Pharma-Help FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Zantrex-3
FAQ. Does Zantrex-3 work on the same basis as Xenical?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello I am enquiring about zantrex-3. I would like to know if this pill works on the same basis as xenical? And is this medication addictive? I look forward to hearing from you, D Davis.
A. Zantrex-3 and Xenical do not have the same mechanism of action. Wheres Xenical relies on fat-blocking, and a partial appetite negation, Zantrex-3 is a fat-burner, and is Ephedra based. Neither should be addictive, but as with many other products, it is impossible to gauge the exact reactions of each individual. However, no serious reports of addiction have been found.
FAQ. Can I take Zantex-3 when I'm already taking Metoprolol and Zocor?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello I am considering taking Zantex-3. I take Metoprolol and Zocor. In your opinion can I take Zantex-3? Regards, R. Codella.
A. The drugs that you are currently taking indicate that you have a history of coronary problems, as well as high blood cholesterol. You did not state your medical condition(s), or whether you are overweight. Even slight-to- moderate excess weight has been known to cause the problems that you appear to be suffering from. As Zantrex-3 contains caffeine and may cause a rapid heart rate accompanied by an increase of blood pressure (all positive things as far as thermogenesis and fat-burning are concerned), I would consider it unsuitable for you.
Also, I would advise you against any thermogenic drug until the conditions for which Zocor and simvastatin (Metoprolol) are indicated. If you are suffering from obesity and the conditions are linked to your body weight, you should consider an alternate diet and exercise program to lost weight.
But, first and foremost - consult your doctor about your desire for a thermogenic and see if and when he will allow you to use one. Personally, I would advise you against it, until your coronary situation improves.
FAQ. Does Zantrex-3 interact with or make my birth control pills (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo) less effective in any way?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello, will Zantrex-3 interact with or make my birth control pills (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo) less effective in any way?
Justina, NC
A. Justina, as far as is known, Zantrex-3 should not interact with Orth Tri-Cyclen in any way, since they work in different ways and do not interact with each other. Orhto-Tri Cyclen works by utilising hormonal systems, while Zantrex-3 fuels various metabolic processes, attempting to speed them up and induce thermogenesis.
However, if you remain unsure - consult your doctor.
FAQ. If I stop taking Zantrex-3, will I re-gain weight or experience withdrawal?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello, I was wondering if when I stop taking Zantrex-3 if I will have done damage to my metabolism, and also if I will gain back the weight lost? Thank you.
Stephanie
A. Quitting Zantrex-3 will do no 'damage' to your metabolism as it is merely a compound that acts as a form of a catalyst, speeding certain things us. There is not dependency on it, and quitting it will not affect you physically.
The weight, however will depend entirely on you. If you go back to your old eating habits that made you overweight in the first place - the weight will come back. If you stop any exercise that you might have been doing, your muscle will deteriorate.
My recommendation is - you're through the tough part, stick with it and build a reasonable diet and exercise routine - and you should stay fit even without Zantrex-3.
FAQ. What is the best time of day to take Zantrex-3?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
I just purchased my first bottle of Zantrex-3. Everything I've read says you should take this product 15-30 minutes prior to main meals and it should only be taken twice a day. However, it does not indicate whether you should take it before breakfast and lunch or before lunch and dinner. Does it matter when you take them? If I take it around 5:00 p.m. will I have a hard time falling asleep at night?
Thank you,
Elizabeth
A. You should take Zantrex-3 as far apart from your bed-time as you possible can, preferably dosing it during breakfast and lunch. The reason for this is simple. The primary thermogenic compound in Zantrax-3 is the caffeine obtained from Guarana. As you already know, caffeine is the most widely used stimulant in the world, and is really a 'legal' drug. If you drink coffee then you have, at times, experienced the 'jitters' that occur from too much cofee, and too much coffeine by result. Zantrex-3 contains quantities of caffeine far greater then your average cuppa - and this is good, because it will do what you want it to, primarily by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is a hormone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands, that acts as a neurotransmitter. The sympathetic nervous system functions in response to short-term stress; hence norepinephrine increases the heart rate as well as blood pressure. Other actions of norepinephrine include increased glycogenolysis (the conversion of glycogen to glucose) in the liver, increased lipolysis (the conversion of fats to fatty acids) in adipose (fat) tissue, and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle to open up the air passages to the lungs. All of these actions represent a mobilization of the body's resources in order to meet the stressful challenge; such a response is often termed the 'flight or fight' syndrome.
