Update 3/9/20. PhenTabz is a weight loss pill that I had never heard of until someone asked me about it on my Facebook page. After looking at the PhenTabz website, I wanted to review this product because I had questions. For example, what are its ingredients? Is it a drug or a supplement? What the heck is Ampheta HCL? Most importantly, does PhenTabz really work? If I had questions, I knew others might too. Let’s see what we can discover. Also see the review on Phen375 for more info.
What Is PhenTabz?
PhenTabz is a weight loss supplement. It is not a prescription drug. The bottle looks like a drug bottle and the name “phen” may give the impression the product contains phentermine, a prescription weight loss drug. PhenTabz does not contain phentermine.
Also, bottles may contain The bottle also contained “Ampheta HCL” which also makes it sound “drug-like.”
PhenTabz Versions
There are 2 different types of this supplement:
- PhenTabz
- PhenTabz Plus
In the past there were 3 versions:
- PhenTabz
- PhenTabz Teen
- PhenTabz RX
But the teen and RX versions no longer seem to be sold
What is Ampheta HCL?
Originally “Ampheta HCL” appeared on the PhenTabz bottle althought this may not be so any more. The word looks like “amphetamine” and sure enough, this is a word that refers to synthetic amphetamine. Amphetamines are stimulants. Ampheta HCL isn’t an actual ingredient in PhenTabz however. Rather, it’s a word used to refer to the nature of ingredients in the product and to give people the idea that the product contains stimulants. “Ampheta” sounds like “amphetamines”
Why Is “Phen” In The Name?
The prefix Phen is a reference to phentermine, a prescription weight loss drug. It’s a stimulant. Back in the 1990s, phentermine was part of the infamous Fen-Phen drug combination which was pulled from the market in the US because it caused heart problems. Phentermine did not cause these problems and so it’s still available by prescription.
Who Makes PhenTabz ?
The company is Lexium Laboratories also known as Lexium International. Another name that may no longer be used is Gentech Pharmaceuticals. The website is lexiuminternational.com
The Both Lexium International and PhenTabz .com lists their US address as 1591 Hayley Lane #203 Fort Myers, Fl 33907.
The Better Business Bureau gives Lexium International an F rating. See the BBB file for more information.
How to Contact PhenTabz
Call Lexium at 888-666-1714
PhenTabz Research
Clinical research on the supplement could not be located. So to know if it really works means we'll have to look at the ingredients.
Let's do that next.
PhenTabz Ingredients
The ingredients in the supplement are not listed on the company website. Searching online turns up pictures that reveal each tablet containing 290 mg of the following ingredients
- Caffeine (a stimulant)
- Synephrine (a stimulant)
- Octopamine (a stimulant)
Since caffeine is listed first, Phentabz is mostly made up of caffeine.
The Old Ingredients
The PhenTabz of today is a little different than it used to be. Originally the supplement contained these ingredients
- 7-Methyltheophylline
- Methylhexaneamine
- Octopamine
Heres a summary of those ingredients
7-Methyltheophylline
This is another name for caffeine. Why don't they just call it caffeine?
Methylhexaneamine
Another name for this compound is DMAA. DMAA was a nasal decongestant created in the 1940s. Since it’s a drug, it's not allowed in dietary supplements according to the FDA. There are reports of people dying after using supplements containing DMAA. For more on DMAA see
these stories:
Methylhexaneamine (DMAA) since been has been replaced by Octopamine methyl-synepherine).
Octopamine
Other, more familiar names for this ingredient include:
- Bitter orange
- Seville Orange
- Citrus aurantium
It’s also called Synephrine.
Whatever name you call it, octopamine has been used in weight loss supplements for at least 20 years. Other supplements containing it include:
Slim Fuel (click to see the review)
Jillian Michael s Fat Burner (click to see the review)
SABA ACE (click to see the review)
The idea behind using the ingredient is synephrine “looks” like the herb, ephedra. The thinking is that if it looks like ephedra, it might do the same things as ephedra – such as weight loss. There were studies of ephedra showing it could help people lose weight. But, ephedra has been banned from dietary supplements for many years, due to sometimes fatal outcomes from its use.
