Phenterfein is a weight loss supplement whose name is very close to the highly controversial prescription drug phentermine, which has received health risk warnings from the Food and Drug Administration. The makers of phenterfein, however, promote the supplement, available only through online retailers, as an appetite suppressant that also elevates mood and increases energy. Ingredients include vitamin B derivatives, glucuronolactone, tyrosine, yohimbine, evodia extract and caffeine. However, there are a number of side effects associated with the weight loss supplement.
Increased Heart Rate
Caffeine is an ingredient in phenterfein that can have serous side effects. Each pill contains 100 milligrams, about the same as a strong cup of coffee. According to doctors at the National Institutes of Health, caffeine is addictive and affects the central nervous system, causing increased heart rate. (For that reason, phenterfein is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.)
Caffeine is absorbed and affects the system very quickly; it then moves rapidly to the brain. In addition to increased heart rate, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to anxiety, restlessness, nausea and diarrhea. People with heart or blood vessel medical conditions should not take phenterfein, because of the caffeine in it. In addition to the caffeine, ingredients like taurine and glucuronolactone in phenterfein can cause jitters, tremors, difficulty sleeping and depression. People who take supplements with caffeine over a long periods of time may develop an addiction to the substance, which will come with its own set of withdrawal side effects that include severe headaches, irritability and nausea.
Anxiety
The amino acid L-tyrosine is an active ingredient in phenterfein, with 150 milligrams in each capsule. Tyrosine affects neurotransmitters in the brain, so it's frequently used for mood elevation and growth hormone stimulation. It is also an antioxidant that is used to treat Parkinson's disease and depression. However, toxicity can result when taken in dosages higher than 12 grams per day. Anxiety, over stimulation, sleeplessness and arrhythmia are common side effects found in those who overdose on tyrosine.
The aminio acid also affects melanin and should not be taken by people who have melanoma. Blood pressure can increase from the supplement and should not be used by people with hypertension. Other side effects reported from tyrosine use include gastrointestinal disorders, headaches and indigestion.
High Blood Pressure
Yohimbine is a chemical that's derived from yohimbe tree bark and can cause high blood pressure. It also can cause anxiety, panic attacks, weakness, hyperactivity and even death. Due to these negative effects from yohimbine, phenterfein should be avoided by people with diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular blood sugar or any mental disorders. Even taken in very small amounts, yohimbine can be toxic.
Member Comments