Consumer Review: I'm A Former Female Bodybuilder. After Taking Hydroxycut, I Ended Up In The Hospital.
I am a 27 year old female who used to bodybuild for 2 years. After a 5 year break, I was desperate to regain my former physique. Not only had I begun to lift weights, I also continued eating my normal low-fat, healthy diet AND also looked for some 'miracle' supplement I could take to further speed up the fat loss and preserve lean muscle mass.
I was introduced to Hydroxycut through an advertisement for it in Muscle & Fitness magazine. After reading this and seeing the before and after photos of other users, you could definitely say that it had caught my attention. Still skeptical though, I started researching information on the ingredients in Hydroxycut over the net. Everything seemed to be alright and the good reviews outweighed the bad, so, I purchased a bottle and was advised to take the minimum dosage recommended for women - half (2 capsules, 3 times a day).
To be safe, I started on 1 a day and then increased to 2 only ONCE a day. Just taking this small amount was sufficient enough for me. I took it 20 minutes before I went to the gym just so that I could have extra energy whilst training. I found I could lift more, I trained harder and longer and noticeable results were seen after only 2 weeks. Not only was I hyped at the gym, the energy burst lasted throughout the day (for up to 10 hours). I always had to be doing something otherwise I'd start freaking out if I just sat there. There were some nights where I'd wake up suddenly and my heart rate would sky-rocket and I couldn't get back to sleep but it went away after a while.
Things went bad after the 3rd week of use. I decided to go to the gym in the evening which was much later than usual. It was around 6pm and I took 2 Hydroxycut's before I went there. I trained harder than I usually do because I felt more hyped. After lifting certain weights I started to feel lightheaded and my breathing became more rapid. Even so, I continued to do so as I could not just stand there and do nothing. When I got home (around 9pm) I thought the Hydroxycut would of worn off a little by then. It didn't. I then went for a walk for another 1/2 - 45 minutes to try and tire myself out. I came back home and was still buzzing. I went into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. My pupils had shrunk and I was grinding my teeth. I then tried to lie down and force myself to go to sleep. It was a battle and a half but I finally managed to fall into some sort of sleep.
I was in and out of sleep for around 7 hours and then opened my eyes and abruptly sat up in bed. My heart rate had sky-rocketed once again but I felt that this time it was more severe. I felt cold and sweaty, my mouth was extremely dry, I was jittery and when I stood up, I felt as if my legs would give way beneath me. Something was not right and I felt like my heart was going to suddenly stop because it was beating so fast.
I woke my husband (it was 4am) and asked him to drive me to the hospital quickly because I felt like I was dying. Once we got there, they rushed me into a room right away and monitored my heart rate, gave me a blood test and put me on IV and injected me with drugs to slow my heart down and to calm me down. My husband explained to the doctors what I had taken and they said that they had a few cases of people being hospitalized because of the same thing.
Hydroxycut is EPHEDRA-based, it contains ephedrine. This is just another form of amphetamine or what you could call SPEED (or Ma Huang). Not only does it contain speed, it also contains the 'natural' equivalent to caffeine (Guarana). My doctor said that he doesn't even know how Hydroxycut could be made as readily available to the public as it is. It is not even FDA approved!
After I left the hospital this morning and got home, my husband threw out our bottle of Hydroxycut. I am now still trying to recover from the side effects - extreme fatigue and spontaneous bursts of increased heart rate. I advise anybody who is intending to use it to think twice.
Sandy
Response #1
Thank you for your honest report on your bad experience with hydroxycut. BUT, at 27, I've been battling an exponential gain of weight/fat since an ACL tear four years ago. What's an ex-athlete to do? Too much aerobic activity kills my knee. I believe I've tried most. Yes, swimming may be the key but just not for me. This is a call for other bad experiences with hydroxycut. Please send out the message because if you are like me--an educated individual who refuses to get comfortable with being chunky--we are going to try hydroxycut anyway. But if enough of the bad is put out there, perhaps we will reconsider.
Response #2
I would like to say thanks for your submission, Sandy. I have spent several months dieting and exercising like crazy to lose just a little bit of weight. I recently heard about Hydroxycut from Muscle and Fitness Feb'00 and was considering using it to accelerate my weight loss. However now that I've heard what it did to you and that it is not FDA approved, I have reconsidered. A good body is of course great to have, but I am not willing to sacrifice my health in the long run. Thanks for your submission, it helped me make my decision.
