General Nutrition Centers, the largest U.S. specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, said it would discontinue the sale of all products that include ephedra, a weight-loss chemical that has been linked to serious side effects.
“We believe that ephedra-based products are safe when used as directed,” said GNC President and Chief Executive Michael Meyers. “Nonetheless, the current business climate dictates that we move in a different direction.”
The American Heart Association in April urged for a ban on all ephedra products.
“There is no such thing as a magic weight loss pill and anyone who takes these products looking for a quick fix is misleading themselves,” said Dr. Robert Bonow, Heart Association president, at the time.
(via Reuters)
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Hello,
I have really enjoyed reading all of your feed back on dietary supplements. I am currently looking for a good “appetite suppressant” and haven’t been successful! I did order “Ultra Lean Extreme” and it works great with giving me energy and allowing me to work out longer and stronger at the gym (I could go 5 hours if I wanted to and still feel great) but I still feel hungry all the time from all the activity I am doing. It does not kill the hunger and sugar cravings at all! This is what I am really looking for, opposed to the extra energy. Has the Liprodrene worked so far for you Melanie W. with the appetite? If anyone can tell me the best hunger killer with ephedra, I would appreciate it! I also tried many pills and wasted a lot of money so I am hoping to get feed back from other’s before spending anymore. Thanks a bunch!
thanks graciemay! the first 2 pills I took of the expired 356 did seem less potent:( but it very well may be my imagination. the bottles were sealed- can the ephedra actually lessen with age? I know vitamins diminish, but I am not sure about herbs, like ma huang. these must have been sold back in 1998 or something, right? (to have an 05/00 expiration)…oh WHY can’t they just sell this stuff again, christ I only take 1/2 pill at a time anyway. SO frustrating!!
Graciemay,
You had said you bought Liprodrene with 25mg of ephedra, where did you order it? You mentioned it worked for the appetite and that’s what I want! Thanks for your help.
Hi all,
Graciemay I am taking the pills cut in half just because I wanted to ease into it. I started them Saturday taking 1/2 an hour after breakfast and 1/2 an hour after lunch. I did notice a difference in my appetite and energy level but I think I do need to go with the full pill. I was, however, considering going to taking it on an empty stomach. Were you saying not to do that in general or just until I am used to taking them again?
Also, Jennifer, so far so good on the pills. I was not hungry for dinner and if it wasnt for my husband cooking Sat and Sun nights I would have skipped it altogether but didnt want to hurt his feelings. I did, however, only eat a plain hot dog and one corn on the cob as opposed to ten times that plus dessert : )
So I started out at 164 yesterday morning. I will weight myself again a week from now and post results because thats really what its all about in the end!
Good luck all.
I am wondering if it wouldnt be eaiser to start a Yahoo email group for those that are interested? Who would join? If enough would I will start one.
Melanie
Hi Melanie W–Count me in on that Yahoo forum if/when you start it. I think that will be much better than posting here also because more folks out there will be able to find it. I found this forum by accident only
Sooo…I don’t believe many people even know it’s here. Please keep me posted on it, won’t you please?
As for my opinion on Lipodrene vs. Powerthin, I am favoring the Lipodrene more now. The instructions on the bottle suggest taking it one hour after a meal, that’s the reason I said that. Oh, and I think the first whole pill I took was on an almost empty stomach and it kinda’ upset it a bit. I’m very interested to hear how it goes for you Melanie
Take care all.
Ok then lets think of a name for the group…
hmmm…
thinking…
Melanie
Alrighty then….I’m thinking too….
I’ll just throw out names that come to my mind now……..
Herbal Divas United
MaHuang Mamas
Living Better with Herbs
Ephedra Success Stories
Losing Weight With Ephedra
Benefits of Ephedra
Herbal Fat Burners
Herbal Motivations Forum
Help Melanie, I’m running out of ideas–It’s your turn now!
Anyone else with ideas for our Yahoo Forum name??
Hey Melanie, Looks like my post with ideas for our new forum got censored!! I suppose this forums system recognized the titles as “advertising”?
Now I’m shying away from posting any names
I thought I had some good ones, too.
When you decide what to name it, let us know, OK?
Graciemay
Oh brother…Plz. ignore my last post saying my Forum name ideas were censored because now I’m seeing that post….Go figure!
Jessica, I bought 4 bottles and I only take between 1/2 – 1 pill per day, so it is going to take almost a year for me to go through just one bottle. Not to mention, as with all original 356 the expiration is already past due, so they will be of no use to me in a few years. If you want to buy a bottle or two, just email me egail@comcast.net
I can sell for the same price that I paid for them.
I have been reading from afar. If you go to a forum I would like to observe. I am very shy, but I have taken a lot of your advise and have purchased Lipodrene over the weekend.
