Ephedra: Risks, Side Effects & Contraindications

Ephedra Cautions

Ephedra Cautions

Side Effects of Ephedrine May Include:

• Headache
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleeplessness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Urinary tract problems.
• Large doses may cause heart rhythm problems or trigger big increases in blood pressure.

Avoid Ephedra If You:

• Are pregnant (it may stimulate contractions)
• Are in a state of anxiety or restlessness
• Have high blood pressure, impaired blood blow to the brain (cerebral profusion) or an enlarged prostate gland
• Take prescription drugs

Ephedra and Medication Interactions

You should not take products containing ephedrine if you take any of the following:

• Digitalis, Digoxin (Lanoxin), Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
• Halothane (This is an anesthetic. Advise your doctor/surgeon if you have been taking products with ephedrine/ma huang.)
• Guanethidine (Ismelin)
• MAO inhibitor antidepressants, such as Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Oxytocin (Pitocin, Syntocinon)