Alan
Response #3
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, but I know someone who has tried hydroxycut cut with no problems. I really think it depends on the individual and what's going on with that person's body. I plan on trying it and hopefully it will help me with my weight loss.
Response #4
The reason for your bad experience might have been due to not getting enough water. I am only 15 and I have been taking it for 3 weeks and it has worked great. It made me light-headed at first, then I found out when you are on it you should be consuming at least 1 gallon of water every day.
--Daniel
Response #5
To the fifteen year old: Do your parents know that you're taking this at such a young age? You must be careful. I became addicted to it and did not realize it until later. My local gym was out of product and I was so angry that I practically cried because I had no hydroxycut. Now that's scary.
Response #6
I have read all the above responses and am a little disappointed that people just take this lady's advice. Hydroxycut along with other thermogenics should not be used by anyone under 180 pounds. If a person less than 180 pounds takes the recommended dosages, which are meant for large, usually male bodybuilders, of course you will have problems. Also, no herbal supplement can be FDA approved. The person who was "addicted" to Hydroxycut was only addicted to the caffeine it contains. My experience with the supplement was very good. In conclusion, if people would read up on the things they want to take before they take them they may not have these problems.
Response #7
This is a response to Sandy: I respect you for your bodybuilding experience, but I have been bodybuilding for 3 years and I tried hydroxycut. It's common sense, if you read the label, that you shouldn't take the supplement later at night. It has a caffeine type agent in it. Anyways, hydroxycut worked for me. It gives you energy for a great workout and it allows you to eat whatever you want and not put on fat. It is, after all, a personal choice to try it or not to try it. If you use your common sense, it's more than likely going to work. Always remember, no matter what product comes out, there's always going to be someone that doesn't approve of it. Try it for yourself and find out what everyone is talking about.
Craig
Response #8
Sandy, I was reading your info on the hydroxycut and it brought back painful memories. I too began taking hydroxycut to help "boost" my workout and help burn some extra fat. After a short time of taking the pills (maybe about 2 weeks) I noticed changes, good ones. My tummy was getting flatter, my thighs were a little trimmer, my body was changing! But not for the better. In the evenings my heart would race uncontrollably to the point I thought I was going to pass out.
At first, I thought I was having panic attacks so I went to the doctor. They ran an EKG and determined I had an irregular heart beat (they thought I had a disorder called Wolfe-Parkinson-White). Well, I went through minor heart surgery only to find out my irregular heartbeat was fine and I was born that way. All of the suffering and feelings of death were because of the hydroxycut! PLEASE BE AWARE OF SIGNALS YOUR BODY GIVES YOU! IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, STOP TAKING THE HYDROXYCUT! IT'S NOT WORTH IT!
Response #9
I think that most of the bad experiences with hydroxycut may have been caused by latent factors that the hydroxycut magnified. Read the label and follow the direction. Follow common sense, eat right, drink 6 glasses of water a day and listen to your body. My wife weights 104lbs and consumes 4-6 tablets a day, feels great and lost a lot of body fat while maintaining muscle. I weigh 182 and consume 6-9 tablets a day with the same results. I take one day off a week from all supplements to give my body a break. LISTEN to your body people.
The lady who ended up in the hospital had the signs but refused to heed them. Her doctor sounds like an uneducated person on the subject of supplements (not surprising as most doctors are ignorant of supplements and the laws governing them).
Listen to your body, and if you feel sick or highly unusual, stop taking the product. I reduce my dosage when I feel even slightly hyper.
Response #10
There are a lot of interesting reactions to this woman's experience. I am 5'2" and 45 lbs. overweight. I am a 30 year old female planning to try this product. I don't understand the gentleman that says his 104 lbs. wife takes this when she is so light. No matter what, people who are having a hard time like myself losing the weight get caught up in these quick fixes. Everyone must remember, it took some time to fat so it will take awhile to loose it if you want to safely. For impatient people like myself, I am willing to try something at this point. But like the others said, take the pills properly and watch for any danger symptoms. Good luck to all who try this and remember, you can't take those pills forever, so try to learn to change your eating habits and exercise. Even walking helps.
Response #11
I am an athlete that has taken 2 years off due to college work. I've recently found myself overweight and I want something to help get me trimmed for summer. Thanks to all your reviews and comments, I'm going to try hydroxycut--cautiously, and only after I've been working out consistently and vigorously for two weeks straight.
