By shrinking the blood vessels in sinuses, nose and chest, it stops drainage and decreases congestion. Phenylpropanolamine reduces a person's appetite. Often used as an ephedrine substitute, Acutrim is thought to increase metabolism.

The cousin of amphetamines, phenylpropanolamine is thought to not only work as an appetite suppressant but also burn fat. According to some websites, Acutrim can help boost weight loss by a - pound a week. Pay a visit to the product's website and you will find yourself lost in cyberspace. One thing you will discover is numerous websites attacking Acutrim, as well as Phenylpropanolamine.

Acutrim works by releasing chemicals to the brain that tell the body the stomach is full and it's no longer hungry. Research indicates that the product is not an effective resource for lasting weight loss. While it may initially ward off hunger, the cons greatly outweigh the pros. All of the studies point to Acutrim being dangerous, and even deadly, in some cases.

The FDA claims that Acutrim has been linked to elevated blood pressure, seizures and strokes. There have been deaths linked to Acutrim. Side effects of Acutrim include nervousness, sleeplessness, throbbing heartbeat, irritability, headache, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and constipation.

In 2000, the FDA requested that manufacturers of products that contained phenylpropanolamine voluntarily pull their products from the shelves. At this time, it is nearly impossible to purchase Acutrim