AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question Hi. I was considering Miracleburn as a weight loss supplement. http://www.miracleburn.com.
It contains Hoodia, Advantra Z (synephrine bitter orange), Yerba Mate, GTF Chromium, Iodine, White Willow Bark, and L-Carnitine.
-any interaction with Paxil 20 mg?
-is it known to raise blood pressure in the way that ephedrine does?
-any other dangerous side effects?
Thanks!
Answer Scott
Whatever claims the manufacturers make about such weight loss products, I would be very cautious about using them especially if you are taking medication such as Paxil.
Unfortunately weight gain can be both a side effect of a depressive illness (low morale, low activity, comfort eating etc.) or as a result of the drug treatment (sedation, low activity etc.).
Whichever may be the cause, the most effective solution is to ensure you eat a healthy, low calorie diet and increase your levels of exercise.
My recommendation would be to review what you eat, cut out sweet products (incl. drinks) and starches (fries, pastries etc.) and focus more on fruit and fibre preparations with a reasonable amount of meat protein. Following this, set yourself a series of small targets to reduce weight and increase activity. A few pounds over the first week or two is a satisfactory start. Likewise increasing activity can be by doing more walking or swimming.
As you reach and pass a milestone, congratulate yourself and set the next targets. As things progress, you should start to feel better in yourself and this will be an added reward. You can also allow yourself the occasional non-food reward.
I would also discuss with your doctor what you need to do and they can check over your general health. They will also be able to offer you support and hopefully give you encouragement to possibly reduce and stop your Paxil as your mood and physique improves.
Products like Miracleburn claim they "burn fat", which cannot happen naturally. At best they are likely to raise the metabolic rate, but this is almost certainly an adrenaline-like effect. As Ephedrine is also similar to Adrenaline, the risks from using the products will be similar. I would not recommend the products as a solution to your problems. They will cost you a lot of money, put yout health at risk and are unlikely to produce any overall benefits.