The cases mentioned above that turned out bad seem very similar to the side effects of a product called "cyberblast" which was popular about 6 years ago. I think that some of these people's reactions are to the "Ma Huang" contained in these pills. Some of these cases could possibly be due to the fact that people started taking them too soon, when their bodies were in no shape to handle the supplement.
Thanks again guys and gals,
-Paul
Response #12
Regarding doctors and their knowledge: From my reading of these comments, yes, it's true, you should read the labels and make decisions based on your experience. However, after seeing numerous patients experience these kinds of effects and worse--acute renal failure, respiratory distress, tachycardia, and rhabdomyolysis (MUSCLE breakdown)--I do question how such products can be marketed without supervision.
Yes, they are "dietary supplements" and as such, can not be regulated. However, when the main ingredients are forms of drugs that are regulated, it's a tight rope you are walking with your health (and life) in the balance. "Natural" means nothing. Ricin, digitalis, and opium are natural products that offer many therapeutic benefits, but each can kill unless their use is carefully monitored by a doctor. Doctors are not ignorant about dietary supplements; we just feel that more often than not, the risks outweigh the benefits, and unwarranted use is very likely to occur.
Response #13
Frankly, I'm a 22 year old male who has been debating using Muscletech's hydroxycut or any supplement for that matter. I am on a healthier diet and all I'm really looking to do is test the waters using it for a while.
I think anyone with a shred of common sense LOOKS FOR and uses posts like these to gauge the REAL VERACITY of the claims of safety. After reading these posts, I'm going to cut my dosage down to a safer amount--maybe 2 pills once a day--and see where it gets me, then maybe up the dosage from there. I think that anyone pining over the lack of FDA approval does have to consider this is an herbal supplement after all. If you have experienced problems with this product, it is basically the same logic as if you have problems with, say, drinking too much coffee in a week or taking a medication...STOP doing so.
I just started taking hydroxycut a week ago and HAVE noted a bit of hyped up sensation which, considering the ingredients, should really not be a surprise. That is why I'm cutting down. My heart feels fine though. I feel fine. The moment I feel anything irregular I'm going to pitch it all. I think that Sandy really may have just ignored what should have been warning signs. If you get accelerated heartbeats from this then something is wrong. I don't seem to be getting that. I have my hand on my chest now and it is not going berserk. Remember, there is a clear, very, very clear WARNING on the bottle. If you are not sure about those conditions, consult a physician. If you are taking it and notice a weird side effect then cool it. It is not the only way to get slimmer. Exercise works just fine.
For me, hydroxycut has a triple nature. It accelerates weight loss, gives me energy I can use, and makes me feel more confident as a sort a of placebo. I am looking to work with hydroxycut and then wean myself off it slowly, substituting hard work for the gains it gives me from usage. I am only 22 and I think that is a fair way to do things. If hydroxycut were offing folks left and right or causing damage wholesale, you'd be reading a lot MORE posts saying as much. I agree it is full of chemicals that are going to work your body's neurotransmitters hard...as a drug does, any drug. Aspirin does that. Forces a sh–– and maybe uses up what you have a bit faster.
So know yourself, and if you do not know yourself well, then learn with common sense. In the end, we talk about healthy living and, frankly, anything you consume or whatnot, all kinds of things, are hazards. If you get a nosebleed or hyper heart, drop the supplement and if not, watch the supplement. It IS very important to think of it like any drug or medication really. Even if it is not prescription. Consider it in terms of what it has the potential to do, both good and bad, and make an educated decision. If you have a condition listed on the bottle avoid hydroxycut. Go some other route.
At this point, I'm just repeating myself. Anyway, if anyone HAS information on this product pro and con and wishes to share, I would greatly appreciate it. I do have misgivings when I read posts like that, but I have known people who wigged out from caffeine or taking this or that. You really just have to consider what you are ingesting rather than blindly trusting it. Please respond if you have any information or warnings or testimonials or whatever to this product. I never feel like I know enough. Also, if you have tips you'd like to share on usage of supplements, please let me know. In the end, I've heard more horror stories about xenadrine and other products so I will stick with hydroxycut. At least it is herbal and if I feel wrong, it is something else...garbage. If I feel good, it stays with me. DRINK LOTS OF WATER too, and eat right and give your body what it needs when you use hydroxycut. OK...