Thanks for the inspiration
Hi All,
So I am hoping to be online for more than a few seconds tomorrow and will start a forum then. I was trying to think of a clever name but am drawing a blank. I did like some of your ideas Graciemay. What I want is something that will let people searching know its a group for people that LIVE with ephedra ; ) and not just a place to spam us with sites that sell it. I will probably for that reason make each new member be moderated for a while to be sure they are real people so if that happens to you dont be offended.
Anyway, the lipodrene from discountanabolics is working like the dickens!! I wont tell you what the scale said today, I promised myself I would wait until the official weekly weigh in day plus I dont want to jinx it : )
Hope you all are doing well and the products you have found are working.
Melanie
Hi Melanie W….I was hoping you’d post soon so glad to read that the Lipodrene is working for you! It’s by far my favorite now that I’ve had a chance to compare it with the Powerthin.
Plz. let me know ASAP when you get the forum up and running. The names I posted were a “what’s the first thing that comes to my mind” kind of thing
Feel free to use anything you like and if you don’t…No problem whatsoever dear. I’m so happy for you finding something that works so well. It’s working great for me also.
I like the forum idea for “people living with ephedra”. Makes perfect sense to me.
Take care everyone,
Graciemay
Hi Everyone–I hope all is well. Melanie W, I tried numerous times to find your new Yahoo ephedra group, to no avail. Plz. help me figure out how to find it so I can join, won’t you?
Hope others will keep osting with their experiences. I’m so impressed with Lipodrene. It supresses my appetite so well…Yippeee
Later folks,
Graciemay
Hey Cheri–Hi and welcome!
With all due respect, the correct spelling of EPHEDRA IS EPHEDRA! Were you able to find Melanie’s Group called: LIVING_with ephedra? at Yahoo?
Thanks and take care all….
Graciemay
Hi all!!
THANKS Graciemay for noticing my mistake! I would have hated for others to not get to the board so here is the CORRECT web address for the site:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LIVING_with_ephedra
Once you get to know me on the list you will know this is not unusual for me : )
Have a great day, see you over at the group
Melanie
Hi Graciemay,
Yes, I knew the spelling of ephedra was wrong and that is why I couldn’t link to it because I was spelling it the right way. Then I looked closely at it and realized the spelling of ephedra. Anyways, I guess I didn’t do well explaining it (I was at a rehearsal dinner last night and enjoyed a couple of Bud Lights
I agree with world class nutrition and their products aren’t as effective for some reason. I didn’t feel the same boost as I had with these pills before. I bought Xenadrine RFA-1
I just bought lipodrene with ephedrine, and I took 1 pill half hour ago, and i can feel it working! I’m glad i took this step. I really want to lose my belly and thights. I was wondering….can it affect studying??? I’m so glad I found this page.It’s nice having people to support you!
DC could you tell me if the Stacker 2 is workin for you, because i just purchased some aswell.
hi all. I just recently started taking a stack of ECA, 3 times a day. my primatine,(ephedra, 25 mg for 2 tabs) vivarine( 1 tab is 200 mg of caffine) and asprin(350 mg for 1 tab) really gives me a good boost, and it is just how i felt when I used metabolife 356 years ago.I’m sycked!!! from what I understand, buying ephedra separately isnt illegal, but when combined with other ingredients it is ( or was because of the ban). ephedra as a whole is considered a food product and cant be banned….just some food for thought..I’m glad to have found this site!!
i thought i was on this alone until i accidently came across this site. When i first heard about the ban lift, i went hunting web pages after pages looking for ligit one, so far i have no luck… anyone have any idea? i found a couple of site, but they wont ship it to CA! ugh… i think ephedra is still banned in Cali!
I had great success using diet/ exercise/ and a bottle of Metabolife 356 in my medicine cabinet from years ago. I was bummed when it was gone! I bought Lipodrene this week, and took it today. The bottle says to take it after meals, but I’m so accustomed to taking it before. Which is better?
Thanks,
Jen
i too bought stacker 2 and a bottle of stacker 3 from worldclassnutrition.com, i i thought the same thing– that they were no longer potent because i dont feel the same rush as i did before. i even cycled off all ephendrine/caffine for a month.
For those who have tried Lipodrene, how has it worked for you? and have you experienced any side effects?
I have used ephedra and non-ephedra diet products for the past 8 years. Unfortunately, even with all the side effects, the ephedra based products are the best for losing weight quickly. As you know, ephedra was banned, but last april a federal judge temporarily lifted the ban on ephedra, so some ephedra products can still be sold., with exceptions to the amount and “use” of ephedra – for example, ephedra can no longer be stated as a safe nor a weight loss agent. It can marketed as a nasal decongestant. The major supplement companies like Muscletech – they make the Real Hydroxycut or Cytodyne Technologies – they make Xenadrine- have stopped formulating ephedra in their products for some time, plus their insurance companies will not allow them to sell ephedra because of fear of lawsuits. So, as it stands, the only products you are going to find with ephedra are made by the smaller Supplement companies not the big name ones mentioned earlier,who are not concerned with lawsuits because they have only been around a few years and they do not have the same Reputation to upheld as Muscletech which is now known internationally or Cytodyne.Some people buy the ephedrine separately and stack it with ephedra free products- but beware – most ephdra free prodcuts have replaced the ephedra with massive amounts of other stimulants such as caffeine and synephrine – which can all lead to the same side effects.
