Ephedra
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
A stimulant found in a number of diet pills and sports drinks, ephedra is an herbal stimulant derived from an evergreen plant native to Central Asia. Because of its classification, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has had difficulty regulating this herbal supplement, despite its connection to chest pain, strokes and seizures. If you have suffered an injury because of Ephedra, please contact the dangerous drug lawyers at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC.
What Ephedra Does
Ephedra (ephedra sinica) or Ma Huang is an amphetamine-like compound that produces powerful and potentially lethal stimulating effects on your heart and central nervous system. Though this herbal stimulant has a long history of traditional and clinical use as a safe herb when used in conjunction with other herbs for respiratory disorders, using this supplement for weight loss or similar uses can be dangerous.
The FDA’s Ban
After the FDA reviewed the effectiveness and safety of Ephedra in 2004, it decided to ban the stimulant. The FDA concluded that the herb showed little evidence of effectiveness, except for short-term weight loss. It also revealed that Ephedra produced numerous dangerous side effects, from heart ailments to strokes.
The ban on Ephedra (only in doses of 10 milligrams or less) was lifted a year later as the result of a lawsuit that two drug manufacturers brought against the FDA. Consumers should keep in mind the ban of this stimulant was lifted because of legal issues, not because of its dangers.
Side Effects of Ephedra
Ephedra compounds act as stimulants that can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (called heart arrhythmias). Ephedra and Ephedrine have similar effects to adrenaline. These cardiac stimulants work by dilating your bronchial muscles and raising your blood pressure.
Some harmful side effects of Ephedra include:
- Tachycardia (abnormally rapid heartbeat)
- Paranoid psychosis
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Convulsions and/or seizures
- Respiratory complications
- Coma
- Fever
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Death
- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), increased blood pressure in your pulmonary artery
Aside from physical side effects, Ephedra products can cause psychological side effects such as nervousness and insomnia. Ephedra is especially dangerous when taken in conjunction with caffeine, as it can over-stimulate your central nervous system, creating life-threatening danger.
One of the most dangerous dietary supplements, Ephedra has been linked to more than 800 injuries and more than 50 deaths. A majority of these cases have involved a heart attack or high blood pressure leading to bleeding in the brain or stroke.
Do not be fooled because it is an herb; Ephedra is a dangerous drug that can cause significant damage to your health. If you live in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada, have taken Ephedra and are suffering negative side effects, please contact the dangerous drug attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today.