Dave
Response #14
While it is helpful to hear both the good and bad about such products as Hydroxycut, I think that the only sure-fire way is to try it personally. Just because you had a bad experience with it, does not mean the next person will. As for the product not being FDA approved--not much on the market is! Possibly you had a previous condition of some sort that you nor your doctor knew of--it is hard to say unfortunately.
I would hope that people reading about your experience would not be discouraged from at least trying the product. Myself and a friend (a physical therapist/trainer) have been using the product for two months now and the results are unbelievable! The key is to monitor one's use extremely carefully, as you did, and go from there. I would check out Musclemag's Abdominals special (spring 2000), as it offers an extensive review of other products on the market. You will find that Hydroxycut is one of the safest and most effective out there right now.
Response #15
I'm sorry to hear about what the woman went through and having to go to the hospital. I think the main common sense thing to do is to NOT listen to the recommended dosages on the bottle! I mean, I weigh 185 lbs. and I'm trying to lose 10 at the most. I think that it works, I really do. But like I said, I'm pretty heavy and 2 pills once in the day is way more than enough for me.
The bottom line is: If you're new to this product, start with one pill once a day before a morning workout. I know from experience that upping dosages doesn't really do anything but make you feel like crap, like paranoid and stuff. I'm no doctor, but start small and work your way up slowly if it feels right. Hope that helps a little.
Response #16
I am a male, 6'3", and am interested in weight loss. I have been reading all the women fitness mags such as Oxygen and Fitness and Prevention. I am disturbed about how Oxygen mag portrays hydroxycut in a special advertising section which it calls a special report. But alas, I am still interested in the product since I weigh in at 210 lbs. I have lost 20 lbs in a diet based on exercise and watching my diet, lots of veggies and low fat proteins.
I today called our local fitness/weight center. The new owner, who is the reigning Mrs. Alaska bodybuilding champ, told me it was not a good product. She said it works well, but is hard on the body. She said she had lost her fiancée three weeks ago. She said he had heart problems and that the doctors think that Hydroxycut may have been a factor. Of course, who will really know. Sad, but it was enough to convince me that I can attain my goals through diet and exercise. Everything has a cost, and I am not willing to risk using hydroxycut to attain what I want. Like all the rest, say read up and be informed.
Response #17
Hi Sandy. I sure am glad that I read your review. I have always been tempted to take Hydroxycut since it is constantly being advertised as completely safe by well known fitness professionals whom I respect and admire greatly. The before and after pictures claiming to give you six months results in just one month are almost too tempting to bear sometimes. However, lately I have been doing a lot of research on this product since, like you, I am not willing to jeopardize my health in the long run. The bottom line is that this product is a drug that speeds up your metabolism, therefore, speeding up your heart rate. I am not interested in speeding up my heart rate.
For those of you still considering using this product or any "fat burning" supplement, I also wanted to share this with you. I have two friends who have used Hydroxycut and have had excellent results. Their bodies are beautiful and I am very envious. I know that both of these women use Hydroxycut religiously. The problem is that whenever these women have gotten pregnant, they need to stop using Hydroxycut and the weight comes back like you wouldn't believe. Also, when they have to stop using Hydroxycut (since it is NOT safe for pregnant women), aside from excessive weight gain, they barely have any energy, are extremely irritable, and depressed. After their pregnancies, it usually takes about six months to get back in shape. Plus, when they take the drug, they are never hungry! They have to force themselves to eat, which is not normal or healthy.
My other friends who work out and maintain balanced diets and then give birth usually have beautiful pregnancies and pop back into shape a few weeks after birth! For these reasons, along with yours, I have decided that even though it is SO TEMPTING to think of taking a little pill (along with my workouts and well balanced diet) to help shed that last 15 pounds, the negative aspects of the DRUG definitely outweigh the positive.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know Sandy, that with the combination of your experience and witnessing others, I have decided not to ever go forward with anything that looks too good to be true! Thanks for you story and good luck to you Sandy and to everyone else who reads this!
