Common Side Effects of Synephrine Based Diet Pills

After the FDA ban on ephedra-based diet pills, drug manufacturers turned to herbal ingredients and synthetic formulas that imitate ephedra's effects in the body. Synephrine is one of them, a drug that releases adrenaline and noradrenalin the body in order to stimulate the metabolism. Millions of dieters now depend on this potent ingredient to help with their weight loss goals, and it is a stimulant that may be just as addictive as caffeine. Even though thousands of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts continue to use synephrine as a dietary supplement, it does have many side effects.

How Does Synpehrine React in the Body?

Synephrine is used in diet pills as a metabolic enhancer, and is commonly found in many fat burners, thermogenic products, and appetite suppressing formulas. Synephrine acts as a stimulant in the body, and helps to break down fat while it shifts the adrenaline system into high gear. Synephrine helps to:

• Stimulate fat metabolism

• Suppress the appetite

• Create a sense of well-being

• Increase energy, often providing a ‘rush' similar to caffeine

• Increase caloric expenditure

The ingredient is derived from the fruit of Citrus aurantium, and is usually listed as Bitter Orange, Zhishi, and Sour Orange in ‘natural' weight loss products.

Since synephrine is so similar in chemical structure to ephedrine, it may have the same types of side effects that many ephedra users endured, and continue to suffer from. Ongoing research and clinical trials will provide more information on the long-term effects of syneprhine, but until then, there is no conclusive evidence that the drug is safe. Almost all diet pills that contain synephrine have not been approved by the FDA.

Common Side Effects of Synephrine

Since synephrine acts as a stimulant in the body, it is not a good match for people who are sensitive to caffeine, and those who have history of heart problems, high blood pressure, and even thyroid problems. Side effects of synephrine may include:

• Rapid increases in blood pressure

• Cardiac arrythmias

• Flushing of the skin

• Sweating

• Restlessness

• Hostility or agitation

• Respiratory problems

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Tremors

• Extremely low blood sugar and blood sugar imbalances

These are all similar in scope to ephedrine and ephedra-based diet drugs that are now banned from the market. Still, synephrine continues to be combined with other stimulants such as guarana, kola nut (for caffeine), green tea, and white willow ( a natural form of aspirin).

Bottom line: Synephrine is an amphetamine-like substance that creates a similar reaction in the body as ephedrine. Even though it is derived from fruit, it is powerful enough to create a significant change in the body which may or may not lead to weight loss. Anyone interested in losing weight for the long term can do so with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and making sure they are taking supplements that contain vital minerals and vitamins to keep the body healthy. Drugs such as synephrine contain harmful chemicals that can rid the body of essential nutrients, and make it even more challenging to lead a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.