Basically, the caffeine in Zantrex-3 keeps your body in 'combat' mode for extended periods of time, facilitating weight loss. If you take it close to sleep - you may have a hard time getting to sleep at all. Additionally, since you're going to generate all that extra energy thanks to Zantrex-3 mobilising all that excess fat, might as well pop the pills in the morning and use it for getting some work done, right?
Frequently Asked Questions about Ephedrine/Ephedra
FAQ. How Dangerous is Ephedrine Really?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
I have gained ten pounds last 12 months and in searching for assistance with the weight loss, I joined a center for weight loss. I was given supplements to assist with weight loss which I noticed contained Ephedra. Having heard the name in the news, obviously I am now concerned. I am fortunate by being quite healthly except for being overweight by approx. 40 lbs. I was told that the plan for the weight loss was at least 14 weeks, eating normal foods and taking these supplements. Your comments are most welcomed. Thank you in advance for your attention.
Suzanne B.
A. Ephedrine, and the plant it is derived from, Ephedra Sinica, did indeed make the news, and most of the media coverage it got was negative. True to at least a part of the hype, ephedrine did cause harm, and in some cases, even death. However, that is a very one sided view of events. To clear everything up thoroughly, I'll start with the basics.
Ephedra is a herb that grows in the arid regions of the world and is also known as: Mormon Tea, Ma Huang, Squaw Tea, and Herbal Ecstasy. There are other minor sources, such as Sida cordifolia. It is best known for its main component Ephedrine.
Chinese traditional medicine have been using ephedrine, extracted from ephedra, for more than 5,000 years to treat the afflictions of the lungs, and it is still primarily used to relieve nasal congestion (blocked nose), and can raise the blood pressure. The main active chemical component of ephedra is ephedrine, a beta-adrenergic agonist (increases heart rate and body temperature.) Different strains of the herb contain different concentrations of ephedrine. The Chinese plant is the more potent of the Ephedra strains.
Fairly recently, ephedrine has been found to be a powerful stimulator that increases metabolism, and research conducted on ephedrine has shown that it has interesting implications for bodybuilders, weight-trainers, and athletes. Some of the effects that professionals take it for are:
- weight loss
- metabolizing (burning) fat
- muscle maintenance.
Most importantly, and most (in)famously, ephedrine has been shown to increase the effectiveness of thermogenesis (fat burning) in the body. It contributes to the release and blocking the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This gives norepinephrine the ability to continuously stimulate receptors in your body, causing fat cell "flood gates" to open and facilitate fat loss.
This is ephedrine's greatest blessing and its greatest curse. To understand why, we must take a closer look that norepinephrine and what it does to your body.
Norepinephrine is a hormone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands, and acts as a neurotransmitter. The sympathetic nervous system functions in response to short-term stress; hence norepinephrine, whose levels are boosted by ephedrine, increases the heart rate as well as blood pressure. Other actions of norepinephrine include increased glycogenolysis (the conversion of glycogen to glucose) in the liver, increased lipolysis (the conversion of fats to fatty acids) in adipose (fat) tissue, and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle to open up the air passages to the lungs. All of these actions represent a mobilization of the body's resources in order to meet the stressful challenge; such a response is often termed the "fight or flight" syndrome.
Basically, ephedrine keeps your body in "combat" mode for extended periods of time, facilitating weight loss. This is where problems may arise. Namely, the "fight or flight" mode infers a quickened heart rate and a higher blood pressure. If this occurs with a healthy individual, they should be fine, and may enjoy the benefits of ephedrine for as long as they want to. If the individual already suffers from hypertension or has a history of heart problems, they may experience more ephedrine side effects, or even events such as a heart attack. This is why it is vital for you to be absolutely certain that you have a clean cardio-vascular bill of health before starting an ephedrine-based weight-loss drug. If you do, and if you stick to the dosing schedule - you should be fine. But, indulge our mutual paranoia, and get checked up regularly, especially during the first month of ephedrine usage. Take your pulse and blood pressure, moderate spikes are normal with ephedrine, but should they become worrying - consult a doctor immediately.
