Ephedra

Ephedra may be effective in promoting weight loss when taken for up to 6 months, however it’s unclear whether this benefit will continue long-term.

In 2004, the FDA banned the US sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra. The FDA found that these supplements had an unreasonable risk of injury or illness–particularly cardiovascular complications–and a risk of death. The ban does not apply to traditional Chinese herbal remedies or to products like herbal teas regulated as conventional foods.

Ephedra may interact with the following:

• beta-agonists (e.g., salbutamol, formoterol)
• caffeine
• dexamethasone
• diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, metformin)
• ergot derivatives (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergonovine)
• medications metabolized by liver enzyme cytochrome P450 1A2 (e.g., acetaminophen, olanzapine, propranolol)
• medications that affect heart rhythm (e.g., antidepressants, antiarrhythmics)
• medications that damage the liver
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline)
• seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine)
• stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, dextroamphetamine)
• theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, theophylline)

Using ephedra may worsen many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Ephedra may cause seizures in otherwise healthy people as well as in people with seizure disorders.

Taking ephedra can also result in anxiety, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, headache, heart damage, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, irritation of the stomach, kidney stones, nausea, psychosis, restlessness, sleep problems, and tremors.

People who are pregnant or breast-feeding and children should avoid taking ephedra.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.