Zantrex-3

Zantrex-3 is a non-prescription weight loss supplement that claims to cause "rapid weight loss" and "incredible energy." However, there is a lack of scientific evidence that supports the claim that Zantrex-3 is effective for weight loss. Supposedly, the yerba mate, guarana, and damiana in Zantrex-3 help to slow down how often food is emptied from the stomach, and the caffeine helps to increase energy. Possible side effects may include insomnia, nervousness, and a rapid heart rate.

 

What Is Zantrex-3?

Zantrex®-3 is a popular weight loss supplement. The manufacturer of Zantrex-3 claims that this product provides "Rapid Weight Loss™" and "incredible energy."
 
(Click Zantrex-3 Uses for more information on what Zantrex-3 is used for.)
 

Who Makes Zantrex-3

Zantrex-3 is made by Zoller Laboratories.
 

What's in Zantrex-3?

Zantrex-3 contains the following active ingredients:
 
  • Niacin (also known as vitamin B3)
  • Yerba mate (which contains caffeine)
  • Caffeine
  • Guarana (which contains caffeine)
  • Damiana
  • Schizonepeta
  • Green tea (which contains caffeine)
  • Piper nigrum (black pepper)
  • Tibetan ginseng
  • Panax ginseng
  • Maca
  • Cocoa
  • Kola nut (which contains caffeine)
  • Thea sinensis leaves (tea leaves).
     

How Does Zantrex-3 Work?

The Zantrex-3 Web site claims that this product works in two different ways -- by slowing the emptying of food from the stomach and by providing energy. Supposedly, the yerba mate, guarana, and damiana in Zantrex-3 help to slow down how often food is emptied from the stomach (which helps people feel fuller sooner and longer), and the caffeine (which is contained in several of the active ingredients) helps to increase energy.
 

Is Zantrex-3 Effective?

There is a lack of scientific evidence to support a conclusion that Zantrex-3 is effective for weight loss. By reading the Zantrex-3 Web site, you might get the impression that this product is supported by all kinds of scientific evidence and studies, but this is simply not the case. One particular part of the Web site is a little deceptive. It discusses the benefits of special chemical compounds known as methylxanthines (especially trimethylxanthine). You might be led to believe that trimethylxanthine is an amazing and exotic wonder drug. Nowhere does this Web site mention that trimethylxanthine is simply caffeine (just the same as that found in coffee, tea, or soda).
 
(Click Does Zantrex-3 Work? for more information. You can also click How To Lose Weight to find helpful suggestions for losing weight.)
 

Zantrex-3 Dosing Information

The manufacturer of Zantrex-3 recommends two different doses, one for weight loss and one for energy.
 
(Click Zantrex-3 Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Zantrex-3

Because Zantrex-3 products have not been adequately studied, very little is known about the side effects of Zantrex-3. Based on the caffeine content of Zantrex-3, it is reasonable to assume that the following stimulant side effects are possible:
 
Other side effects (from the other active ingredients of Zantrex-3) are also possible.
 
(Click Zantrex-3 Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Zantrex-3

Zantrex-3 can interact with a number of different medications (see Zantrex-3 Drug Interactions).
 

Zantrex-3 Safety

Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Zantrex-3 if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Zantrex-3 Safe? for more information, including any available Zantrex-3 warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Zantrex-3 Overdose?

It is not known what to expect from an overdose of Zantrex-3. Because Zantrex-3 contains caffeine, it is reasonable to assume that taking too much Zantrex-3 can cause stimulant overdose effects, such as:
 
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fever
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle twitching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Hallucinations
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
 
(Click Zantrex-3 Overdose for more information.)
 

Zantrex-3: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of Zantrex-3 for information on how best to store this product. Keep Zantrex-3 out of the reach of children.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;