So does synephrine help people lose weight? Some research says yes and other research says no. One reason for this discrepancy may be that there are at least 6 different types of synephrine. Not all types may have the same effects. Also, researchers may not always know the type they are using.
PhenTabz vs. ADD Tabz
ADD Tabz is another supplement sold by Lexium International. As the name implies ADD Tabz is supposed to similar to Adderall for those with ADD and ADHD. For the record its not the same as ADD medication.
The ingredients in ADD Tabz are not listed on the Lexium International website. Previously, the ingredients were:
Its ingredients are:
- Octopamine
- Methyl Synepherine
- Trimethylxanthine
- Choline CDP
The ingredients may have changed by the time you read this.
PhenTabz For Teens
The PhenTabz for teenagers supplement is no longer sold. Which is good. Kids have enough problems these days without diet pill companies trying to make them think they need to lose weight. If you are a teenager and think you need to lose weight, diet pills are not the answer. Talk to your school health teacher about safe and research-proven ways to help. Or leave a question below and I will try to help you.
PhenTabz and Exercise
“PhenTabz helps athletes push beyond their training and performance limitations” is a statement made on the product website. But, since there is no clinical trials on PhenTabz, how do they know it does this? How do they know it really works?
PhenTabz is a stimulant supplement. Stimulants –caffeine and otherwise – are ingredients in many pre-workout supplements. While in theory, it makes some sense that a more awake athlete might be able to work harder, I’m not aware of any good proof that pre-workout supplements help people get bigger, stronger or faster. If they did, couldn’t you just drink Diet Coke or coffee and get 
One side effect of stimulants not often mentioned is rhabdomyolysis, a serious medical disorder from over-exercising. In one report a 22-year-old man developed rhabdo after using a weight loss supplement containing synephrine
If you exercise, you need to be aware of rhabdomyolysis.
PhenTabz Side Effects
The supplement contains stimulants. As such here are something to consider when using. This list is not complete
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- PhenTabz label indicates to not take more than 2 pills per day.
- Don't use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Talk to your doctor if you have health problems such as but not limited to heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes or any type of heart problems.
- Don't combine with other stimulants you are taking
- The stimulants may keep you awake if you take close to bed
- talk to your doctor if you have psychological disorders
- Stop taking PhenTabz at least 2 weeks before having surgery
I believe that people who have ANY medical issues or who take ANY medications should show the ingredients to their doctor and pharmacist and get their ok before using this product.
Does PhenTabz Work?
Despite the name, PhenTabz is not related to phentermine but it does contain stimulants. No proof of the supplement works could be located.
If you're looking for a good weight loss supplement, there are safer alternatives out there.
Here is a list of ingredients that I feel are safest along with other things that can help too.
Joe –
Thank you so much for the information on PhenTAbz. I only did a surface search to try and find out what was in them and etc so I really appreciate the actual ingredients. I am giving them a try but on a much reduced amount. I am trying a 1/2 a tablet during the day to try and stave off cravings. My weight is pretty consistent but I am trying to drop 5 to 10 pounds and cant seem to get my metabolism off the current plateau. I will let you know what I think. So glad I found your site – lots of great information.
HD
HD, you are very welcome! I’m glad you found me 🙂
I really wish I knew of a good weight lose pill that actally does work, and thats safe!
Hi Rhonda, here is something I wrote where I listed products that have some evidence and for the most part are safe. I covered other things too that can help as well. http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I got these from my friend who got them from her tanning salon. They actually work amazingly well for me, so much so that it scared me into wondering if there was something that was going to kill me in it – that is what brought me to this site. These absolutely zapped my appetite.
I will say that I already don’t eat wheat and other processed foods. I only eat whole foods, so I don’t have the foods that cause you to crave more junk in my system. Perhaps that is why they work so well for me, or perhaps it is something else.
