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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DebbieLynn on December 2, 2001, at 11:57:11
Its been awhile since I have posted....
Has anyone taken Effexor XR w/an herb combo with ephedra in it? There is something new called "hydroxycut" out. Something like metabolife. Any input??
PS It is suppose to help you lose weight. I have heard it can be harmful, but I was wondering if anyone has had personal experience. OR ((((CAM))))) do you know?
If this in fact a terrible combo...does anyone know what can aid in losing weight.
Debbie
Posted by AnneL on December 3, 2001, at 23:59:42
In reply to Effexor and ephedra ((((CAM)))) where are you??, posted by DebbieLynn on December 2, 2001, at 11:57:11
Dear Debbie,
Please stay away from anything containing Ephedra or Ephedrine, typically found in "Metabolife" or knock-offs of the brand name. Ephedra (Ephedrine) has been known to cause changes in the electrical conduction system of the heart resulting in dangerous or even fatal arrhythmias
(abnormal heart rhythms). Some people can tolerate Ephedrine-like substances, the problem is you do not know if you are susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms. These substances can also cause terrible insomnia, withdrawl symptoms
(although not severe) and ANXIETY. They produce weight loss by causing anorexia (just another word that means loss of appetite). The loss of weight by these means is always temporary. Quit taking the "supplement" and back comes your hunger and appetite. People then start gaining the weight they have lost, only to discover that they gain an additional 10 to 15 pounds! The body, hates to be "starved" and will do anything to compensate, the most common one being a slow down in metabolism (conservation). In other words, without some change in lifestyle, weight loss will not last. As a caveat, I will add that many people on AD's gain weight due to a variety of mechanisms which are numerous and frankly some are just theories. However, if you feel that your weight has anything to do with your food choices, lack of activity, etc., there are many, many things that you can do on your own! I will be happy to answer any dietary, nutritional questions that you may have. Take care, :) AnneL
Posted by Cam W. on December 4, 2001, at 0:07:53
In reply to Effexor and ephedra ((((CAM)))) where are you??, posted by DebbieLynn on December 2, 2001, at 11:57:11
Debbie Lynn - I am not a big fan of ephedra or any diet pills. There is an increased risk of stroke and heart problems with too much ephedra. You can lose weight on them, but as soon as you stop taking them the weight almost invariably is put back on. Body weight is usually set up genetically; look at your parents and there you are. The psych drugs today are no help, though.
To lose weight one has to change lifestyles. A diet low in fat and high in fiber is one way to start. The other is exercise, but you usually don't lose weight with that alone. Exercise will help tone up the body, but probably not take off any weight.
I have kept off Effexor weight gain by eating carrots and celery, instead of sunflower seeds; and drinking water instead of Coke, while at work. It does work, but I am hungry all the time. I'm sorry, I have no magic cures for weight loss.
- Cam
Posted by JGalt on December 4, 2001, at 10:00:15
In reply to Re: Effexor and ephedra ((((CAM)))) where are you?? » DebbieLynn, posted by Cam W. on December 4, 2001, at 0:07:53
Cam,
I realize it is considered a dangerous option by many (and I am certainly not suggesting it to anyone), but have you ever read up on 2,4 Dinitrophenol? Quite an interesting drug, doesn't work by the usual mechanisms of appetite suppression, this drug truly burns the fat off of you. Screws with the oxidative phosphorylation process (sp?) causing ATP to be rapidly converted back into ADP and the energy thrown off as heat (called a strong oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler). It causes the body to sweat an awful lot (though you also retain more water, thus you must drink a lot) unless one is in a cold environment...actual body temperature increases are rather minimal unless one doesn't drink enough. It is popular in bodybuilding circles. There have been a very few documented deaths off of it (less than the rate of even ephedra), primarily related to taking way too much and not drinking enough. Used to be a common ingredient of weight loss pills back in the 30's, but then the FDA forced it off the market. Supposed reason was increase in cataracts, though further investigation shows this to be a hoax. Real reason was many companies weren't labeling it as the active ingredient on their product, and being OTC, some people were using it much longer than they should have been. I personally have used it, wouldn't recommend it in the summer time (though with fans a low dose is bearable), but in the winter time in a cooler area of the country, it is quite nice...you can be outside burning up tons of fat with shorts and a short sleaved shirt and never catch a cold.
JGalt
Posted by Cam W. on December 4, 2001, at 23:49:04
In reply to Re: Effexor and ephedra ((((CAM)))) where are you?? » Cam W., posted by JGalt on December 4, 2001, at 10:00:15
J - No, I hadn't heard of this one. Thanks for the info, though; I'm going to look into it. - Cam
Posted by DebbieLynn on December 5, 2001, at 7:56:24
In reply to Re: Effexor and ephedra ((((CAM)))) where are you?? » JGalt, posted by Cam W. on December 4, 2001, at 23:49:04
> J - No, I hadn't heard of this one. Thanks for the info, though; I'm going to look into it. - Cam
Thanks everyone...
I do not think I am going to take anything. I have heard too many negative things. I really do not understand why there is weight gain associated with Effexor Xr. I lost weight inititally on it. I also started back on my birth control pills about 3 months ago. I am not really blaming any certain thing on my weight gain...(I have gained 10 lbs!!!!!!!) I dont really eat anything different, but I guess I am not as active...I am a full time nursing student. I do SIT a lot...studying. Well, I am going to look into joining a gym I guess, unless there is a miracle. Maybe I can turn into the Bewitched lady and twitch my nose and be an instant 40lbs lighter. LOL no i am not crazy.
Thanks again
Debbie
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