this product is not for everyone. Xenadrine RFA-1 should not be taken by people under 18 years of age, and it should not be taken for an extensive period of time; in fact, it is recommended that consumption should not continue beyond 12 weeks. While the current formulas do not contain ephedrine, Xenadrine's individual safety depends on each person's sensitivity to certain ingredients in the product. For example, the high intake of caffeine daily could lead to serious side effects in those sensitive to caffeine. Consequently, other caffeine substances such as coffee or tea, should be restricted to avoid potential risk of symptoms from excessive caffeine. A physician should be consulted if this supplement is under consideration for use.
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