Hi folks, I feel everyone here. I found a product that worked (Twin Lab’s Metabolift, Original Formula) but the only place I can find it is on ebay for $75 a bottle (I used to buy it for $10 at Walgreens back before the ban).
Does anyone know where I can get Twin Lab Metabolift at a reasonable price?
Also, should I feel set on that brand because Twin Lab is a good company and I know that it worked great when I used it before? Or would any ephedra product with the same potency/mg work just as well?
Answer here or email me at sveta_paraskeva at yahoo (dot) com
I purchased (5) bottles of 20 original Stacker 2’s from thatswholesale.com and only received 4 bottles. They would not respond to emails so I consider them thieves. Good luck to anyone else who tries them.
Graciemay-
Sorry it has taken so long for me to reply! I lost this site and happened to stumble upon it again.
Thanks for the info on Lipodrene. I purchased the Ultra Lean Extreme from nutritioncost.com but it was very expensive! I paid $76 for it but it was worth it I have to say. I have been using Stacker 2 and it has been working great. I will try Lipodrene next. 
I have lost 7lbs. in 2 weeks now.
Graciemay-
Sorry to bother you again but you suggested buying Lipodrene at hmglobalmall.com but I noticed it says “no sales in CA”. Do you live in Cali? I was just wondering if the order will still go through? I do not want to put in my CC# and risk them charging it anyway. Thanks for your help.
Hi Jennifer,
I rarely read the posts here these days. Glad I decided to today.
No, I don’t live in CA, however, you can find their toll-free number right on their site and call them about that. They are very nice folks there and offer free shipping, no strings attached! The orders arrive fast for me, within 2-3 working days.
Their prices are very reasonable too.
Graciemay
Thanks Graciemay I will give them a call.
Hi Kellito,
I feel exactly the same as you do about Metabolife 356 and ephedra in general. I’ve also gained most of the weight back that I had lost while using M-356 for years with NO PROBLEMS whatsoever. The media and the FDA hype the negative side-effects of ephedra because I believe it’s the billion dollar pharmaceutical companies running the show and they do NOT want any “dietary supplement/herbal remedy” stealing all their profits, especially in the huge weight loss business arena!
Also, a well-known sports figure happened to kill himself while popping ephedra products as if it were candy…Well, DAH!! Who wouldn’t die from abusing an herbal supplement as he did?
Whoever is reading this post and the one below it from Kellito, Plz. let us know HOW and WHERE we can purchase Metabolife 356 or something as effective as this product used to be for millions of us. I’ve recently tried out many of the “post-ban” newer ephedra products and none of them even come close to the effectiveness of Metabolife 356.
There’s got to be someone who knows something to help us find what will help without costing us an arm or a leg!!
Thanks for any leads….
Graciemay
What were the exact ingrediants (and percentage’s) in Metabolife 356? I am hearing that nothing else is working as good as that product but can’t you look for the exact same ingrediants in another product? I did that once with another herb and it worked just the same. Just curious if anyone has some left or an empty bottle, and be able to share the ingrediants? And I highly recommend “Ultra Lean Extreme” for energy! It’s at a reasonable price at bingproducts.com I have never felt so much energy in my life…highly suggest it for the work out junkies.
~Jenn
Hello,
I’m just informing anyone interested in buying the Original Stacker 2 With Ephedra, that I’m selling off the ones I may not be using. I have about 2 years worth of them, and they expire next November 2006. I’ve used them for many years and have worked great for me, just have never abused them. They’re all completely manufactured sealed. brand new.
For 20 count=$16.99 ($4.99 Shipping)
100 Count=$53.99($5.99 Shipping)
If interested, please email me. You can make payments online safely through paypal. Shipment takes about 2-3 days to arrive to your home.
Thanks,
Andrea
Jennifer,
We have a Yahoo group that is for ephedra support and I created a database on their that shows the ingredients of Metabolife and the amounts. If you want to join go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LIVING_with_ephedra/
Melanie
I put in a request to join the group and am looking forward to that. Was curious to know how much weight you lost with Lipodrene? I’m looking into buying that. I first got hooked on Stacker 3, as that helped the best with my weight loss. I lost about 65 pounds and slowly gained it back over the course of a year. I am torn between going back to stacker 3 or trying lipodrene. Definitely leerly in what to try since everything I have tried since the ban hasn’t quite worked. Thoughts?
