Leena Watts
Mexican diet pills have been a cause for concern for US health authorities since the 1980s. One such pill, Redotex, contains triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine—a combination of thyroid, laxative, stimulant, and tranquilizer drugs. The dosage of d-norpsuedoephedrine, a common over-the-counter remedy for nasal and throat congestion, is higher in Redotex than in cold remedies, and is known to aggravate high blood pressure. Another Mexican diet pill, Acxion, contains phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled substance with the potential for abuse and dependence. Side effects of Acxion include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and constipation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Redotex, Acxion |
| Ingredients | Triiodothyronine, norpseudoephedrine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, phentermine |
| Side Effects | High blood pressure, depression, addiction, psychosis, severe diarrhea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, cardiovascular issues, hallucinations |
| Legality | Illegal in the US and Mexico |
| Availability | Available in Mexico, banned in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- Redotex, a Mexican-made drug, contains triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine
- Phentermine, the active ingredient in Acxion, is a controlled substance with potential for abuse
- Acxion side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and constipation
- Redotex side effects include high blood pressure, depression, addiction, psychosis, and severe diarrhea
- Tejocote root products may contain yellow oleander, a toxic substance that can be fatal
Redotex, a Mexican-made drug, contains triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine
Redotex is a Mexican-made drug that has been prescribed by Mexican doctors to around 100 to 300 people a day. The drug is marketed as a weight-loss solution, with patients reporting dramatic weight loss of about 5 to 6 pounds a week. However, it is not approved for sale in the United States due to its hazardous side effects, which include high blood pressure, depression, addiction, psychosis, severe diarrhea, heart palpitations, numbness, loss of consciousness, and possibly, death. In response to these reports, U.S. officials have attempted to halt the flow of Redotex into the country.
Redotex contains a combination of ingredients that work together to produce its effects. Here is an overview of each of these ingredients:
Triiodothyronine
Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, is a thyroid hormone that affects various physiological processes in the body, including metabolism, growth and development, body temperature, and heart rate. It is the more metabolically active form of the thyroid hormone compared to T4 (thyroxine). T3 increases metabolic rate, making it a crucial component in weight loss regimens.
Atropine
Atropine is derived from the Atropa belladonna plant and has been used in medicine since the 1800s. It has a wide range of effects on the body, including stimulating respiratory and circulatory systems. When used as eye drops, atropine can dilate the pupil, aiding in eye examinations and treating certain eye conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and myopia (nearsightedness).
Diazepam
Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium, is a medication used to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by calming the nervous system.
Aloin
Aloin is a compound found in the exudate of several Aloe species. It has stimulant-laxative properties, inducing bowel movements and softening stools. However, in higher doses, aloin may lead to negative side effects such as electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Due to potential safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that aloin-containing products are no longer generally recognized as safe for over-the-counter use.
D-norpseudoephedrine
D-norpseudoephedrine (NPE), also known as cathine, is an appetite suppressant and stimulant. It is naturally found in the shrub Catha edulis, commonly known as "Khat." NPE has been used for weight reduction since the 1970s and acts on dopamine receptors in the brain to suppress food intake and induce weight loss.
The combination of these ingredients in Redotex has raised concerns among American pharmacologists, as such a melange of contradictory agents could lead to unpredictable interactions and side effects.
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Phentermine, the active ingredient in Acxion, is a controlled substance with potential for abuse
Diet pills from Mexico have been a concern for US officials since at least the late 1980s, when over 100,000 Americans were crossing the Mexican border to obtain powerful Mexican diet pills, including a drug called Redotex. Redotex contains a combination of thyroid, laxative, stimulant, and tranquilizer drugs, including two DEA-controlled substances—diazepam and d-norpseudoephedrine (also known as cathine).
Another Mexican diet pill, Acxion, has been reviewed on phentermine.com. Phentermine is the active ingredient in Acxion and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a potential for abuse and dependence. Phentermine is a stimulant chemically similar to amphetamine and carries a risk of dependence and abuse. However, the potential for dependence and abuse is lower with phentermine than with other stimulants such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, or narcotics. Phentermine is only available on prescription and cannot be refilled more than five times or after six months have passed since the prescription was issued.
Acxion is widely prescribed for weight loss in Mexico but is not approved by the FDA and cannot be legally sold or prescribed in the United States. It is designed for short-term weight management in overweight and obese patients, and a doctor should closely monitor its use. This is particularly important given the potential for serious side effects, including fatal heart and lung diseases. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and constipation. Diarrhea and nausea are also frequently mentioned.
