The FDA warns that no one should take dietary
supplements that contain ephedra because they can cause serious, sometimes fatal, side effects. Some individuals
choose to ignore this warning.
In that case,
people with high blood pressure, heart problems, thyroid
problems, enlarged prostate, and glaucoma,
should avoid ephedra because there is a high risk the
supplement will worsen their condition and could
cause serious complications. Ephedra-containing supplements
should not be given to children, pregnant
women, or breastfeeding women.
Studies have shown that ephedra interacts with
many drugs used in conventional medicine, especially
those used to treat heart problems and monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) used to treat mental
depression, anxiety, and phobias.
At low doses, adverse side effects include headache,
restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, difficulty
urinating, and racing heart. At high doses,
adverse reactions include sweating, enlarged pupils,
fever, spasms, and death, usually through heart failure
or stroke.
Ephedra is a dangerous herbal supplement and
should not be given to children. Accidental use of
ephedra by children can result in serious side effects.
In the case of accidental poisoning in the United
States, call the national poisoning hotline at 1-800-
222-1222, the local hospital emergency room, or emergency
services.