Thanks Melanie, I joined the group a few minutes ago!
I am trying to find Hydroxycut with ephedrine. I tried the ephedra-free and it doesn’t work for me. Does anyone know a website I can buy it from?
Glad to find this message board. I started back taking ephedra 1 month ago after finishing a bottle of Farenheit, which did nothing for weight loss but kept me in a good mood. I am on my second week of Stacker 2 and have noticed no changes in my weight. I am going to try Lipodrene but would like to hear from those who are taking it. Should I even bother? The best product in the world that not only took off my excess weight AND toned my abs was Ripped Fuel w/ephedra by Twin Lab. If any one can provide me any information as to where I could buy it please do so.
can anyone tell me where i can find the original metabolife 356?
i feel the same as most about the metabolife 365. i lost all the weight i gained when i had a child almost five years ago and it stayed off. i have been trying to find it or something that works just as well and nothing works. i am also on an exercise program but the 365 is just awsome. the bottle posted all warning lablels so why stop the sell of it. if anyone can please help me i would love you forever. lol..
Hi
My name is Jeanette.
I was browsing this forum yesterday and just love it.I also thought I was alone in this ephedra craze …lol
Nice to hear your stories, mine are very simalar.
I have been looking for ephedra products and could not find any but with some help from you guys I have now orderd two different items Powerthin and 25mg pure ephedra .
I am so exided !!!!!!!!!!!
Today I thought I will put in the work and try to help you.
For those who were looking for Metabolife 356 I have found a product that compares to it it’s called Metabosurge Tablets.I have orderd just one bottle to see if the claims are correct.I will keep you guys posted:)
If you don’t want to wait for my feedback just e-mail me and I will let you know were I orderd from.
By the way a 90 count bottle was just $9.60.So if it is just a claim , at least I didn’t loose to much money.
I hope this is the real thing !!!!!
Good luck to everyone on the ephedra search !
:):)
By the way I tried to sighn up for the new web site Melanie (?) came up with but I can’t sighn up for Yahoo for some reason.I will keep on trying though, because I think that was a super Idea.
I too lost a lot of weight on Metabolife356 and was devastated when they stopped selling it. NOTHING comes close! I am hoping they will lift the ban. If anyone knows where to find it, please shoot me an email. I don’t understand what the problem was. There were warnings on the bottles, just like cigarettes, alcohol and any other medication. It is the person’s discretion as to following them. I began taking 2 at a time, four pills total a day. I would take a two week break and then resume. Once I reached my goal weight, I cut the dosage to one pill at a time. I looked great. I felt great and I every exam I had while using Metabolife 356 was fine. My blood pressure was fine and all of my other vitals as well. My doctor of over 7 years told me that she’d never seen me in such great health and look so good! PLEASE BRING BACK METABOLIFE 356!
I am a complete supporter of MAX 10 with ephedra, I would experience noticeable weight loss in 2wks. I am looking for it, but I recieved a email today from ef@kruhmper.com saying ephedra is back! Maybe you can find some answers there.
Hey guy im new to this website..but I use to always take Ephedra for three years…I was so pissed when they ban it. I finally found this website where they have ephedra products..http://www.bingproducts.com I just order my first bottle of ULTRA LEAN EXTREME….If anyone has taken this probduct please let me know how it feels and if it even works…thanks guys.
Jennifer I noticed that you took Ultra Lean Extreme…I was wondering how you like it..and if it make you feel the same as the other stackers 2. And did you lose weight fast from Ultra Lean..I just order my first bottle..so before i take it I was just wondering…thanks.
If you all are looking for something that really works, Advocare is the best
they took Ephedra out also when they heard it wasn’t safe but it still gives
you lots of energy I used it it is wonderful, After 3 bottles you start dropping the ponds and inches real fast,Ephedra is not good for your heart even if you are healthy I am not a doctor but Doctors are saying it is not safe.Those companys can use another herb in place of ephedra.advocare you can become a distributor and get discounts they have a varity of drinks and multi vitamines too and for children.you can eat anything too.I love you keep the ponds off as well.find out how to join you will be satisfying with it.you do not have to have ephedra to lose weight.
To Angela Beals,
Excuse me, but you’re posting on the wrong website! Ephedra products are 100% safe and effective when used as directed. You’re obviously attempting to convince people who know better! I myself have tried many “ephedra-free products, but they made me sick to my stomach and were loaded with too much caffeine and other garbage that made my blood pressure go sky-high. We know better because most of us have wasted lots of money on supposed effective ephedra-free products that are very dangerous and a waste of money. Buyer beware!
Hi anyone lookin for xenadrine rfa-1 it can be found at general nutrition direct, http://www.gnd5001.com it sold for 19.99 for the 120caps. I just saw it on the website or call 800-463-5001.
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