Leena Watts
Dexatrim is a dietary supplement that has been on the market for over 30 years, with the brand claiming to assist with weight loss. The formula has changed over the years, with the original pill containing the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. In 2000, the FDA requested that Dexatrim discontinue the use of PPA, and in 2004, ephedra was banned. Dexatrim is now owned by NVE Pharmaceuticals and is still available over the counter, with current products including Dexatrim Max Complex 7 and Dexatrim Natural Green Tea. Despite claims of powerful weight loss benefits, there is a lack of scientific data to support these assertions, and Dexatrim has been associated with various side effects, including acne, hair loss, and high blood pressure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement |
| Manufacturer | NVE Pharmaceuticals (originally Thompson Medical, acquired by Chattem in 1998, now part of Sanofi) |
| Year Introduced | 1970s |
| Popularity | 1980s |
| Forms | Capsule, pill |
| Current Products | Dexatrim Max Complex 7, Dexatrim Max Daytime Appetite Control, Dexatrim Natural Green Tea, Dexatrim Natural Extra Energy |
| Active Ingredients | Caffeine, green tea extract, Asian (Panax) ginseng root extract, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) |
| Caffeine Content | 50–400 mg per day |
| Side Effects | Acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, deeper voice in women, stomach upset, high blood pressure, allergic reaction |
| Precautions | Not recommended for those with a history of high blood pressure; consult a qualified physician before taking |
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What You'll Learn
Dexatrim's formula has changed over the years
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that has been on the market for over 30 years. The brand has changed ownership over the years, starting with Thompson Medical, which was acquired by Chattem in 1998, and is now part of Sanofi. Dexatrim's formula has changed significantly during this time, with the brand adapting to current diet trends and medical information.
The original Dexatrim formula, developed in the 1970s and popularised in the 1980s, contained the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. A 2000 study by Yale University School of Medicine found that PPA was linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, particularly in younger women. This study prompted the FDA to request that drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA, which led to Dexatrim dropping PPA from its formula in 2000.
In 2001, the original Dexatrim formula was pulled from store shelves due to its link to an increased risk of stroke. In 2003, Dexatrim replaced PPA with ephedrine, but this ingredient was also banned by the FDA in 2004 due to concerns about its impact on blood pressure and heart health. Since then, Dexatrim has replaced these ingredients with bitter orange extract, which has similar effects but is still under study by the FDA as of 2010.
Dexatrim has also increased the concentration of caffeine in its products over time, as it has phased out other active ingredients. Caffeine has been a part of Dexatrim's formula from the beginning, and studies have shown that it can stimulate the basal metabolic rate in the short term. However, a 1992 double-blind placebo-controlled study found that caffeine was no more effective in promoting weight loss than a placebo.
Other active ingredients in current Dexatrim products include green tea extract, Asian (Panax) ginseng root extract, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a steroid hormone that can be converted into male and female sex hormones, and it is used to treat various conditions without FDA approval, including weight loss. However, there is insufficient data to support its efficacy in weight loss, and it can cause side effects such as acne, hair loss, and high blood pressure, especially with long-term use.
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Dexatrim's side effects
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement meant to assist with weight loss. Dexatrim claims it "gives you the power to lose weight, curb binges, and keep you in control of your diet." The major active ingredients found in current Dexatrim products include caffeine, green tea extract, Asian (Panax) ginseng root extract, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Dexatrim has been on the market for more than 30 years and its formula has changed considerably over the years. In prior formulations, Dexatrim contained the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. In 2000, following the request of the FDA to discontinue marketing drug products containing PPA, Dexatrim dropped PPA from its formula. In 2004, the FDA banned a second Dexatrim ingredient, ephedra, as it was linked to raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke.
Dexatrim side effects can vary depending on the individual. Side effects, often associated with longer-term use, can include headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems. Other side effects at this dose can include acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, deeper voice in women, stomach upset, and high blood pressure, particularly if the supplement is used for a longer period of time.
Phenylpropanolamine, the active ingredient in Dexatrim, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine. Cardiovascular adverse effects may be associated with phenylpropanolamine, as it can cause a significant rise in heart rate. Hypertension and arrhythmias may be problematic in susceptible patients.
The caffeine content in the daily recommended dose of Dexatrim products ranges from 50–400 mg per day. Potential side effects of caffeine may include insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, headaches, and abnormal heart beat. Green tea extract is currently used for improving mental alertness and aiding in weight loss. There is insufficient data to determine the efficacy of green tea extract in aiding weight loss. In addition to the potential side effects from the caffeine content in green tea extract, there is some risk of liver problems associated with green tea extract consumption.
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Dexatrim's active ingredients
Dexatrim is a brand of over-the-counter dietary supplements meant to assist with weight loss. Dexatrim has been on the market for over 30 years and has undergone several formula changes over the years. The major active ingredients found in current Dexatrim products include:
Caffeine
The caffeine content in the daily recommended dose of Dexatrim products ranges from 50 to 400 mg per day. Studies have shown that caffeine has a short-term stimulatory effect on basal metabolic rate. However, in a 1992 double-blind placebo-controlled study, caffeine was found to be no more effective in promoting weight loss than a placebo when administered at a dose of 200 mg daily.
