Zantrex

Zantrex-3 is a herbal supplement marketed by "Zoller Laboratories", a subsidiary of Basic Research of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is marketed towards people under 30 in fast paced television advertisements depicting athletic-looking people. A speaker loudly proclaims Zantrex as "America's number 1 selling weight loss pill!".

Ingredients
Its active ingredients include Yerba Mate, Guarana and regular caffeine. It's estimated that the pill contains as much caffeine as 3-4 cups of coffee. Additional ingredients include green tea extract, Damiana (a South American aphrodisiac), Schizonepeta, Ginseng, Maca root, Niacin and Kola nut.

Side effects
The pill may potentially have side effects similar to those associated with excessive caffeine consumption. Listed side effects include:
 * Jitters, anxiety, increased sweating
 * Increase in heart rate, increase in blood pressure
 * Nausea, stomachache, diarrhea
 * Loss or suppressed appetite
 * Cold sweats, restlessness, shaking, irritability
 * Increase in urination (as caffeine is a mild diuretic)
 * Caffeine can be addictive
 * One may "crash" when going off of Zantrex-3
 * Niacin is a vasodilator, and in some cases, use of Zantrex-3 causes uncontrollable swelling in all parts of the body. In severe cases, users develop the condition Angioedema

Criticism
The marketing campaign of the pill has been criticized for its lack of evidence, in the form of scientific studies, listed supporting the claims. One reviewer said, "If you alter your diet accordingly, monitor your caloric intake, and implement a practical exercise program, Zantrex 3 may provide you with an extra edge."

Pop Culture
Near the end of the fifth season of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, contestant Dustin Diamond gained a pathetic five pounds. At the next weigh-in, just two weeks later, he had lost five pounds. He revealed to the Fit Club panel that he had been taking Zantrex-3 and was pleased that he had undone the damage from the previous weigh-in. At the final weigh-in, another two weeks later, Diamond had lost an additional thirteen pounds. He was criticized extensively by both the panel as well as his fellow contestants for his use of Zantrex-3 as a dietary supplement.