Diet Safety: Trimming the fat with Dexatrim

Megan Roth

Contributor

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Maybe I'm just noticing them more because I've been researching and writing about them, but I feel like diet supplements are everywhere. Legitimately, everywhere.

I was walking home from work last night and noticed a “40% of all diet pills” sign in the window of a bodega. An hour later I was reading Fitness Magazine while I worked out and came across a Tonalin ad. Then again this morning I was watching the news and lo-and-behold, a Dexatrim commercial came on.

Like I said, everywhere. Then it struck me; I realized this is one diet supplement that is advertised like crazy (and almost everyone has heard of), yet, I don’t know much about it.

Dexatrim – a supplement that is offered in several different formulas, each of which delivers non-stimulating appetite suppression.

And though it may seem the diversity amongst those products results from a dedication towards meeting the needs of each and every customer, such isn’t necessarily the case.

Dexatrim has traveled a rocky path these last few years. In 2001, Dexatrim products were recalled after it was discovered that they contain phenylpropanolamine (PPA) (which is also used as a relief aid for nasal congestion and allergy symptoms). Why the recall? FDA officials seem to have recognized the strong correlation between PPA consumption and increased risks of stroke.

And again in 2002, certain Dexatrim products were recalled when the FDA banned ephedra (again for its correlation for increased risks of stroke and heart attacks).

Two recalls in two years? Scary thought. So is it safe to take today? Unfortunately, that’s tough to know. Dexatrim manufacturers claim the supplement is safe and effective; however, the FDA has not validated any such claims.

In addition, many are skeptical when it comes to Bitter Orange (one of Dexatrim’s ingredients), which is under ongoing investigation and is thought to affect users in ways similar to ephedra.

And for Dexatrim consumers, those effects are relatively well known. Most common symptoms include increased heart rate / blood pressure, nose bleeds, headaches and restlessness / difficulty sleeping (among several others.

The risks of experiencing Dexatrim side effects increase drastically when used in conjunction with other medications (expecially MAOI inbibitors). Using Dexatrim while on MAOI inhibitors (such as Prozac) are highlighted for increasing the odds of depression; however, don’t think you’re safe if you aren’t on prescription meds. Even something as simple as ibuprofen could increase the risks of the aforementioned side effects, as well as upping one’s odds for depression.

I know I’ve said it with all of the previous diet pills I’ve reviewed, but I feel Dexatrim especially should be taken with caution (in fact, I’d say it shouldn’t be taken at all, but consumers will do as they please); so do your research. Know what ingredients are in the Dexatrim pill you’re taking. Know the potential side effects of those ingredients and how they interact with other meds (prescription and OTC alike).

You really can’t be too cautious considering the diet aids potential to have both long and short-term effects on your health. If you have experienced any such effects, contact the Lombardi Law Firm for assistance.