Finally, whatever your weight-loss group tells you - as you move into your weight-loss program, and can feel yourself making first bits of progress, cut back on your meals. Not by much - 10% will do for starters. Don't starve yourself, this will get you nowhere, but simply add measure to everything you do. This will become a habit, and will keep you in shape even after you finish the program. Additionally, 30 minutes of physical activity daily is the trick. Forget running, forget weight-lifting - you can do that when you're slim again, to tone your body. What you want to do now is walk. They don't even have to be targeted walks - simply walk where you used to drive. Going to a friend's house? Take the bus, and walk a quarter of the way. You'll have 30 minutes less in your day, but they might turn into 30 years more of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creatine
FAQ. Is it OK to take Creatine and Hydroxycut at the same time?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hi, will it be okay for me to take creatine while also taking hydroxycut at the same time? I'm 18, male who is looking to lose some body fat and increase my workout routine to become more defined and slightly bulkier. If it matters I am 5'11" and weigh about 175. If it is not a wise idea with the combination, are there any alternatives? Thank you in advance.
Brandon H.
A. I would advise against coadministration of Hydroxycut and Creatine, since the fact that you are taking Hydroxycut in the first place infers that your level of fitness is not yet high. As hydroxycut induces thermogenesis, thus speeding up your metabolism, you will use up more fluids than usual. Add creatine into the mix, and you will start shifting even more liquids towards your muscle and bone. You could end up underhydrated, not to mention that creatine adds energy to a system which has already been energised by Hydroxycut.
Your best bet is to take Hydroxycut, excercise, and start taking Creatine when you are comfortable that you have lost the excess weight and can now go from the 'fitness' part of the regime to actually bulking up that muscle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Xenical
FAQ. Does Xenical work on the same basis as Zantrex-3?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello I am enquiring about zantrex-3. I would like to know if this pill works on the same basis as xenical? And is this medication addictive? I look forward to hearing from you, D Davis.
A. Zantrex-3 and Xenical do not have the same mechanism of action. Wheres Xenical relies on fat-blocking, and a partial appetite negation, Zantrex-3 is a fat-burner, and is Ephedra based. Neither should be addictive, but as with many other products, it is impossible to gauge the exact reactions of each individual. However, no serious reports of addiction have been found.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tylenol
FAQ. Can you take tylenol when your on stacker 2 ephedra free?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Can you take tylenol when your on stacker 2 ephedra free?
M. Pettit
A. Mixing Stacker 2 and Tylenol shouldn't have negative effects, or adverse reactions - especially if you are using the ephedra-free variety. However, since taking a lot of anything that needs to be filtered out of your organism may strain your liver (especially if you have had a history of liver problems), should you experience any of the following serious adverse effects, discontinue both drugs immediatly and contact a doctor:
- liver damage (may manifest through: yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue)
FAQ. Can I use tylenol as a relaxing agent?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
May I take two extra strength tylenol every night as a relaxing agent?
R W Cronin Jr.
A. I would strongly advise from taking Tylenol, in the dosage you describe, for more than 10 days except under the advice and supervision of a physician. Failure to comply with Tylenol dosing guidelines may lead to symptoms similar to acute over dosage, and may even result in potentially fatal hepatic necrosis.
Also, Tylenol is not indicated for relaxation. You are better off obtaining an OTC herbal relaxant for similar results. If you are not satisfied with it, I suggest you consult your doctor about your condition. He will prescribe a relaxing agent for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hydroxycut
FAQ. What is and what is the function of the Hydroxycitric Acid?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello. I have been reading up on Hydroxycut. Apologies if I have missed this in your articles about Hydroxycut and its components, but what is and what is the function of the hydroxycitric acid? I am especially interested in what this component does in the ephedra-free formulation of Hydroxycut. Thank you much for you time.
Sincerely, M.L.
A. Please read our article on hydroxycitric acid for the answer.
FAQ. Is it OK to take Creatine and Hydroxycut at the same time?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hi, will it be okay for me to take creatine while also taking hydroxycut at the same time? I'm 18, male who is looking to lose some body fat and increase my workout routine to become more defined and slightly bulkier. If it matters I am 5'11" and weigh about 175. If it is not a wise idea with the combination, are there any alternatives? Thank you in advance.