Response #18
I have just started using hydroxycut because I gave birth a few months ago and will not be breastfeeding any longer. I believe, like anything else, too much of a "good thing" is a bad thing. I have been lifting weights and doing cardio (stepping, running, power walking) for five years and supplementing with creatine, ripped and diet fuel, and even triboxin. With careful monitoring and listening to your nobody, I feel you can get results. But caution, learning the facts, and talking to a doctor specialized in the supplement area is also very warranted. I'm 5'1 and I weighed 114 lbs and wore a size 2 before I became pregnant. I had gestational diabetes and had to give myself insulin shots. I am trying to safely gain my pre-pregnancy figure back. Hydroxycut will be one of my steps.
Joann, 28
Response #19
I'm 18 years old and have been using Hydroxycut for about a year. I also have my good and bad days, but it's not worth quitting -- especially after loosing 40lbs of body fat. I researched this product for a year and a half before I decided to use it. Like other people on this site, I work at GNC. Currently I'm stacking this with Nitro-Tech and Cell-Tech. I'm also about to add Andro, Nortesten, and Acebolitan-II. I know someone is going to write back saying, "man this dude is going to fry his brain," but believe me, I've done my research and expect great gains. I know that there may be side effects, but I'm not worried. I'm a lean 200lbs, benching 345, and parallel squatting 600, so I think I can handle it. HYDROXYCUT is great. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they can handle it.
Response #20
Hi There!
I just thought I'd give you a little background information on Hydroxycut and similar products on sale in the UK. The Medical Control Agency (our version of the FDA) banned Ma Huang, Ephedra and any other Ephedrine-type preparation in the UK about 2 years ago. The only stimulants allowed in fat-burning products in our country are Sida Cordifolia and Synephrine which both, I believe, convert to 4% Ephedrine rather than 6 or 8 percent in the cases of Ephedra and Ma Huang.
I cannot see how the FDA has no control over these products as I am aware that they are in the process of banning Androstenedione. If they can ban that, then they can do whatever they want with other supplements. I believe that in the UK, supplements are banned for political and financial reasons. If a woman can walk into a health store and buy an effective fat burner at little cost, then it cuts out the need to go to their doctor to obtain a supply of slimming pills on prescription. Slimming pills prescribed by the doctor carry an alarming amount of side effects, much worse than Hydroxycut.
The makers of Prozac were all too aware that the herb St Johns' Wort was affecting their sales to the value of millions of pounds and tried for two years to ban the herb. I am pleased to say that they were unsuccessful. In the UK, the pharmaceutical giants fund the government more than any other industry, so a little nudge from a company director to a member of state can be very effective. The sad part about this all is that Muscletech has never told anyone in the UK that the English version is different and much, much weaker than the USA version, so basically we are being ripped off.
Now it looks like Andro is going to be banned as well, all due to a few stupid athletes who blame their positive steroid tests on the supplement rather than admit to taking steroids. Maybe someone should tell them that Deca is detectable for 18 months after usage instead of making up some rubbish about using a 19-Nor product.
Just one final note - I have been working in supplement shops for 12 years and have constantly seen the government interfere with our business. Bodybuilders are a small bunch of generally friendly people who do no harm to anyone and keep ourselves to ourselves. Leave us alone, we don't hurt you, and if you are going to ban Ma Huang, then how about banning cigarettes? No, I thought not. There's a little too much money in it for you Mr. Blair!
Thanks for reading this response and I hope you have found it interesting.
Andy
London
Response #21
I'm with the guy who read about Hydroxycut in Oxygen magazine. A friend told me she was using this product, and I thought I'd investigate it a little. Just this weekend I was reading the latest issue of Oxygen, and they had not one, but TWO 6-8 page 'Special reports' or whatever they call them. They start out with sound discussion on exercise, nutrition, etc., then later the 'report' turns out to be a full-scale advertisement for Hydroxycut - complete with Marla What's-her-name (Hydroxycut poster-child), and a doctor so-and-so saying how great the product is.
For me, this completely discredits this magazine as a reliable, non-biased source of health and fitness information. They are allowing advertisers to try and 'trick' readers into thinking they are reading a science-based, informative article, when it is really a huge advertising scam. I'm actually writing a letter to the editor with my concerns.
Here's some more food for thought: I live in Canada, where you can only get a modified version of Hydroxycut...sans Chromium Picolinate and Ma Huang, due to apparent health concerns.
My advice to everyone is to not believe everything you read! I am a certified fitness instructor who used to be overweight. I lost that weight through exercise, wise food choices, and portion control. Beware of what you put into your body, as it is the only one you've got, and you don't know what the long-term effects of such a product may be. There is no 'magic pill'!