I have no idea, all I know is I take them and my appetite vanishes. I don’t rely on them though ( I really don’t like unnatural things), I only use them when I feel like I might go on a junk binge, once in a while. It helps me over my binge mood, and I just continue healthy eating after that. It does give you dry mouth, drink lots of water.
Kitt, I wish I had some answers to you. I’m personally not a fan of stimulants in weight loss supplements. I just believe in some people, the risk can be more than the benefits.
Big waste of my money!!!! Did NOT LOOSE WEIGHT… I GAINED
Hi There-
I’m a journalist looking into these products and looking to speak to some actual users to get feedback. If possible, could you give me a call at (239) 344 – 5039?
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY PROBLEMS!!! i started taking Phentabz to lose weight and gain more energy and everything was working great for about a month. Then one morning when i was in the shower i started feeling really dizzy and i must have fainted because the next thing i knew i was in an ambulance (thank God my husband was there to call 911!)
when i got to the doctor he told me the Phentabz had built up in my kidneys and was causing severe damage without me even knowing it. he said i was at risk without even knowing it because my kidney got infected years ago (unrelated).
anyway i left the hospital with a huge bill and they i might need a new kidney down the road… bottom line THIS DRUG IS NOT WORTH IT!!! it will be exposed and i will sue for the damage they caused
Linda, I am SO sorry to hear that happened to you! I will say a prayer that your kidneys heal. Do keep me updated on how things are going for you.
Hi There-
I’m a journalist looking into these products and looking to speak to some actual users to get feedback. If possible, could you give me a call at (239) 344 – 5039?
This product was the biggest waste of money! I saw the advertisement for PhenTabz in my Dr’s office so of course I thought it was credible. I was so disappointed. Can’t wait to my next Dr’s appointment to tell them that they are advertising a garbage product! There was absolutely no “dry mouth” or any other alleged “side-effects” because it’s a placebo product formulated by a company that is preying on people struggling to lose weight!
I used this product for close to a month hoping each week that it was working…NOT! Didn’t lose one pound and everyone that diets knows that you lose the most in the first 1-2 weeks due to water retention loss. This is a BS product. Buyer BEWARE!
So Dissapointed, about the doctor where you saw the ad, was it an MD, chiropractor etc? Just curious. I’m not used to seeing ads for supplements in doctors offices so let me know. Was it an ad in a magazine or was it a display on a table or wall? That said, I’m really glad that you did not have any negative side effects.
Joe, the advertisement was in the waiting room of my Gynecologist displayed on a table. I was surprised to see that type of advertisement which is why I thought it had to be a credible product.
So Disappointing, that’s interesting. Maybe next time you go bring it up to her. I’d be interested in knowing her thoughts.
Hi There-
I’m a journalist looking into these products and looking to speak to some actual users to get feedback. If possible, could you give me a call at (239) 344 – 5039?
I sure am glad I stumbled on to this website! You probably saved my life! I was about to try some of these different weight loss products and was wanting the real truth about them! Thank you!
Basically, it’s yet more overpriced, useless junk, thanks to the Fatal Drugs Allowed Big Pharma removing all the effective ingredients and banning everything that actually worked,while the crap they allow kills more people in one day than all the amphetamines, ephedra and phen fen (that they merely relabeled and now prescribe to children with the made up “ADHD” disorder) combined in all of history. Bunch of sold out hypocrites. But I’m sure all the diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure medication makes them WAY more $$$$ and keeps the cattle docile and stupid, unlike amphetamines and stimulants.
Great review as always Joe! I’ve never heard of this stuff until now. It’s amazing how a product like this hits the market. No supporting research, listing of ingredients, or at the very least, any social proof. Looking at the packaging, it certainly looks like a prescription drug to me!
And why you would want the word “phen” in any weight loss product these days is beyond me – especially after what Wyeth Labs went through some years ago. I would pass on this crap – stick to coffee or tea!
Paul, thanks! Yeah I always scratch my head when I see “phen” in the name of a supplement. Considering the damage Fhen -Phen caused, if I were a supplement company, I’d want to distance myself as much as I could from it.