Brandon H.
A. I would advise against coadministration of Hydroxycut and Creatine, since the fact that you are taking Hydroxycut in the first place infers that your level of fitness is not yet high. As hydroxycut induces thermogenesis, thus speeding up your metabolism, you will use up more fluids than usual. Add creatine into the mix, and you will start shifting even more liquids towards your muscle and bone. You could end up underhydrated, not to mention that creatine adds energy to a system which has already been energised by Hydroxycut.
Your best bet is to take Hydroxycut, excercise, and start taking Creatine when you are comfortable that you have lost the excess weight and can now go from the 'fitness' part of the regime to actually bulking up that muscle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elusun
FAQ. Does the Elusun Tanning Pill work without sunbathing?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hi, I have been taking the Elusun tanning pills for two months and don't see anything happen. I took four tablets everyday with lots of water. Please advise.
Thank you. Lori M. K.
A. Beta-carotene has an effective and reliable vitamin A activity. And as Elusun additionally contains both vitamins C and E, it follows that it must be 'good' for the skin, as it amply supplies it with some of the substances it needs.
But does this make you tan?
Propaganda aside, no. Not per se.
What it will do, is make sure that your skin a) is 'ready' for tanning by being properly nourished, and b) make you keep your tan longer by supplying the substances the skin needs to repair itself. And after sun exposure - it is always in need of repair. If this repair is effecuated on healthy and well nourished skin you should remain tanned longer. Additionally carotenes have been shown to add color to the skin, but I wouldn't go as far as to say 'tan'.
So, yes, it should've worked by making you tan faster and allowing you to stay tanned longer, but if you haven't actually been sunbathing, it won't do much. If you can't get into the sun, spending the money on a sun-bed is a better option.
Also consider tanning agents such as Canthorex.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stacker 2
FAQ. Can you take tylenol when your on stacker 2 ephedra free?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Can you take tylenol when your on stacker 2 ephedra free?
M. Pettit
A. Mixing Stacker 2 and Tylenol shouldn't have negative effects, or adverse reactions - especially if you are using the ephedra-free variety. However, since taking a lot of anything that needs to be filtered out of your organism may strain your liver (especially if you have had a history of liver problems), should you experience any of the following serious adverse effects, discontinue both drugs immediatly and contact a doctor:
- liver damage (may manifest through: yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue)
FAQ. After taking Stacker-2 without ephedra I felt jittery and shaky, should I continue taking Stacker 2 or stop?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
I bought Stacker 2 without ephedra recently, but haven't started taking it until yesterday. I took one pill after dinner, and one today after breakfast. By the time I got to work (an hour later), my heart beat was extemely fast, I was jittery and my hands were shaking a little bit. It's been couple of hours, and I'm getting a little better, but I'm still jittery and anxious. Could you advise me on whether I should continue taking Stacker 2 or stop, and if I can continue taking it, when will the side effects stop? I would really appreciate your help. Thanks,
Valerie
A. Stacker 2, like all ephedra-based drugs, causes a 'thermogenic' reaction - i.e. it speeds up your metabolism. The 'jitters' you speak of are a standard reaction as you body gets used to it. The increased heart rate is a standard side effect as well. How long will those side effects last? That is hard to say. There are people who never experience them, there are people for whom they last from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. In some cases - the side effects don't go away. Even if they remain, you don't need to stop taking Stacker 2. However, if they should become bothersome or cause general malaise at any point, or you suspect that they might be damaging your health (ie chest pains accompanying the increased heart rate) - cease treatment immidiatly and contact a doctor.
It is also always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting any thermogenic drug.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
FAQ. Does Zantrex-3 interact with or make my birth control pills (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo) less effective in any way?
This question was sent in by a visitor:
Hello, will Zantrex-3 interact with or make my birth control pills (Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo) less effective in any way?
Justina, NC
A. Justina, as far as is known, Zantrex-3 should not interact with Orth Tri-Cyclen in any way, since they work in different ways and do not interact with each other. Orhto-Tri Cyclen works by utilising hormonal systems, while Zantrex-3 fuels various metabolic processes, attempting to speed them up and induce thermogenesis.
However, if you remain unsure - consult your doctor.
