What are the adverse effects of ephedrine?
With large doses of ephedrine sulfate most patients will experience nervousness, insomnia, vertigo, headache, tachycardia, palpitation and sweating. Some patients have nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Vesical sphincter spasm may occur and result in difficult and painful urination.
What is ephedrine made of?
Ephedrine is obtained from the plant Ephedra sinica and other members of the genus Ephedra, from which the name of the substance is derived. Raw materials for the manufacture of ephedrine and traditional Chinese medicines are produced in China on a large scale.
Can ephedrine cause stroke?
Ephedrine, like other sympathomimetic agents, predisposes patients to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. People who take over the counter Ephedra products that claim to boost weight loss, increase energy, or bolster physical performance are at risk of adverse events including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
How long does ephedrine stay in your blood?
Ephedrine/pseudoephedrine can be detected for up to five days. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications may test positive for amphetamines. False positives are also possible among those taking antihistamines, nasal inhalers, cold medicines, and some pharmaceuticals intended to treat depression.
Does ephedrine have long-term effects?
Long-term exposure to ephedrine leads to neurotoxicity and neurobehavioral disorders accompanied by up-regulation of CRF in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in rhesus macaques.
What does ephedrine do to the brain?
It activates pathways in the human brain that are responsible for weight loss, but it also activates pathways that could lead to dramatic change in heart rate or blood pressure. Moreover, ephedrine, like nicotine, produces a “high” and can be addictive.
What’s the difference between ephedra and ephedrine?
Ephedrine is a chemical contained in the ephedra herb. Ephedrine has medical uses, mostly in operating rooms and intensive care units. Its chemical properties raise blood pressure and heart rate and open up the large air passages in the lungs.
Does ephedrine cause heart damage?
“Ephedrine looks benign when you look at its effects on normal heart rates, but when there is a blockage, boom, ephedrine causes a potentially lethal arrhythmia,” Dr. Adamson said.
Should ephedrine be banned?
What Do We Know About Safety? The FDA banned dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids because of their serious safety risks. The supplements were associated with cases of heart attack, seizure, stroke, and sudden death.