Response #1 to Response #21
I completely agree to with the person in response #21. When Oxygen magazine first came out, I was really excited and bought a subscription. After reading the "special report" on Hydroxycut in the first issue, I researched on the web and found plenty of negative information. The negative was too over-riding for me try Hydroxycut. I also found it quite odd that such a potentially dangerous product would be touted so highly in a fitness mag.
Over the next months, I noticed that Oxygen was packed with advertisements and "special reports" regarding Hydroxycut, and became very disillusioned with the whole magazine, so I canceled my subscription.
Last week, I thought I'd give it another go and noticed not one, but two articles on Hydroxycut. One article was written by a so-called doctor, but I noticed that in all the "doctor's" experience and references, medical school or hospitals were not among them. It makes me wonder what type of doctor she actually is.
I also noticed that they announced the death of a former competitor at the age of 31. According to the article, she just collapsed. I would be interested in knowing which supplements she was or had taken.
It seems that the magazine that touts fitness would have us believe that looking good equals being fit. This is not the case. Generally, if you are fit, you look good, but part of being fit is taking good care of your body. Filling it with supplements that cause it to behave unnaturally is not healthy. I dare say that most people featured in bodybuilding magazines take supplements and steroids that help them look good and compete, but are far from healthy.
Bottom line, you have about a 50/50 chance of screwing up your body on Hydroxycut. I guess what it comes down to is whether or not you want a rock hard body now or want to play with your grandchildren later.
Response #22
I must say there are many stories here. I believe one has to listen to your own body. If you feel your body cannot take Hydroxycut, then stop taking it. I for one, have had much success with Hydroxycut. I weighed around 195 lbs, I'm about 5'9". I cannot say I was fat, but I did have an annoying beer belly. I started dieting on a high protein intake, started drinking water like a camel before a 100 mile trip, and weight training. In about 3 weeks after I started dieting, exercising and taking Hydroxycut, I dropped 18lbs. Unbelievable! I am starting to get really nice definition on my abdominals. I do train hard, do cardio, and do about 300 sit ups a day. It is working really well for me. I believe that if I keep up my training, my diet and Hydroxycut, in 1 month from today, I will have my six-pack.
My brother is training just as hard as I am, on the same diet, and is also taking Hydroxycut and the difference is amazing. He is a little overweight, but is very dedicated to his goal. He has dropped 15 lbs and is looking thinner each day that goes by. It's not only the Hydroxycut, it's the diet and the weight training.
The reason why I started training again was because people kept telling me I looked fat. I used to train every day and was in good shape, never had a six pack, but I was half way decent. Three weeks ago, my mother told me, "You need to go back to the gym, you are getting fat!" That did it. Now I feel I am looking so much better. Six pack...one month from now. Know what your body limitations are, it is not meant for everyone...it was meant for me. Good Luck.
Response #23
There are some very interesting responses to the supplement Hydroxycut. I have just completed a 3 month cycle with the supplement. I used hydroxycut as directed, with a good diet, and exercised accordingly. Since starting, I have lost about 17 pounds, and shed off 4 pants sizes. I went from 196lbs to 179lbs, and went from a 36 waist to a 32 waist in those 3 months.
I didn't have any problems with using the supplement. I believe that the supplement isn't for everyone, however. There are some people that have bodies that adjust to supplements well, and some that don't. I believe those using the supplement must have discipline. Definitely do not drink alcohol while using the supplement, and if planning to drink, get off hydroxycut for at least 48 hours. Drink as much water as possible. Have a water bottle with you at all times, and drink water like you're living in the desert.
Finally, I do not plan on using Hydroxycut in the future. I believe that it is a good first step in losing unwanted fat, but after using it for 3 months, I plan on going to an all natural supplement like Chromaslim. Even though I didn't encounter any problems, I don't want to in the future. SO, those who plan on using Hydroxycut, these are my suggestions: Be disciplined when using it. Eat right. Drink water regularly, and in large quantities. Exercise, exercise, exercise. DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE USING THE SUPPLEMENT. ALCOHOL ACCELERATES HEART RATE, AND COMBINED WITH EPHEDRINE, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS. Lastly, Hydroxycut is a good first step. Once you hit the 180 pound mark, get off of it and go natural.
