What do y'all think of dietary supplements that contain ephedrine? There are a number of them available but I've been taking this stuff called Trim Spa. It seems to work. I lost 25 lbs. last year and laid off it for awhile, my weight leveled off, and I still had some left so I started taking it again last week. That, combined with diet and exercise is working for me. I can almost feel the metabolism boost. Lost 4 lbs. the first week. I still have a long way to go.

I've heard of some teenagers having health problems associated with ephedrine, but it says right on the label that it's not supposed to be taken by anyone under 18, along with various other asundry health warnings.

[i]Edit:[/i] I might also add that I am in reasonably good health despite being overweight. My cholesterol is 125 and my blood pressure is well within normal range. I have not experienced any of the negative side effects some have associated with ephedrine.

If you know how ephedra (a herb) works you know what you are dealing with.

Ephedrine is Ephedra's main active component,and it has a beta-adrenergic agonist so it will increases heart rate and metabolism----> you burn more fat.

The ephedra containing supplements have a stimulatory effect by releasing noradrenalin into the brain,the adrenal glands release adrenalin into your circulation and your body temperature increases, along with your heart rate.

Ephedra is more effective when in combination with guarana (basically caffeine in herbal form) and Willow Bark(from which ASA ie.aspirin) was first extracted.

I don't know what is in Trim Spa,but check out for these two other ingredients as an added advantage.

You can also boost your body's thermogenic function by eating hot sauce with your meals (cayenne pepper).
I do it because of the added flavor,so the thermogenic effect is an added plus for me.

If you have not taken ephedrine before,start with a low dosage.

It will increase your heart rate,and blood pressure,so [b]those of you who are hypertensive do not take it.[/b]
Same goes for those who are [b]diabetic or have hyperthyroidism.[/b]

[red]Consult your docs before you take this supplements and let them know what is in it to make sure they are not contraindicated in your condition,or that they won't interfere with or potentiate the effect of other medications you are taking.[/red]

Thanks Ed. The label shows it has guarana seed extract in it, along with some other thermogenic herbal concentrates, like cayenne pepper and more than a dozen others, but it doesn't show willow bark. There is also an appetite control blend and a lipotropic blend, all herbal extracts.

I consulted my doctor before I went on it last year, and he gave me a clean bill of health and said whatever works for me, combined with diet and exercise. He is very anal about asking patients if they are taking any medications or herbal supplements, and I just saw him a few weeks ago and he gave me the okay. Well, actually he did more than give me the okay, he practically ordered me to lose weight. [:)]

rocko, I took it last year the maximum recommended 12 weeks and I did not experience any of the adverse side effects, but I will monitor how it goes.