Positive outcomes of taking Acxion include appetite control, weight loss, and increased energy levels. In a clinical trial, participants taking phentermine for 12 weeks experienced an average weight loss of 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg). Notably, 45% of participants lost more than 5% of their baseline body weight, indicating significant effectiveness in weight management.
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Acxion side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and constipation
Mexican diet pills have been a topic of concern for US officials since the late 1980s, when they tried to stop the flow of powerful Mexican diet pills that were attracting over 100,000 Americans annually. The pills, known as Redotex, were prescribed by Mexican doctors and dispensed at clinics in Mexican border towns. While Redotex is no longer widely available, Acxion is a Mexican brand of diet pills that has gained attention for its weight loss claims. Acxion contains phentermine, a central nervous system stimulant used to aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing energy levels.
Acxion has been associated with several side effects, including dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and constipation. Dry mouth is a common side effect of phentermine, occurring due to decreased saliva production. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and tooth decay if not addressed. Insomnia is another frequently reported side effect of Acxion, which is why it is recommended to be taken early in the day.
Dizziness is also a known side effect of Acxion, and consuming alcohol while taking the medication may increase this risk. Alcohol consumption can also worsen other side effects, such as mood changes, and may lead to more severe issues like hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviours.
While constipation is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Acxion, it is a known issue with other Mexican diet pills. Redotex, for example, included a stimulant, a laxative, and a tranquilizer, which was intended to calm the jitters caused by the amphetamine. However, this combination of drugs was not permitted under American drug rules, and the interaction was deemed unpredictable.
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Redotex side effects include high blood pressure, depression, addiction, psychosis, and severe diarrhea
Redotex is a Mexican-manufactured weight-loss drug that is marketed and sold in the United States. It is a combination of thyroid, laxative, stimulant, and tranquilizer drugs. The ingredients include triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine.
Redotex is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is deemed unsafe for consumption. The side effects of Redotex can be severe and include high blood pressure, depression, addiction, psychosis, and severe diarrhea. In some cases, patients have also reported chest pain, palpitations, and nausea.
The interaction of such a combination of contradictory agents is unpredictable and can lead to serious health hazards. The product contains two DEA-controlled substances, diazepam and d-norpseudoephedrine (also known as cathine), which will result in a positive drug test.
Due to the hazardous nature of the drug, U.S. officials have attempted to halt the flow of Redotex into the country. It is considered an “unapproved new drug” and is not permitted for use by DoD personnel or civilians.
The severe side effects and health risks associated with Redotex underscore the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before taking any weight-loss supplements or drugs. It is crucial to prioritize long-term health and well-being over quick fixes that may have dangerous consequences.
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Tejocote root products may contain yellow oleander, a toxic substance that can be fatal
Diet pills from Mexico have been a cause for concern for US officials since the late 1980s. In February 1987, the US Food and Drug Administration requested that customs agents confiscate Mexican diet pills, citing reports of dangerous side effects. One such drug, Redotex, is a combination of a stimulant, a laxative, a thyroid drug, and a tranquilizer, which is illegal under American drug rules.
In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about certain supplements, including tejocote root products, which may be adulterated with toxic yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana). This plant is native to Mexico and Central America and is toxic to humans. The FDA's investigation found that products marketed as tejocote root, including those with other names such as Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote, Mexican Hawthorn, or Brazil Seed, may contain yellow oleander.
Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects, including neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems, and even death. The FDA advises consumers to stop using and dispose of these products immediately and to contact their healthcare provider for an evaluation. The FDA is working with third-party platforms to address these concerns and remove identified products from the marketplace.
Tejocote root is often marketed as a weight-loss supplement and has gained popularity due to social media promotion by online influencers. The FDA's investigation is ongoing, and additional products may be added to the list of those containing yellow oleander. It is important to note that the practice of substituting lethal yellow oleander in tejocote root products appears to be widespread, with many of the identified supplements being purchased through online retailers like Amazon and Etsy.
The potential presence of toxic yellow oleander in tejocote root products underscores the importance of purchasing supplements from reputable sources and consulting with healthcare professionals before consuming any dietary products.
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Frequently asked questions
Redotex is a Mexican-made drug marketed as a weight-loss pill. It includes a combination of thyroid, laxative, stimulant, and tranquilizer drugs, including triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine.
Acxion is a Mexican brand of phentermine. Its active ingredient, phentermine, is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, indicating a potential for abuse and dependence.
Some Mexican diet pills have been found to contain poisonous yellow oleander. The FDA has issued a warning about supplements labelled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed, as they were found to be substituted with toxic yellow oleander.