Green tea extract
Green tea extract is another active ingredient in Dexatrim products. Green tea has been linked to various health benefits, including weight loss.
Asian (Panax) ginseng root extract
Asian ginseng root extract is also included in Dexatrim products. Ginseng has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is believed to provide a range of health benefits, including increased energy and improved cognitive function.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and, in men, the testes. It can be converted into male and female sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is used to treat various conditions without FDA approval, including aging, Alzheimer's disease, and erectile dysfunction. The daily recommended dose of DHEA in Dexatrim Max ranges from 100 to 200 mg per day. Side effects at this dose may include acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, stomach upset, and high blood pressure, especially with long-term use.
Original Formula
The original formula of Dexatrim, which was developed in the 1970s and popularized in the 1980s, included the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PHP or PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. In 2000, the FDA requested that drug products containing PPA be discontinued due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Ephedra was also banned by the FDA in 2004 as it was linked to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart problems and stroke.
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Dexatrim's lack of scientific data to support claims
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement meant to assist with weight loss. Dexatrim claims it "gives you the power to lose weight, curb binges, and keep you in control of your diet." Dexatrim has been on the market for more than 30 years and its formula has changed considerably over the years.
Dexatrim's current major active ingredients include caffeine, green tea extract, Asian (Panax) ginseng root extract, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). While there are a number of studies showing that caffeine has a short-term stimulatory effect on basal metabolic rate, a 1992 double-blind placebo-controlled study found that caffeine was no more effective in promoting weight loss than a placebo. There is currently insufficient data to determine the efficacy of green tea extract in aiding weight loss. In addition, there is a risk of liver problems associated with green tea extract consumption.
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and by the testes in men. It can be converted in the body to male and female sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is used to treat a variety of conditions without FDA approval, including aging, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, and systemic lupus erythematosus, and aiding in weight loss. However, there is insufficient data to support DHEA's efficacy for weight loss. Side effects of DHEA at the recommended dose in Dexatrim Max (100-200 mg per day) can include acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, a deeper voice in women, stomach upset, and high blood pressure, especially with longer-term use.
In the past, Dexatrim contained the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. However, PPA was dropped from the formula in 2000 after a Yale University School of Medicine study showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, and a case of myocardial injury was reported at doses recommended for weight control. In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra, the second Dexatrim ingredient, due to its link to raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke.
Despite the lack of scientific data to support their claims, Dexatrim continues to market itself as a powerful weight-loss supplement. It is important to note that Dexatrim provides a disclaimer that none of its efficacy and safety claims have been approved by the FDA. The active ingredients in Dexatrim products carry the risk of side effects, adverse reactions, and adverse drug interactions, especially at higher or prolonged doses. As such, Dexatrim recommends seeking the advice of a qualified physician before taking their product.
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Dexatrim's availability
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement meant to assist with weight loss. It has been on the market for over 30 years, during which time its formula has changed considerably.
In 2000, the FDA requested that Dexatrim discontinue marketing drug products containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine), a decongestant that had been linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Dexatrim dropped PPA from its formula that year, replacing it with ephedrine. However, in 2003, the FDA also banned ephedrine, after it was linked to raised blood pressure and an increased risk of heart problems and stroke.
Dexatrim is currently owned by NVE Pharmaceuticals, which purchased the brand from Chattem in 2014. Chattem had acquired Dexatrim from its original owner, Thompson Medical, in 1998.
Despite the lack of scientific data to support Dexatrim's claims of aiding weight loss, and the absence of FDA approval, the product is still available to purchase over the counter. Current Dexatrim products include Dexatrim Max Complex 7, Dexatrim Max Daytime Appetite Control, Dexatrim Natural Green Tea, and Dexatrim Natural Extra Energy. These products are available in capsule form and can be purchased from retailers such as Walmart.
Dexatrim products carry a warning about possible side effects, particularly in patients with a history of high blood pressure. The company recommends seeking the advice of a qualified physician before taking Dexatrim.
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Frequently asked questions
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter dietary supplement meant to assist with weight loss. Dexatrim claims it helps with weight loss, curbing binges, and controlling one's diet.
Yes, Dexatrim is still available in capsule form with products such as Dexatrim Max Complex 7, Dexatrim Max Daytime Appetite Control, Dexatrim Natural Green Tea, and Dexatrim Natural Extra Energy.
Dexatrim side effects can vary depending on the individual. Some possible side effects include acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, deeper voice in women, upset stomach, and high blood pressure, particularly with prolonged use. Dexatrim also carries a warning about possible side effects in patients with a history of high blood pressure. Additionally, some serious side effects have been associated with the active ingredient phenylpropanolamine, including an allergic reaction and an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
