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Ephedra Effects

Ephedra is a natural substance found in plants, which has been used as an herbal supplement by the Chinese for thousands of years. Recent years saw the use of ephedra in dietary supplements in the United States contain ephedrine alkaloids, promoting uses such as weight loss, bodybuilding, and increased energy. Ephedra effects are similar to amphetamines; a compound with potentially powerful stimulant effects on the nervous system and heart.

After reviewing information and studies over the course of several years regarding ephedra's effects on the body, it's safety, and it's effectiveness, the FDA banned ephedra in early 2004. The agency determined that ephedra showed little evidence of effectiveness, except for short-term weight loss. The FDA also found that ephedra effects on the body are typically shown by a rise in blood pressure and added stress to the circulatory system. These ephedra effects have been linked to serious health problems, including heart ailments and strokes. However, the ban on ephedra, in doses of 10 milligrams or less, has been lifted a year later as the result of a lawsuit against the FDA by two Utah based manufactures of the drug. It's important for consumers to realize that the ephedra ban has been lifted because of the law, not because of the safety of ephedra.

Ephedra effects can also produce heart attacks, strokes, tachycardia, paranoid psychosis, depression, convulsions, coma, fever, vomiting, palpitations, hypertension, seizures, respiratory depression and death.

Food and Drug Administration requested the scientists at the University of California, San Francisco to review over 100 reports of ephedra effects from ephedra-containing products. The research concluded the existing controversy about the dietary supplement, which has also been marketed as a treatment for respiratory illness.

During the research of the ephedra effects it was found that out of the group of 140 people, 43 cases were definitely or probably related to the supplements, while 44 cases were possibly related to the supplements. Ephedra effects were responsible for 10 deaths and left 13 people with permanent disabilities. Including this study, the FDA has reported over 44 deaths and over 1000 serious side effects linked to ephedra effects.

Obviously, the ephedra effects from the use of dietary supplements do pose a health risk to some people. The fact that it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's safe. Conclusive research has determined that ephedra effects "definitely" or "probably" caused harm in 31% of the case studies.

While ephedra has a long history of traditional and clinical use as a safe herb when traditionally used in combination with other herbs, consumers should be educated in avoiding the use of ephedra for unproven purposes other than respiratory disorders and seek the advice of a licensed health practitioner when considering the use of ephedra and its affects.

If you or a family member has suffered from ephedra effects and have not received compensation for your pain and suffering, contact an experienced attorney today. You may be due just compensation for your pain and suffering from ephedra effects.

More Ephedra Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Ephedra.com - Introduction, legal issues, weight loss and health concerns surrounding Ephedra.