Good luck,
Maynard
Response #24
I am a 80kg male and have been training for 2 years. I am keen to lose that last 8 lbs of fat. I am in far better shape and heavier than the females reporting bad experiences with Ephedrine, yet I would not recommend it. The majority of the people with so-called bad experiences lack 2 qualities: patience and the ability to read. All Ephedrine combinations make extravagant claims in their advertising. Ignore the claims: the cost in terms of your health is extreme. All combinations also recommend (or should) that these products should not be ingested after 4PM, yet people take them late in the evening and wonder why they lie awake all night listening to their heart race.
If you have patience and just want to supplement a healthy diet and exercise routine, a combination of aspirin, caffeine and Synephrine may work for you as it does for me. Synephrine is an alpha-agonist and a slight beta-agonist. Ephedrine is the reverse of this and it is prescribed because the main fat removal properties are contained in beta-agonist substances.
To summarize: Hydroxycut I have found to be available in a non-Ephedrine combination. It contains Synephrine and all of the other usual stuff. It works, it just takes longer. But there are zero heart and blood pressure problems. Sounds like a great compromise to me.
Response #25
Hello to all. I have used hydroxycut before. Yes, there are definitely side effects to this supplement, or rather what's found in it. You see, it really doesn't matter whether you're using hydroxycut or ripped fuel...it's what's in it. Basically, its the ephedrine that causes palpitations, dehydration and certainly slight insomnia.
Through my experience, if you do develop insomnia, don't use it after 4pm. Dehydration is common sense, you just gotta increase water intake. Don't go by gallons, but just consume a glass every half hour or so. That's efficient enough.
Tt is a supplement meant for bodybuilders. If you want to lose weight and do not want side effects, use a non-thermogenic formula. Bodybuilders care less about side effects. Some even take the pure form of ephedrine, which is a controlled drug, but can be bought from medical doctors.
Just diet and add cardio training into your routine and you won't even need this stuff.
Rick
Response #26
Several of my colleagues along with myself have taken Hydroxycut and about every other ephedra-containing supplement available. The same holds true for this as everything else; some people are more hypersensitive to some things than others (penicillin can kill some people, but to most, it is an often prescribed antibiotic). Ephedra IS NOT THE SAME AS METHAMPHETAMINES. I think the woman who experienced this unfortunate experience needs to do a bit more objective research.
Response #27
I am a vegetarian, and although I eat well and exercise (I am a certified fitness instructor), I am not happy with the results I have achieved on my own. My body type just doesn't respond to my "natural" attempts at losing fat. My goal is to lose FAT, NOT WEIGHT.
I take three Hydroxycut tablets twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and have been pleased with the results. I had to work up to this dosage though, and I have found that more than six a day makes me feel jittery. I NEVER take this product ANY later than 4:00 pm unless I plan to be up all night staring at the ceiling.
Listen to your body if you try this product. Start small and work your way up - you will see results. However, this is NOT a product you will take forever. It is a stepping stone to help you reach your goal. It is NOT a miracle pill, you have to adjust your eating and exercise accordingly.
I am 5'6", 135 lbs - 18% body fat - which makes my lean mass come out to 110 lbs and my fat at 25 lbs. My goal is to see my abs sometime before I reach 30, and I do see myself reaching that goal thanks to MYSELF and a little help from this product.
Response #28
Hello everyone,
I was thinking about taking this myself until I read this. I wanted to get my edge back. You see, I used to weigh 280lbs. Then I started eating right and exercising, and within 8 months I weighed 190lbs (by this time, I was running 6 miles a day). That was 4 years ago. I moved to Florida a year ago for a job. Now I have gained a lot of weight. I'm now weighing 230lbs, so I must take care of this immediately or I will lose it.
After reading about this supplement, I think the risk outweighs the benefits. I will not try this product. My question is what if I use a product with just guarana in it? I know guarana is caffeine, which can provide energy, but it is not ma huang. What do you think?
Response #29
Listen, you have got to use your head when it comes to using these products (Xenadrine, Hydroxycut). First of all, taking them that close to bedtime is not smart. How could you think you would get a good night's sleep after taking that.
I have been using Xenadrine for three weeks and it has been wonderful. I started with the small dose as they instruct and it is working wonderfully. But I never take anything later than 1pm, just to be sure that my sleep is not affected.
You must use your common sense with these products.
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