After a sabbatical from weight-training for a couple years, I’ve gotten my sorry behind back into the gym. I took creatine back in HS during my trackstar days, and was very happy with the results (increase in muscle mass). My question is, would taking creatine along with a metabolizer such as Xenadrine or Hydroxycut be counter-productive to my dual goals, which are increased lean muscle and decreased body fat? Is there a “cancelling-out” effect of taking the two in conjunction?
To help address the question, I’m 22 yo, do strength work 4 times a week, and do cardio about the same. I eat an Atkins-type diet, and drink 2 or 3 nights a week.
I’ve done a search to learn about the effects of Creatine under various circumstances, so any responses anyone might have may be helpful to me. 
Ahem… :bump:
Caffeine and creatine and no nos to mix. If the new ephedra free thermogenics have caffeine, they will counteract one of the benefits of creatine(it forces water storage in your muscles, which gives you a more “pumped” look)
You definately should switch to decaf tea and coke products…I take creatine and ephedra based thermogenics, and just make sure i drink tons of water…I DO sweat ALOT when i take the thermogenics.
Just drink lots and lots of water(which you should be doing with creatine anyway), and keep as much caffeine as possible out of your diet.
I haven’t tried the new ephedra free thermos, I still have access to ephedra.
Oh and to answer your question about Hydroxycut being effective for your goals…I take thermogenics before any workout…I am doing a “reduced” Atkins type diet (no alcohol, no white breads, no sugars), work out 4-5 times a week, and do cardio 4-5 times a week. Your regimen is very similar to mine. I am 5’11, 182lbs, and 15%body fat. I’m trying to trim down to 10-12%, so I need to dump 8-10 lbs of fat still. I take creatine, drink lots of water, and avoid caffeinated drinks, and take thermogenics and it works fine…When I lift, I like the increased energy, and when I’m doing cardio work, I like the increased heart rate.
Is Caffine the only thing that should be avoided while on Creatine?
How about alcohol, or anything else?